Hockey Stick Basics: Guide on Stick Blades
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Time to read 11 min
Blade curves might seem minor to many players, but they can play a significant role in how you perform on the ice. From the angle of the curve to its depth and location, every aspect of the blade curve can impact stick handling, shooting accuracy, and overall gameplay. In this article, we’ll discuss what they do, the different types of curves, and what to look for when choosing the right one for you.
Elements of a Stick Blade
Stick blades comprise multiple elements that can all affect performance: stiffness, lie, and blade pattern. The following sections will outline the impact each element will have on the blade, so you can make a more informed decision about the kind of stick you want.
Stiffness
We tend to put so much of our attention into the shaft’s flex and kick point that we may forget that blades also have a stiffness rating. Stiffness will vary based on the materials of the stick as well, whether that be carbon fibre, fibreglass, or something else.
Blade stiffness will usually vary based on the stick's overall flex point to either enhance or balance that stick. Basically, most mid and high kick sticks will be paired with a softer blade, whereas low and hybrid sticks will usually have a stiffer blade.
Soft blades tend to twist a bit more, which can lower your control of the puck. However, in mid to high kick sticks, this twist becomes an asset-- it is able to add another flex point, this time to the blade, for increased potential energy and power in your shot.
Stiff blades do the opposite—their rigidity increases your control of the puck. These blades counteract the whippiness of the low kick point by ensuring the hold on the puck is steadier.
Lie
The lie of a stick refers to the angle formed between the shaft and the blade when the stick is placed flat on the ice. Although most players may not think about it during the game, changing to a stick with a different lie can cause you to lose the puck more often if you aren’t used to or aware of the change.
Lie is typically denoted by a number (e.g., Lie 5, Lie 6), which represents the angle between the blade and the shaft or ice. Higher numbers indicate a more upright stick, whereas lower numbers signify a lower angle. Higher lies will be better for players who are taller or skate more upright.
To decide on the right lie, consider how you stand naturally while playing. If you tend to skate more upright, a higher lie might be more beneficial. If you have a deeper crouch, a lower lie might suit you better. You want as much of the bottom of the blade to be as flat as possible along the ice when in a relaxed position. Trying out different lie angles can also help players determine which feels most comfortable and effective for their style of play.
Visual representation of hockey stick lies; from Hockey Repair Shop
Curve
The blade curve refers to the curvature of the blade and influences how the puck reacts while handling, passing, or shooting. Various blade curves exist, each designed to suit different styles of play and player preferences.
Beyond flex, blade curve will likely be the next most important part of your stick. Even the most advanced players are wary of changing their blade curves since the change can alter various aspects of their game, including their shot, control, and release technique.
Traditionally, blade curves were named after prominent NHL stars, such as Sidney Crosby and Joe Thornton. Now, although some occasionally still hold labels like McDavid and Marner, curves usually go by P92, P28, W03, etc.
Blade patterns can also influence the ease or difficulty of taking certain shots. Delivering shots on the forehand will be easier with a deeper curve; conversely, backhands will be easier with a flatter curve.
Curve Types
Heel Curves, Toe Curves, and Mid Curves
Just like the kick point, the puck’s movement potential is influenced by the curve and where the puck starts during the wind-up. More often than not, the puck will begin right where the blade is curved and release at the toe. The premise is that a blade that curves closer to the heel will generate more potential energy, making for a bigger shot.
Heel Curves
A heel curve puts its most significant curvature closer to the heel of the blade, as the name implies. This design is favoured by players looking for enhanced power in their shots and passes; the greater potential energy from the heel curve helps generate more velocity on shots and passes, similar to high kick point sticks. There is more space for the puck to travel and build energy.
With the game starting to prioritize quick releases over power, it’s becoming harder to find very many true heel curves today. Of the common blade patterns, the closest to a heel curve would be the P88.
Main Advantages
Powerful Shots: The curve's position allows for increased leverage when shooting for more powerful shots.
