CCM's Premier P2.5 senior goalie stick is the replacement for the R1.5 that CCM had released previously. This composite goalie stick features that made the R1.5 senior goal stick a great pick at its price point, and builds on them to create a great pick at the recreational level.
The P2.5 senior goalie stick includes a Stiktak grip that resides at the top of the paddle for the most secure hold on the stick while the goalie is making saves. The grip is layered on a combination of matte and glossy paint that has been strategically placed to allow for more slide on the shaft, allowing the goalie to poke check much easier than previous sticks.
Also, the P2.5 senior goalie stick features CCM's composite structure with Zeroflux technology. Zeroflux is a material that CCM has added to their traditional composite construction that does a much better job of mitigating vibration in the stick. Zeroflux has gone a long way to help improve the feeling of the composite stick and be much more like a foam core.
Overall the P2.5 senior goalie stick offers some of the best features of the top end composites, but puts them at a price point that is more appropriate for recreational goaltenders.
Goalie Stick Sizing
Unlike other pieces of gear, sticks are sized mostly to the goaltender’s preference and playing style rather than their height. The most important measurement, when purchasing a new goal stick, is the paddle height (the wide portion of the stick), which is usually taken from the heel of the stick to the shaft/paddle interface.
The reason for the paddle height’s significance is because it sets up the goaltender’s depth in the ready stance and (if properly sized) positions the blocker in an optimal position.
To start, put on at least your goal skates and if you’re looking to be more accurate strap on your pads and blocker as well. Once that is done get into your natural stance (the one you’d be in during a majority of gameplay) and look for the following:
- The entire blade of the stick is flush with the ground while being 1’ - 2’ in front of the goaltender’s feet.
- While satisfying the above, the inside edge of the blocker hand (while holding just above the paddle) sits on the outside edge of the goal pad. This ensures that there is no double coverage with the goal pad (stick is too small) and keeps the seven-hole sealed (stick is too large).
The reason stick sizing can be so subjective compared to other pieces of equipment is the ambiguity of ‘natural stance’, especially with young goaltenders. It is rather common for children to use taller sticks in comparison to their height, as their stance depth isn’t usually as aggressive as a seasoned goalie.
The shaft length, on the other hand, is usually best left at its stock length as it serves to counteract the weight of the blade and (ideally) place the center of gravity at the top of the paddle. The one exception to this rule is for advanced puck handlers: cutting the shaft will allow more power transfer when shooting as a result of being able to keep the blade flush to the ice while near the goaltender’s feet.
