If you practice the same shot or pass hundreds of times, you should get pretty much the same outcome every time, right? Technically yeah, but it’s not just muscle memory doing the work, it’s also your gear.
The wrong stick will make you lose precision and by the time you adapt to it, you’ll probably need an upgrade anyway. That’s why your stick should be an extension of your body from Day 1. No, a good stick can’t replace talent and practice, but it will let you focus on the game and not worry about where the puck is going to land even if you do everything right.
Here to help you find the best gear and give you an edge on the rink, we’ve put together the best 7 street hockey sticks. Let’s have a look.
Arsenal Envy - Best Stick for Street Hockey
- A92 curve and 85 flex - The Envy blade pattern...
- Made for You - Designed for the experienced hockey...
- Any Ice, Any Rink - Arsenal Envy sticks are...
- Quality - Built on the same production lines as...
- Stick Handling & Shooting - Feels great in the...
Taking the #1 in our list, we have the Arsenal Envy, a stick manufactured by a company with 20 years in the business of making hockey gear for beer leagues and pros.
The Arsenal Envy is a carbon fibre one-piece stick with an A92 curve and an 85 flex rating. It measures 59.8 inches from butt-end to heel and 65.7 inches to the blade toe. Clearly a senior stick meant for players about 175lbs, ages 14 and up. It’s a stiff build, so it would probably be better of a defensemen at least 5’7” tall. Interestingly though, it’s flexible enough for fast skaters who are used to quick shots from the wing.
All in all, the Arsenal Envy is a versatile stick for experienced defensemen and forwards.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Sturdy
- Standard curve
- Lightweight
Cons
- A bit more grip would be nice
Franklin Sports NHL 1090 40’’- Best Youth Hockey Stick for Youth Hockey (Ages 3-5)
- Multi-ply poplar/birch shaft
- High-impact rigid ABS blade
- Fused shaft/blade construction
- Full coverage vinyl graphic wrap
Franklin Sports have been making quality gear since 1946 for a variety of sports, including hockey. Recently, they made a little something for the younger players to welcome them into the rink. The Franklin Sports NHL 1090.
Here we have a 40’’ fused two-piece. They made a multi-ply poplar/birch shaft and fused it to a high-impact rigid ABS blade, then they covered the whole thing in vinyl graphic wrap to bring out the shine. The Franklin Sports NHL 1090 is a stick made for youth hockey in the 8U category (8 & Under).
Unfortunately, the manufacturer doesn’t include a flex rating, but that doesn’t really matter this early in their hockey careers. These are mostly toddlers having fun with the sport and getting a feel for it. They don’t need to get all finicky about flex rating, kick points and such just yet.
So, if you’re looking for your mini mite’s first real hockey stick, the Franklin Sports NHL 1090 is a perfect place to start.
Pros
- Durable
- versatile
- Affordable
- Great for beginners
Cons
- Would be nice to make it available in smaller sizes
Franklin Sports NHL Team 48" Vinyl Street Hockey Stick - Best Stick for Mites and Mini Mites (8 & Under)
- PHILADELPHIA FLYERS STICK: This official NHL team...
- JUNIOR RIGHTY STICK: These junior, right-handed...
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: This fused wood hockey stick...
- LIGHTWEIGHT: The lightweight wood shaft make it...
- NHL OFFICIAL: These NHL official street hockey...
When it comes to construction and materials, this one is virtually the same as the NHL 1090. That’s great because now players ages 6 to 8 can also have a durable stick made with the same quality of an intermediate stick for heavier players. Usually, sticks for this age division aren’t made with the same care, so the Franklin Sports NHL Team 48″ is a nice change of pace.
This stick is a 48’’ fused two-piece made of a multi-ply poplar birch shaft and a high impact rigid ABS blade. All covered in a vinyl graphic wrap for effect.
So, if you’re looking for something to introduce your mites and mini mites to the game, this stick is your best option.
Pros
- Great for beginners
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Available in a variety of colors
Cons
- Left shots of the same model are a bit hard to find
Franklin Sports NHL 1090 56’’- Best Intermediate Hockey Stick for Youth Hockey (14 & Under)
- The Franklin Sports NHL 1090 56" Right Shot...
- Made with a fused shaft and blade construction,...
- You can even use take this adult-sized stick...
We talked about the 40’’ version of this stick as our first runner-up; an excellent stick for players ages 3-5. Now, let’s take a look at the 56’’ version of the Franklin Sports NHL 1090, an intermediate stick for players in the Bantam division (12-14yo)
This one is also a fused two-piece made of a multi-ply poplar/birch shaft fused to a high-impact rigid ABS blade and covered the whole thing in vinyl graphic wrap.
We couldn’t get an official flex rating, but we managed to bend it about an inch by exerting nearly 55lbs of pressure on it, so the flex rating should be somewhere around that number. Appropriate, considering the stick length and age group.
The Franklin Sports NHL 1090 is one of those versatile gems for youth hockey and a good fit for forwards and defensemen.
