It’s best to start with an inexpensive wooden hockey stick for your first ice hockey stick and must have a basic version of each of the unique features of a hockey stick.
Left-handed or right-handed stick?
Using a right or left handed hockey stick is not an automatic decision and it really depends on which way feels more comfortable for you. One guideline is to choose a hockey stick so that your dominant hand is on top (ie a left-handed stick for a right-handed person). The best way to figure this out is to borrow one of each stick from your friends or your local hockey store and try them out. Choose the way that is most comfortable for you.
Length:
Choosing the correct length stick is very important and will dramatically affect your ability to use the hockey stick. Your hockey stick should be long enough to roughly reach your chin when standing on skates when the hockey stick is held vertically in front of you. Hockey sticks come in a few standard sizes: junior, intermediate, and senior, and you’ll pick the one that’s the closest or longest in length. Expect to end up with a longer stick and cut it to the correct length with a wood saw (or have it cut at the local hockey store).
The hockey stick blade pattern:
If you’re going down the path of starting with a flat blade, then your decision is already made. If you are going to get a curved blade, then get one that only has a slight curve to it. Forehand passes and shots may be a little easier if you end up with a big curveball, but backhand passes and shots will be much more difficult. Master good stick handling and shots with a basic blade pattern before moving into a forward curve.
Flex:
Flex is a measure of the stiffness of the hockey stick. When you take a shot, the pressure you apply with your lower hand causes the hockey stick to bend. This flex is good, up to a point, because it helps speed up the shot when the hockey stick comes back. The correct flex is the one that has the most flex that you can still bend when shooting. Again, go for a standard/regular flex for your first stick.
Preparing your new hockey stick for game time requires three things:
1. Cut your stick to the proper length. When you’re standing on your skates, the top of the stick should be around your chin when it’s held vertically in front of you. A fine tooth wood saw works best.
2. Tape the sheet from heel to toe with hockey tape.
3. Tape down the handle to provide a better grip. It typically consists of a knob of tape at the end of the stick and a single layer of tape wrapped 6 to 8 inches down the shaft from the knob.
Enjoy your new stick and the great sport of ice hockey!