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hockey fans, resources, plus moreRoller Hockey Sticks For League Play
Posted on July 20, 2010I have to admit right here and now – I’m not the world’s expert on roller hockey sticks. But I do have a 13 year old son who has been playing roller hockey since he was 6 years old, So I believe I have some authority on the subject. I’ll tell you what I know from a purely practical viewpoint, and let you be the judge of the information. Fair enough?
Size The Roller Hockey Stick Correctly
Roller hockey sticks must be sized correctly for the height of the player. After watching literally hundreds of hockey games, I can tell you that parents are not always on top of their kids’ hockey gear – especially hockey sticks. More often than not, the hockey player will grow out of his or her stick. This is so true as you watch a kid out on the rink who has a hockey stick that would have been too small even last season! Come on, parents – roller hockey is difficult enough without being hampered by a too-small stick. ‘Nuff said on this topic.
Exotic Materials Vs Wood
If you keep the business end of the stick taped up with that special hockey tape (it comes in all kinds of colors, and it is tough as nails) you can make due with a wooden stick for years. Even if your child is a power hitter, that taped-up wooden hockey stick will surprise you with how long it lasts. Maybe that’s why you see so many kids with too-short sticks? I suppose if you have extra cash burning a hole in your pocket, then you could go all out and get a composite or a graphite stick – but why?
These hockey sticks can be quite costly, and I don’t see any evidence that they will outlast a good wooden stick.
Consider A Goalie Stick
If your child is a goalie, chances are you might just use the skating rink’s goalie pads, etc. That may be a good call, because the equipment is expensive, and the chances are that your kid will outgrow the goalie outfit before the season is over. But, don’t scrimp on a goalie stick. Especially, a hockey goalie stick that is sized for the height of the player. This may be one of the most frustrating things I’ve ever witnesses in a hockey game: a goalie with a too-short goalie stick. In this situation, you (and the unfortunate goalie) will watch the puck slide through his or her five-hole more times than you care to remember. How about a stick that’s sized for the goalie – please?
Roller hockey sticks don’t have to be expensive or super high tech to be a great part of your hockey player’s hockey gear.
All Roller & Ice Hockey Gear At RollerHockeySticks.org We also have hockey sticks, helmets, skates, pads & guards and almost everything you could ever need for the best hockey experience at RollerHockeySticks.org.
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Choosing the Right Length Hockey Stick
Posted on July 19, 2010General Guidelines
When choosing a stick, try to find one that goes up about to your chin while wearing skates. Most players don’t go much higher than the nose, or much lower than the throat. A stick can always be cut shorter, but keep in mind cutting your stick will change the flex. As your shorten your stick, it increases the flex, making it more stiff. For taller players, a plug made of ashwood can be inserted into the end of the stick, but this will alter the flex and balance. A plug is often proportionately heavier than the shaft of the stick, especially if it’s composed of light materials like fiberglass, graphite, and Kevlar. Therefore, It’s best to choose a stick that is the correct length in the first place whenever possible.
Positions
When playing defense, a longer stick is nice because it gives the player more reach. This can be beneficial for poke checks and deflecting shots and passes. Forwards sometimes prefer a stick that is shorter because it allows them to keep the puck closer to their body; thus improving control. A stick that is too long will cause the elbow to protrude outward, becoming parallel to the ground, (rather than tucked in close to the body) making it more difficult to maneuver. Puck handling should be mostly done by rotating the wrists, and power comes from the legs, hips, and shoulders-not the elbow. A stick of an appropriate length will ensure proper form. Like other hockey equipment, you may want to experiment until you find something that feels comfortable.
Keegan manages SchoolyardPuck.com, a weblog offering street hockey tips, roller hockey training videos, equipment advice, and ice hockey skills instruction.
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