Pros
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Budget-friendly
- Renown brand
Cons
- One-size only
Mylec Air Flo Goalie Stick - Best Street Hockey Stick for Goalies
- Durable injection molded plastic blade
- New look wrapped shaft
What if we told you the brand that makes this stick was founded by The Father of Street Hockey himself, Raymond W. Leclerc. The rulebook he made with other important names in the sport paved the way for the modern version we play today. His legacy lives on through the sport we love and the quality of his brand. The Mylec Air Flo Goalie Stick is a fine example of that quality.
The Mylec Air Flo Goalie Stick is a two-piece stick with a 48’’ shaft of high-grade, kiln-dried hardwoods and a plastic blade reinforced with fiberglass. In other words: it’s made to last.
Because it’s a stick for players ages 6 – 8, the build is lighter than most wood sticks would allow; plus, they added holes on the blade to make it more aerodynamic and counter wind resistance.
All-around excellent sticks for younger players learning the sport or just players who like the feel of a wood stick.
Pros
- Affordable
- Perfect for recreational hockey
- Durable
- The blade is easy to replace
Cons
- A bit too stiff
Wraparound Hockey Stick Blade Protector - Best Hockey Stick Protector for Training
- DURABLE BEYOND COMPETITION - designed to outlast...
- EXTENDS YOUR HOCKEY LIFESPAN - build your hockey...
- OFF-ICE PRACTICE, ON-ICE PRECISION - practice with...
- UNMATCHED BLADE FEEL - privately formulated...
- VERSATILE FOR ANY HOCKEY PLAYER - fits senior,...
To keep the blade of your stick safe regardless of surface, Wraparound Hockey came up with a patented rubber sleeve that not only adds a layer of protection, it also helps you build up speed for a quick release during shots and passes.
These sleeves are particularly handy for training, although some players are known to use them for games too. The best feature on this product is, without a doubt, its ability to fit like a glove on virtually any stick, whether it’d be a junior, intermediate or senior stick. It can also be applied to both, left shots and right shots. Do expect to add an ounce or two to your stick though.
So, instead of buying a street hockey stick or wrapping the blade with lots of tape, you could just slip one of these protectors on and secure it with two strips of tape. It’s a nice and easy way to take care of your stick and practice anywhere you go.
Pros
- Protection on any surface
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Fits most sticks
Cons
- It requires a little extra tape on some sticks to stay in place depending on the curve
Mylec's Deluxe Folding Goal Set - Best for Hockey Set for Children
- A DYNAMIC SET: This hockey set is great for...
- DESIGNED FOR COMPETITION PLAY: Built for...
- BUILD TO LAST: Made to withstand extreme impact,...
- STURDY AND EASY TO ASSEMBLE: Whether you're an...
- HIGH-QUALITY PVC TUBING: A quality material...
With yet another entry in our list, Mylec presents a fun bundle for the younger players in the 12U age division (12 & Under) to have fun with and get a feel for the sport.
This set includes a no-bounce hockey ball, a folding high-impact goal and two hockey sticks. The goal is made of PVC tubing and sleeve netting.
The inclusion of two 43’’ Jet Flo Sticks makes this particular set stand out because most kits come with cheap plastic sticks. Basically, you get a pair of two-piece hardwood sticks capped with a nylon blade with holes on it to reduce wind resistance. These sticks have a mid kick point; a versatile feature for quick shots or slap shots.
Mylec’s Deluxe Folding Goal Set i s the perfect toy to motivate your children to try this awesome sport. If anything, it’s still a fun toy you can take to a picnic for your kids to play.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Portable
- Includes a ball air pump
- Durable plastic
Cons
- You’d have to buy a puck separately
The Ultimate Buying Guide
Parts of a Hockey Stick
Before we get into the whole minutia of picking the right hockey stick, let’s go over the basics real quick: the parts of a hockey stick.
The shaft is the longest part of the stick that you hold with both hands. It’s in this shaft where you will also find the kick point, that’s the flexible stretch of the shaft that bends when you shoot or pass the puck; extremely important part of the stick. We’ll talk about it in a minute.
Then, you have the hosel, which connects the shaft to the blade; not to be confused with the heel sitting just below the hosel; the back-end of the blade, if you will. The blade is the part of the stick you use to control the puck. Finally, you have the blade toe, the end of the blade furthest from the butt-end (the end of the shaft closest to you).
This is just some basic lingo that will help you understand all the aspects that come to play when shopping for hockey sticks.
Construction, Material and Price
Two-Piece
The shaft and the blade are two separate replaceable units coupled together with pressure, a bit of tape and plenty of hot glue. The shaft is usually fiberglass, resin or carbon fibre. Replaceable blades are almost exclusively carbon fibre or wood.
Most of the appeal for two-piece hockey sticks has to do with budget. A two-piece will run you at about $50; 4 times less than your average one-piece.
Here’s the thing: two-piece sticks are heavy and poorly balanced. Not bad if you’re brand new to the sport and are just learning the fundamentals, but that’s because you don’t know what you’re missing yet. Once you get more experience and try other sticks, you’ll have a better grasp on what you need from your stick to make a more informed purchase when it’s time to upgrade.
Maybe you like the feel of wood blades and you also appreciate a composite shaft. That’s valid too.