Passing Accuracy: Makes delivering accurate and forceful passes easier due to the added power generated by the curve's design.
Defensive Play: Defensemen might benefit from the added strength when clearing the puck out of the zone or making long, powerful outlet passes.
Toe Curves
On the other hand, toe curves feature the most significant curvature at the toe of the blade. This type of curve is favoured by players who prioritize agility and more precise puck handling. Because they excel at stickhandling, performing toe drags, and shooting quickly, they are able to complement low kick sticks and their users very well. Most blade patterns today are toe curves.
Main Advantages
Enhanced Puck Control: The curve at the toe enhances puck handling for quicker maneuvering with more improved control in tight spaces.
Shooting Accuracy: Toe curves are much better at raising the puck, making it easier to aim at precise areas of the net. With the design, players who rely on quick releases can ensure more accurate placement of their shots.
Stickhandling: Players who need to navigate through traffic or execute dekes often prefer the toe curve for the way it is able to handle the puck in a pinch and in close quarters.
Mid Curves
Finally, there are mid curves, which are curved in the middle and offer a good balance between shot power and stickhandling. As implied, these curves focus on that balance between power and control, making them versatile for various playing styles.
Main Advantages
- Balanced Performance: The mid curve provides a compromise between power and agility, meaning they can provide decent shot strength while maintaining good puck control.
Versatility: This curve is well-suited for players who like to use both hard shots and quick stickhandling, since this curve allows for great adaptability across different game situations.
All-Around Play: With its more balanced playstyle, this blade curve is great for players who find themselves engaging in multiple areas of the ice. They also work well for players who are still figuring out their preferences.
Closed vs Open Face
The face refers to the orientation of the blade curve concerning the ice. The orientation can significantly impact the puck's trajectory, lift, and ease of use when stickhandling.
Closed Face Curve
A closed face curve is when the blade curves downward toward the ice. This causes the blade to have less exposed surface area when flat on the ice. These curves are most suitable for defensemen who shoot low through traffic near the blue line.
Shot Accuracy: Closed face curves offer increased shot accuracy with the reduced surface area contacting the ice. They help create a cleaner, more controlled release of the puck.
Puck Control: Players may find it easier to keep the puck flat on the blade while stickhandling or receiving passes with the increased coverage over the puck.
Lower Lift: This curve generates less lift on shots, making it suitable for players who need to keep the puck low and accurate when shooting or passing.
Open Face Curve
Conversely, an open face curve means the blade's curve faces up and away from the ice, creating a more exposed surface when the blade is flat. These curves are ideal for players who need to raise the puck often, which will usually be those playing closer to the opposing net.
Increased Lift: Open face curves generate more lift on shots. , which can be advantageous for players who like to play up closer to the goalie and in closed spaces.
Stickhandling Challenges: The larger surface area can make puck control and stickhandling more challenging as there's more contact between the puck and the blade.
More Varied Shot Options: Players can execute specialized shots more effectively, whether that be saucer passes, quick and high snap shots, etc. Open face curves can also still keep their effectiveness on low and hard shots after some practice.
Choosing the Right Curve
When choosing between curves, players should consider their position, style of play, and personal preferences. Power forwards and defensemen seeking more strength in their shots might lean toward heel curves, whereas agile players wanting better control closer to their bodies might prefer toe curves. And then of course, a good balance between the two curve types would be the mid curve
Understanding these blade types can help players tailor their stick choices to suit their playing styles for a more optimized performance on the ice.
Most Common Blade Curves
The following is a quick rundown of the most popular blade patterns and their specs. The majority of sticks on the market will have options for these blades. For simplicity, blades will be referred to by their labels from the following manufacturers: Bauer, CCM, Warrior, and TRUE. Also note that as of 2023, TRUE blade patterns have all been renamed to be more similar to other manufacturers’ patterns.
