Stick Length and Guidelines

* A good way to measure a stick is to stand, without skates on a flat surface. Place the toe of the stick on the ground between the feet.

* Lean the stick straight up-and-down so the handle of the stick touches the bottom of your chin.

* A general rule is to mark and cut the handle of your stick where it touches your chin. Then when standing on your skates, the stick should come to the centre of your chest.

* In the past new players have been advised to cut their stick at the nose while in shoes, however while learning to handle the stick and puck it is advisable to cut the stick to your chin while in shoes.

* A defenseman may want to use a longer stick to give them a longer reach for poking the puck away and a forward may want to use a shorter stick to help them stickhandle better. This is an individual preference for each player.

* When choosing a stick in a store the player should be able to bend the shaft with a moderate effort; about 2-3 inches in flex while replicating the shooting motion on the pro shop floor.

* New players should choose a 'softer' flex; this will assist in puck handling, passing and learning correct shooting technique.

* Remember when the stick is cut, the flex of the stick will become stiffer.