One-Piece or Fused Two-Piece
like the name implies, the shaft and the blade are moulded separately then fused together into a single unit. No replaceable parts here.
One-piece sticks are made in a number of different ways; spear construction, for example, is one of the most commonly used. Essentially, what they do is they mould the shaft to look like a spear, then they cap it with the blade. The end product is a stick that looks like a single unit.
These sticks are mostly carbon fibre and can be found somewhere between $100 and $200; perfect for beginners and experienced players. They might feel a bit heavy, but it’s not like you’ll be encumbered either.
True One-Piece
Also known as genuine one-piece, these sticks are all moulded from butt-end to blade toe in one go. No need to assemble anything. If they’re not 100% carbon fibre, they’ll compensate with another high-quality material.
These are top-of-the-line sticks. They’re light, beautifully balanced and they handle like a dream. Because true one-piece sticks are the best any brand has to offer, they can cost you a pretty penny, especially if it’s the newest model; keep in mind: every brand has a new one hitting the market every year.
Your “average” true one-piece should be somewhere around $300. Anything less than that is a steal. This is what you get after you have been playing for a while and you’re considering a serious hockey career.
One more thing about materials and durability
Get carbon fibre, not fibreglass. Fibreglass sticks haven’t aged well. Wood is not bad to start with, but the kick point in composite sticks, like those of carbon fibre, is more reliable and consistent. You are more likely to repeat the same pass with more accuracy with a composite stick than you would be able to with a wooden stick. Wooden sticks are a bit more unpredictable in that regard.
You should know there is a bit of a trade off between durability and budget. Carbon fibre sticks are easier to handle and so they’re more expensive, but they also break more easily. Wooden sticks are way more affordable and durable, but they’re also heavier and less accurate.
Flex
Flex refers to the amount of pressure in pounds it takes to bend the center of the shaft one inch. A high flex rating means the shaft is stiff. The lower the rating, the softer the shaft.
Rule of thumb is: pick a flex rating number about half your weight. Then again, it’s really a matter of preference, but that’s a good place to start.
Kick Point
The kick point is the part of the shaft that bends the most during shots and passes; the most flexible part of the shaft.
So the flex rating tells you how much the shaft bends and the kick point tells you where the shaft is the most flexible. There are three types of kick points: high, mid and low.
Kick point is something you choose based on your style of play. .A high kick point is for those of you, daredevils, who really like slap shots from afar. High kick points are all about power and not so much about speed.
On the other hand, if you like to get in the fray and make quick shots really close to the net, you’d be better off with low kick points. That’s speed over power. Now, if you’re the team’s wild-card, you will probably appreciate the mid kick point. Versatile and useful for shots at almost any distance.
Stick Height
Hockey sticks come in two sizes: junior and senior.
Junior sticks are about 45 inches long -54 inches at the most- and they’re suitable for players between ages 6 and 12. Senior sticks are between 55 and 63 inches long and are recommended for ages 12 and up.
Do consider your specific style of play or position. For example, if you’re a forward, you’ll probably like short sticks with a low kick point and a low flex rating, especially if you hunch over a little. That would allow you to make quick and precise shots in tight spots. Defensemen, on the other hand, will probably like longer sticks to make puck checks and slap shots more easily.
Lie Of The Blade
Here’s another aspect that depends solely on your position and how you play it. You may have to revisit this section when you’re ready to upgrade.
You know that angle between the blade and the shaft? That’s the lie of the blade and it’s represented in lie values between 4 and 7.
For players that tend to hunch over and carry the puck in front of them, a lie value of 4 may be a better fit than a lie value of, say, 6; which would be more suitable for players who skate with the puck close to their skates.
As a general rule, the blade should lie flat on the rink.
Preference
Hockey stick weight
Easy. Lighter for forwards. Heavier for defensemen. Exactly how light or how heavy is up to you.
Blade Curve
The curve of your blade is a matter of preference. In general, the curve of your blade should help you make consistent passes, control the puck more easily and keep it spinning, so it’s more stable. Again, it’s something you’re going to find out overtime after you’ve tried a few different sticks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Use An Ice Hockey Stick For Street Hockey?
Yes, you can. Just remember to tape the blade so the road won’t ruin it.
How long should a street hockey stick be?
To know if a hockey stick is too long or too short for you, stand up with your roller skates on while holding the stick in front of you. Make sure the blade toe touches the ground. If the butt-end is a couple of inches below your chin, it’s too short. If it goes up to your eyes, it’s a bit long for you. Now, if it reaches up to your chin, that should be the right size for you.
What is the lightest hockey stick on the market?
The Warrior Alpha QRE 10. It weighs only 410 grams. Just so you know anything below 450 grams is already pretty light.
The 3rd Period
Hockey is a game of precision and speed. You need a tool that complements your accuracy in a consistent way. Start with the essentials and move your way up the different types of hockey sticks to find the one that best covers your needs. Your stick should let you keep that puck spinning so it’s more stable and easier to control; furthermore, it should let you make accurate passes and shots. Find the stick that does all of that for you and you won’t just be getting a tool, you’ll be getting an extension of yourself.
We want to hear it from you though. What are your thoughts? Have you tried any of these? Tell us in the comments.
