Size Matters, Kid – How to Pick the Right Hockey Stick (Without Looking Like You Borrowed Dad’s)
Whether you’re a hockey parent or a rookie player just starting out, choosing the right stick size can feel more confusing than trying to understand icing rules. But don’t worry — we’re here to break it down and make sure your little sniper isn’t out there swinging a telephone pole or playing with a twig better suited for mini sticks.
Here’s everything you need to know to properly size a youth hockey stick — and why it really matters.
A properly sized stick should match the height of the player, not the size of their future NHL contract. When standing upright (with skates off), the stick should rest between nose and chin depending on preference and style.
With skates on: Stick should come up to the nose
Without skates: Stick should come up to the chin
🪄 Pro Tip: Younger kids who are still learning should lean toward a shorter stick for better puck control. Longer sticks are better for reach and defense, but can hurt stickhandling.
Flex refers to how much the stick bends during a shot. A good rule of thumb is:
Stick flex = half of the player’s weight (in pounds)
So if your child weighs 80 pounds, go with a 40 flex stick. Too stiff? They can’t load it. Too whippy? They’ll be launching muffins instead of rockets.
💡 Fun Fact: Studies show that using the right flex can increase shot speed by up to 15% — which is the difference between bar down and bouncing it off the glass.
Cutting down a stick changes the flex — often drastically. For every inch you cut off, you increase the flex by about 10 units.
So if you buy a 50 flex and chop off 3 inches? It’s now playing like an 80 flex, which might as well be a steel pipe for a kid.
⚠️ Avoid the rookie mistake: If you need to cut a stick down, buy a lower flex to compensate.
Kids are picky — and when it comes to grip and curve, comfort matters. Most youth sticks come with a mid curve and a slight toe hook, which helps lift the puck and control passes.
Also consider grip coating vs. smooth shaft:
Grip = Better hold, especially for younger players
Smooth = Easier for quick hand adjustments (but can slip)
🧪 Hockey Hack: Let the player test a few teammate sticks before buying. It’s like trying on shoes — you don’t know until you feel it.
Yes, kids grow fast — but don’t size up “for the future.” A stick that’s too long now can hurt their mechanics, shooting accuracy, and confidence.
🚫 Don’t do it: Oversizing a stick is like giving a 10-year-old a golf club made for a giraffe. It’s gonna get ugly.
The right stick is like the right wand at Hogwarts — it chooses the player (with a little help from smart parents). So whether you’re taping up for the first time or replacing that beat-up twig, take the time to get the right fit.
🥅 Moral of the story: The stick won’t make them a star — but the wrong one definitely won’t help.
Want to get your kid into hockey? Heres some of the best sticks for beginners – read more at https://followthepuck.com/2025/04/10/best-sticks-for-kids-getting-your-little-one-into-hockey-a-complete-guide-for-beginners-in-2025/
