Fun Fact Fiesta Logo

Discover the Quirky Side of the Game: Top 12 Fun Facts About Hockey Sticks You Never Knew!

illustration of hockey-sticks
Get ready to be stick-struck as we dive into some fascinating and little-known fun facts about the unsung hero of the ice rink – the hockey stick!

1. Alchemists of Icy Athletics

The alchemists of icy athletics: professional hockey players cleverly concoct the perfect blend of weight, flex, curve, and shape for their composite hockey sticks, making these magical wands equal parts science and art.
Source => gunzos.com

2. Ambidextrous Wizard's Nightmare

If there's such a thing as an ambidextrous wizard's nightmare, it's the wild world of hockey stick curves: in all their exciting variety, they range from the mid-heel curve of the Crosby and Ovechkin patterns, to the open-faced toe curve of the McDavid, with subtle tweaks that can significantly influence shot power, accuracy, puck control, and whether you're soaring like a slapshot supernova or flopping like a puck-struck flounder on the ice.
Source => hockeymonkey.com

3. Ducks in a Row, Sticks on Ice

Get your ducks in a row, or rather, get your sticks on the ice: there's more to a hockey stick than meets the eye, as they come in various forms like composite sticks, wood sticks, and two-piece shaft and blade combos! It turns out, players have the power to skate circles around their opponents simply by selecting the perfect hockey stick based on length, flex, blade pattern, kick point, and more – it's the ultimate sorcery on ice that enhances shooting, stick handling, and overall control in the rink.
Source => hockeymonkey.com

4. Sticky Situation Saviors

Feeling stuck on a sticky situation? Let hockey stick innovation come to the rescue: BladeTape's patented downward wedge ridge or hex diamond pattern offers superior grip, control, better sauce on passes and snow-resistance – all while turning traditional cloth taping into ancient history!
Source => bladetape.com

Unleashing Your Inner Picasso

5. Unleashing Your Inner Picasso

Unleash your inner Picasso on the ice: CHS offers customizable one-piece carbon fiber hockey sticks, allowing players to select their preferred curve, flex, and graphics, complete with their name and stick info printed on the front of the shaft, ensuring no more "Who's stick is it anyway" moments in the locker room.
Source => customhockeysticks.ca

6. The Art of Flex Life

When your hockey stick has a better "flex life" than you on a Friday night: the flex rating of a hockey stick is actually determined by the pressure needed to bend it one inch! For youngsters, that rating can be as low as 30, while adults might wield a stick with a flex rating of 110. Your perfect flex hinges on factors like your own height, weight, strength, position, and shooting style. So next time you're sizing up your hockey stick, don't forget that trimming or extending it affects not only its flex but also your overall performance in the game.
Source => purehockey.com

7. The Power of the Lie

Ever wondered if there's a secret to mastering the art of puck-wielding sorcery on ice? Well, it all lies in the "lie": The lie of a hockey stick, that is! It refers to the angle of the shaft in relation to the blade when it's flat against the playing surface. Its number, usually between 4 and 7, should be chosen based on a player's height, skating style, and how they play. The right lie can completely transform a player's ability to control the puck and unleash the full potential of their shots. So remember, when you're shopping for a twig, choose the right lie, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a hockey stick-wielding wizard!
Source => prostockhockey.com

8. Customizable Stick Length Solutions

From hockey players with a "growing" appreciation for their sticks to those who can't quite stick to one size, there's a simple and amusing solution for customizable stick length: End plugs can add up to 12 inches to a hockey stick, with options such as wooden and carbon fiber materials, and some even come with adjustable lengths to suit changing preferences – all held secure with the trusty A&R Hockey Stick & Blade Glue.
Source => icewarehouse.com

9. The Truth in the Lie Angle

In a world where stick figure skaters dread getting "lied to," the truth about hockey stick lie angles is skating on thin ice: A player's control of the puck, power of their shots, and overall posture are greatly influenced by the lie angle of their hockey stick – the angle between the blade and the shaft when the blade lies flat against the ice. Choosing the right lie angle, marked by a number on the shaft, depends on your height, skating style, and style of play, and can even be indicated by your stick's tape job. Keeping up with the lies can land you in a slaphappy place!
Source => prostockhockey.com

A Toast to the Moffatt Stick

10. A Toast to the Moffatt Stick

Next time you're sipping a glass of maple syrup, remember to raise a toast to its long-lost cousin: The Moffatt stick, the oldest known ice hockey stick hand hewn in the 1830s from a single sugar maple in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. This historical gem was once displayed at a barbershop before being purchased by the Canadian Museum of History for a cool $300,000.
Source => historymuseum.ca

11. The Weight of the Perfect Flex

Ever felt like finding the perfect partner is like searching for the right hockey stick flex? Maybe it's just the weight of the situation: The ideal flex for a hockey stick should be about half the player's body weight, so senior sticks range from a flex of 65 to 105, granting them improved control, accuracy, and power on the ice.
Source => gunzos.com

12. Can't Stick to Just One Stick

If you ever wondered why hockey players can't stick to just one stick, here's your answer: curve patterns and face angles on hockey sticks impact everything from shot velocity to puck handling, with defensemen loving heel curves for power shots, and toe curves aiding in sneaky quick-release shots and maneuverability. Plus, players can mix it up with open face curves for that perfect top-shelf goal or saucer pass, or closed face curves when pinpoint accuracy is key. And let's not forget the importance of blade lie angles for matching your skating style – you wouldn't want to be caught in a lie on the ice, now would you? In summary: choosing the right hockey stick blade can greatly improve your game by offering various benefits depending on the curve pattern and face angle.
Source => purehockey.com

Related Fun Facts