The goalies stick is the most single important piece of equipment that a goaltender has. It determines your stance, your abilities to stop the puck, and your puck playing abilities.

 

The determining factors into buying a new stick should be the following: weight, balance, length of paddle, length of the shaft, curve/blade, lie, the material of the stick, and an overall feel of the stick.

 

Length of the paddle: To select the correct paddle length try the following; stand with your skates on and go into a nice comfortable stance ( a stance where you feel you would like to play) without your stick. Now have someone place the stick blade between your feet and into your hand without you moving. If you don't grab the stick directly at the paddle, then it is the incorrect paddle length for you. This means your stick is controlling your stance and it should be addressed when buying a new stick. If you grab the stick directly at the paddle, then the paddle length is correct for you.

 

Lie: To select the correct lie try the following; stand with your skates on and go into a nice comfortable stance ( a stance where you feel you would like to play) without your stick. Now have someone place the stick blade between your feet without you moving. If you don't grab the stick directly on the shaft or paddle, then it is the incorrect lie for you. This means your stick is controlling your stance and it should be addressed when buying a new stick. If you grab the stick directly on the shaft or paddle, then the lie is correct for you.

 

Curve/blade: The curve has two purposes. 

1. stopping the puck  2. playing the puck

So when selecting a curve for your stick, take both these factors into consideration. 

 

Length of shaft: This is one area that is not too important when selecting a stick because you can always saw off the top to fit your needs. The length of the shaft is more important when it comes to the weight and balance of the stick. 

 

The material of stick: The material of the stick will determine the weight, durability, overall feel of the stick, and of course the price.

 

The overall feel of the stick: How does the stick feel in my hand and how does it feel when I stop the puck??? All I will say is  "if your stick doesn't feel great in your hand it's not the stick for you." Only experience will help you there. 

 

Weight: The weight can be determined by the material, and how much tape you put on it...yes how much tape you put on it. If you have an oversized knob on the top of the shaft... or just keep putting new tape over old tape... it will get heavier.  

 

Balance: The Balancing of your stick has all the factors of selecting a goal stick that is perfect for you.  This is why at  A CGGC  camp our instructors will look very closely at the balance of your stick and they will help determine if your stick is the right stick for you.