the best length is whatever works best for the individual. We are all different. That is why you see such a variety in the NHL. Short players with long sticks, tall players with short sticks. It's all over the place. If your stick feels too short, try a longer one. If it feels too long, try a shorter one. See what works best for you
It's interesting, as someone who just got back into playing in beginner leagues in my 30's, having a longer stick feels great on defense to jab the puck away from players, especially seeing as how light even a full-length stick is these days. I have a few higher end sticks I bought used recently that have been cut down 4 inches and I see why people would want a shorter, even lighter stick for offense. They feel awesome for puck handling and quick wrist shots, which are my favorite shot. I think my skill just isn't at a high enough level yet to really appreciate the shorter sticks relative to full-length for now, but I'll keep playing with both until I get better with the shorter sticks.
Something to be considered that never is much is your ape index. I’m 5’8” but a +4 ape index, meaning my arms are the length of your average 6ft male. That means my stick is going to be shorter than usual, and def different from others my height who may have longer legs, shorter arms, etc. But it’s not hard to imagine how much of an effect your ape index has on this.
Today's players have had access to totally different stick technology from their formative years up. McDavid, Draisaitl, Eichel, Barkov, and Bedard among many others of today's top stick handlers use longer sticks. With the technology of today's sticks it's possible to have a stick that's up to a tall player's mouth on skates and it's still wieldy for coordinated movements (in the right hands).
@@DarrinLintz710 Datsyuk's a great example because his stick was close to Hicks' ideal at the start of his career and he went a lot longer in the last part (so did Hossa). My opinion is stick length gets a lot of focus, but it's actually a secondary factor. Stick balance is primary.
For young player development u7-u11, based on constant growth in this age group is it better for a shorter budget friendly stick more often (possibly wood) or a higher priced stick to last longer?
Right now I have u7/9’s using premium sticks that are above the nose and struggling to have a factual conversation with parents if it is better to replace the stick more often instead of higher priced sticks
@@TomP.-bz5um I see no one has responded to you. But in my personal opinion. I'd say it's best for kids development to have proper length stick. Rather then keeping a kids stick longer then it should be to let them grow into it and try get more seasons out of it. Try find affordable sticks maybe even used ones. There's also government funding for low budget families for kids in sports not sure if that could be an option. I have a son in U9 and a son in U7 currently. I'm one of the coaches too. 🏒🤘
the best length is whatever works best for the individual. We are all different. That is why you see such a variety in the NHL. Short players with long sticks, tall players with short sticks. It's all over the place. If your stick feels too short, try a longer one. If it feels too long, try a shorter one. See what works best for you
"Crosby's stick is two inches shorter than my stick...". So, the big question is: "What's the length of your stick?"
It's interesting, as someone who just got back into playing in beginner leagues in my 30's, having a longer stick feels great on defense to jab the puck away from players, especially seeing as how light even a full-length stick is these days. I have a few higher end sticks I bought used recently that have been cut down 4 inches and I see why people would want a shorter, even lighter stick for offense. They feel awesome for puck handling and quick wrist shots, which are my favorite shot. I think my skill just isn't at a high enough level yet to really appreciate the shorter sticks relative to full-length for now, but I'll keep playing with both until I get better with the shorter sticks.
a great example of a good player that uses a super short stick for his size is tage thompson. His stick is basically past his chest
Something to be considered that never is much is your ape index. I’m 5’8” but a +4 ape index, meaning my arms are the length of your average 6ft male.
That means my stick is going to be shorter than usual, and def different from others my height who may have longer legs, shorter arms, etc.
But it’s not hard to imagine how much of an effect your ape index has on this.
What is your stick length heel to end?
Today's players have had access to totally different stick technology from their formative years up. McDavid, Draisaitl, Eichel, Barkov, and Bedard among many others of today's top stick handlers use longer sticks. With the technology of today's sticks it's possible to have a stick that's up to a tall player's mouth on skates and it's still wieldy for coordinated movements (in the right hands).
auston mathews stick is really short
@@wastedbread8036I bet it is 😂
@wastedbread8036 Datsyuk's stick was up to his eyebrows.
@@DarrinLintz710 Datsyuk's a great example because his stick was close to Hicks' ideal at the start of his career and he went a lot longer in the last part (so did Hossa). My opinion is stick length gets a lot of focus, but it's actually a secondary factor. Stick balance is primary.
For young player development u7-u11, based on constant growth in this age group is it better for a shorter budget friendly stick more often (possibly wood) or a higher priced stick to last longer?
Right now I have u7/9’s using premium sticks that are above the nose and struggling to have a factual conversation with parents if it is better to replace the stick more often instead of higher priced sticks
@@TomP.-bz5um I see no one has responded to you. But in my personal opinion. I'd say it's best for kids development to have proper length stick. Rather then keeping a kids stick longer then it should be to let them grow into it and try get more seasons out of it. Try find affordable sticks maybe even used ones. There's also government funding for low budget families for kids in sports not sure if that could be an option. I have a son in U9 and a son in U7 currently. I'm one of the coaches too. 🏒🤘
@TomP.-bz5um I coach u11 and I'll never buy my son a stick worth any more than $90. I can buy him a stick and it'll last the season worth of growth.
1990's Valeri Kamensky. His stick reached mid chest beliw the arm pits. Looked like a junior stick.