Patterns across
P92
Bauer P92 / CCM P29 / Warrior W03/ TRUE T92 (previously TC2)
Mid-toe, Open Face, Round Toe, Lie 6
Inarguably the most popular blade curve and still going strong, the P92 blade gains its strength from its incredible versatility and performance. It may be considered the ideal “beginner blade,” but don’t be fooled—many professional players still use this pattern today and praise it for its high versatility.
It’s consistent, reliable, proficient at wrist shots and snapshots, and pretty good at raising the puck in tight situations. This curve does struggle a bit on the backhand because not a lot of the blade is flat enough to generate backhand power.
This blade pattern will fit most playstyles, so transitioning from a P92 to another blade curve should not be too difficult.
P28
Bauer P29 / CCM P28 / Warrior W28 / TRUE T28 (previously TC4)
Toe, Open Face, Round Toe, Lie 5
The P28 is built with more aggressive features compared to the P92. Its popularity has been growing in recent years across most generations, specifically with younger players.
This blade pattern excels at stickhandling, toe drags, and raising the puck. It’s ideal for players who shoot off the toe, and it can increase velocity in both the release and the shot. If you’re a player who often battles in tight areas or plays up close to the goalie, the P28 curve may be a good option for you. Toe drags and quick-handed maneuvers are made easier with the end curve of this pattern.
The highly offensive construction of this blade means it could be difficult to adapt to if you’re used to straighter, more traditional curves. It sits at a 5 lie, whereas the P92 and P88 have a 6 lie by default. Its roundedness at the top can also make backhands more difficult.
P88
Bauer P88 / CCM P88/P80/P40 / Warrior W88 / TRUE T88 (previously MC)
Mid, Slight-Open Face, Round Toe, Lie 6
The P88 is the most closed of the common blade patterns, with a balanced mid curve and a more traditional look and feel. This curve used to be much more popular, but it has started to fall out of style recently in favour of the P92 and P28 curves.
It tends to have a more rounded toe, though some variations like the P40 may have a more square toe. This curve is excellent at many of the things that the P92 is also good at, with a few more defense-oriented specialties. With its high accuracy from increased surface area, it excels at precise wrist shots and slap shots, as well as low shots and passes.
Of the common blades, the P88 will be the strongest on the backhand. Its more closed face can make it a bit tougher to raise the puck, though that disadvantage could be helpful in the right situations; defensemen can shoot low through traffic and power up a harder shot without worrying about it rising into the air and hitting something.
P90TM
Other variations: P90T / P92 MAX / TRUE T90T (previously TC6)
Mid, Open Face, Round Toe, Lie 5.5
Also known as the “Pro Benn” (Bauer) curve, the P90TM blade advertises itself as a combination of the ever-popular P92 and P28 curves with some added height. CCM has also taken to reworking the P90TM, including lowering the lie.
The blade had originally been custom-built for NHL player, Jamie Benn (hence the name “Pro Benn”), and it gained enough popularity to enter the market for use by other NHL players and in stock sticks. The lower lie helps it to accommodate most players. Adding height to the blade can also easily give you an edge during faceoffs and board battles.
This pattern could be described as a more advanced and offensive version of the P92. Beyond keeping its versatility, it is also optimized for dangles and toe drags. It is still great at lifting the puck; just keep in mind that its curve can make it difficult to raise the puck and gain power on the backhand. If you’re looking for a more subtle change from the P92, the P90TM may be a good option for you.
Key Takeaways
Stiffness, lie, and blade pattern are all key elements in your stick that can significantly impact your stick handling and shooting accuracy.
When choosing a blade curve, consider your playing style, position, and personal preferences. Heel curves offer power, toe curves excel in precision, while mid curves strike a balance between the two. Understanding the differences between these curves can allow you to tailor your stick selection for peak performance on the ice. Ultimately, finding the perfect curve means finding the sweet spot that complements your unique playing style— and really, it’s all just about what feels good to play with.
