Use This Hockey Stick Size Chart to Pick the Right One

Whether you or your child has been on the ice for ages or are new to playing hockey, the stick you use can impact your overall performance. The length and type of your hockey stick can significantly affect your control, shot power, and overall comfort in the rink.

In this article, you’ll learn all about what to consider when choosing your new stick. Our experts provide insights to help you find the appropriately sized stick so you can play your best game!

There are two main methods for sizing a stick: using an ice hockey stick size chart or standing holding the hockey stick to your side. The following hockey stick size chart compiles all the basic info to reference players’ heights, weights, and ages as well as measures their ideal stick flex and length:

Looking for a more in-depth understanding of choosing the best size ice hockey stick? Let’s dive into the more technical components:

• Parts of a Hockey Stick: An ice hockey stick consists of several key components: including the blade, shaft, hosel, and grip.
• Hockey Stick Flex: A measure of how many pounds of force it takes to flex the stick one inch.
• Ice Hockey Stick Length Comparison: The length of your stick can be measured both with the stick in front of you or when shopping online.
• Hockey Stick Lie: This tells you the angle that the shaft would take when the bottom of the blade is sitting flat on the ice.
• Ice Hockey Stick Blade Curve/Pattern: Measures the location of the curve on the blade and will depend on the position and skill set of the player
• Hockey Stick Blade Toe Patterns: The shape of the blade toe (whether round or square) can affect how you handle the puck.
• Hockey Stick Blade Sizes: These can be small, medium, and long and often vary by manufacturer.
• Hockey Stick Kick Point: The part of the hockey stick’s shaft that bends.

It’s important to know the different parts of a hockey stick and what they do when shopping for a new one. This information helps you narrow down the type you want and can also prepare you for the future if you need to repair any part of your stick.

• Blade: The bottom part of the stick that comes into direct contact with the puck. The blade is typically curved, allowing for better puck handling and shooting accuracy.
• Shaft: The long, cylindrical section of the stick that players grip during gameplay. The shaft is usually made of composite materials (like carbon fiber or fiberglass), which provides strength and flexibility.
• Hosel: The area where the blade and the shaft meet. It is an essential part of the stick that ensures stability and transfer of energy when shooting or passing.
• Grip or Butt End: The handle of the stick is often covered with a layer of grip or tape. This improves players' control and prevents the stick from slipping out of their hands during intense gameplay.

When searching for your next stick, you’ll certainly hear the term stick flex. The following chart and information will help you understand it more and how it can affect your game.

Hockey stick flex measures how flexible a stick is when you apply force (or how much it bends when you shoot). The higher the stick flex, the stiffer the stick will be.

• If a hockey stick has a low number like 70 or 80, it's easier to bend. Players who want to shoot the puck quickly or who aren't very heavy usually like these sticks.
• If a hockey stick has a high number like 100 or 110, it's stiffer. Stronger and/or heavier players tend to prefer this flex range because they can hit the puck harder.

The right amount of bend or flex in a hockey stick depends on the player. Keep in mind that it can change how well you shoot the puck.

This decision really depends on each player’s preference. Generally, players opt for a stick that bends a little without too much effort. With some flex in the stick, you can more easily control the puck.

A good rule of thumb to follow when finding the right flex for your stick is to divide your body weight in half. The force it takes to bend the stick will be around half your weight. For example, if you weigh 180 pounds, the flex rating should range around 90.

The length of your hockey stick will generally depend on your height, position, and personal preference. See how a stick’s length can affect performance:

To better know the general stick length for your (or your child’s) age group, we’ve broken down each age division to give you an idea of a short, medium, and long length:

• Tyke (3-5): 38” (shorter), 41” (medium), & 44” (longer)
• Youth (5-8): 45” (shorter), 47” (medium), & 49” (longer)
• Junior (7-13): 50” (shorter), 52” (medium), & 54” (longer)
• Intermediate (11-16): 55” (shorter), 56” - 57” (medium), & 58” (longer)
• Senior (14+): 57” (shorter), 60” (medium), & 63” (longer)

Consider position and playing style when choosing your stick length. Start by standing in your skates and holding out the stick with your arm hanging by your side.

• A properly sized hockey stick for an adult should come up to around the top of your hip bone.
• For a child, the stick should come up a little higher near the belly button.

Yes! It’s fairly easy to change the length of a hockey stick if you find one you like that’s the wrong size or you’ve grown since last season.

• If the stick is too long, you can measure where you want the top to hit, pull out the end cap, and cut it down. After, replace the cap and wrap the top with tape.
• If the stick is too short, you can extend the length by adding an end plug at the top of the hockey stick shaft and taping it in place.

A hockey stick blade’s lie is the angle that the stick shaft takes when the bottom sits flat on the ice. Finding the ideal lie allows for the maximum amount of the bottom of the blade to contact the ice when in a playing position.

• Having a stick with the right lie helps you shoot with greater power, control the puck better and play with the proper posture.
• Having the wrong ice hockey stick lie leads to losing puck battles, whiffing on shots, and having a poor posture on the ice.

• Hold your ice hockey stick like you would while playing while wearing skates.
• Look at your stick’s blade against the ice.
• The center part of the blade should hit the ice (not be tilted back too low or positioned too high).

A hockey stick’s blade curve (or blade pattern) is the place on the stick where the curve is located. The one you choose will depend on your preference, what position you play and what you do most on the ice.

• For offensive players or those who handle the puck and opt for wrist shots, the blade curve should be moving toward the toe.
• For defensive players and those who prefer slap shots, a blade that curves towards the heel is more beneficial.

• Toe Curve Blade Pattern: Most of the curve is in the top 1/3 of the blade; suitable for quick-release shots, puck handling and control
• Heel Curve Blade Pattern: The curve is in the last 1/3 of the blade; ideal for high-velocity shots
• Mid Curve Blade Pattern: The curve is in the middle of the blade; offers all-around performance on different types of shots

The kick point of a hockey stick is where the shaft should bend or recoil as you pass/shoot. If an ice hockey stick lacks a kick point, it would be very stiff — resulting only in poor energy transfer as you play.

• Low kick point: Perfect for quick shots (e.g. wrist shots + snapshots) due to quick flex near the blade: ensuring rapid puck release and precise shooting during fast-paced play.
• Mid kick point: Combines power and accuracy, flexing in the middle of the shaft and catering to players who lean into the shots they take.
• Variable/hybrid kick point: Very adaptable performance that offers the best balance of quick shot releases and power.

Knowing the different parts of a hockey stick and how to size it will ensure you choose the perfect one! Browse the wide selection of ice hockey sticks available online or in stores at Academy.com. Then all you need to do is get out on the ice and play your best!