Articles by Claire

The shin pads are an important part of playing ice hockey.
But in a sea of products, which ones are the best hockey shin guards for you or your kid?
Below are all my tips and selections:

• The 6 criteria to choose the shin guard for you or your kid, easily explained
• Reviews of my selections for the best hockey shin pads in 2022 (youth, junior and senior)
• The answers to your frequently asked questions
• Tips to take care of shin guards (taping, drying, washing...)

This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you (more info here).

Best Ice Hockey Shin Guards in 2022 - short answers

This complete article gives you all the information you need for choosing the right hockey shin guards for you. But if you don't want to read everything, below, I summarize my suggestions for youth, junior and senior players.
You can find detailed reviews further down in the article.

To choose your shin guards, it mut be a balance of protection, fit and comfort.

3 best youth hockey shin Guards

3 best junior hockey shin Guards

5 best senior hockey shin Guards

And as needed, use tape over the socks to fix the shin guards.

About shin guards

What does ‘shin guard’ mean?

A shin guard is a protective ice hockey gear designed to protect the player’s shins, knees and lower legs.

Should you wear ice hockey shin pads?

Yes, you must always wear ice hockey shin pads. Ice hockey shin pads are designed to protect your knees, shins, and ankles from pucks moving at high speed, slashes, and falls. It is an important piece of protective gear designed to minimize the possibility of sustaining long-term injuries.

Anatomy

To buy the best ice hockey shin guards, it is important to understand the basics of a hockey shin guard - its anatomy, structure, and how they are made.
A hockey shin pad or shin guard comprises the following key components:

• Knee cap: This roundish structure on top of the shin pad aligns directly with the knee. It is designed to protect the player’s patella from getting injured.
• Knee flap (top / upper):  This flap sits on top of the knee cap. It keeps it in place while allowing abundant flexibility.
• Knee flap (side): This flap sits on the side of the shin guard. It allows lateral mobility.
• Shell: Shell is the key component of the shin guard. It is a hard structure that sits on top of the shin to give it optimal protection against hard-hitting pucks and slashes.
• Calf-protection: Calf protection flaps are placed on the sides of the shell that, when worn, offer some degree of protection to the calves.
• Most shin guards come with a break below the kneecap to allow movement. Advanced shin guards offer a break at the ankle as well.

IMPORTANT - Ice hockey shin guards vs field hockey or street hockey shin guards

Shin guards designed for ice hockey are different from those designed for field hockey or ball hockey. This is because ice hockey requires a greater degree of protection. Ensure that the shin guard you are considering is specifically designed for ice hockey. 

6 Criteria to choose the best hockey shin pads

 This section will break down all the key criteria you must consider when buying ice hockey shin guards.

#1 - Size/Measurement

Hockey shin pads are designed to protect your shins without compromising on your mobility. To ensure that both these objectives are met, measuring hockey shin guards or buying the right size is critical.

Always refer to the brand recommendations. But as a general rule:

How to measure your leg to determine the size of shin guard:

• Wear your ice skates
• Sit down in a way that your leg bends at the knee at an angle of 90 degrees.
• Measure the distance from the top of your boot to the centre of the kneecap.
• Round it up to the nearest inch, if required.

Hockey shin guard sizing:

Ice hockey shin guards come in the following size classifications:

• Youth: 7 inches to 10 inches
• Junior: 10 inches to 13 inches
• Senior: 13 inches and above

Points to remember:

The measurement should only be used as a guideline and not as an absolute rule.

People of the same height can have different leg heights. Therefore, your sizing decision should be based only on the measurement of your leg.

The sizing classification is only to be used as a guideline. Importance must be given to the actual measurement in inches.

Wearing hockey shin guards over skates can involve wearing shin guards with the boot’s tongue out or tongue in. So you should remember that if the tongue of your boot sits under the shin guard, you can go up an extra inch as compared to when your tongue sits outside the shin guard.

#2 - Material & shock absorption

Shin guards mainly use a molded plastic hard shell for outer protection and soft foam padding for areas requiring more flexibility.
To ensure that your shin guard delivers adequate shock protection, note the following:

Budget shin guards use basic material like single-layer foam and are not as protective as high-end shin guards that use multi-layer smart foams or padding using composite materials.
A ribbed, thick outer shell offers more protection and distributes the shock impact better than a thin shell design.

#3 - Liner & Straps / Comfort

Liner is the extra padding placed on the inside of the shin pads to protect your leg from chafing, allow it to breathe, and provide you with a comfortable feel.

Points to remember about shin pad liners are: 

• The breathability of the liner used is more important than the thickness of the liner.
• Removable liners are better than fixed liners as they can be inserted based on the player’s requirement, allow faster drying time, and guarantee better comfort.
• The quality and material of the straps on the shin pad are also extremely important for determining the overall comfort of the shin pad.

Points to remember about shin pad straps:

• Straps with comfort cushioning provide far more comfort than regular velcro straps.
• Straps that come with an integrated lock-in system to prevent slipping keep the shinpad in place and enhance comfort.

#4 - Profiles

Shin guards come in three different profiles:

Traditional Fit: This fit is bulky throughout its body and is the standard-fit that used to be the most popular. It offers the most protection while also allowing adequate mobility!

Contoured Fit: This is a snug fit shin guard that stays close to the leg across its entire length. It offers lower protection than a traditional fit but is often preferred by forwards or players specializing in quick moves fast play.

Tapered Fit: The tapered fit is bulkier on the top and tapers towards the bottom. It provides great knee protection and allows ample ankle movement. The tapered fit is the most popular type of shin guard in modern ice hockey.

#5 - Fit

The fit of the shin guard is critical for optimal protection of the shin. Even a top-end shin guard will be of little use if it does not fit well.

So how should a shin-guard fit?

• The knee cap on the shin guard should sit right on top of the knee. It should cradle the knee.
• The bottom of the shin guard should stay close to the top of your skate boot and should not leave the ankle area exposed.
• The straps should close comfortably tight on the calves.

Remember that:

• A small shinguard will leave your ankle area exposed and will feel too tight.
• A larger-sized shinguard will come down too low on your boot, and your boot will push the shin guard up. It will stay loose and result in unwanted movement. The kneecap will not align with the donut of your knee and expose you to injuries.

#6 - Price

There can be large variations in the price of shin guard, depending on the level of protection vs mobility.

Budget shin guards: These offer basic protection and are suitable for absolute beginners and recreational players.

Mid-range shin guards: These offer the most value-for-money as they employ technology used in advanced shin guards toned down to suit beginner-to-intermediate level of play.

Expensive shin guards: These offer all-around protection and enhance mobility. The material and technology employed in these shin guards easily support elite level of play.

Brand

The main brands making reliable shin guards are Bauer and CCM.
However, when determining which shinguard to opt for, note that the fit and comfort of the shin guard are more important than brand loyalty and overall look.

Reviews - Best Youth hockey shin guards

Pure hockey PH1

Pros:

• Great protection for the price range
• A great choice for beginners, recreational players
• Super comfortable
• Adequately shock absorbent

Cons:

• It needs extra taping, as a single strap is not enough for secure closure.

Ideal for: Beginners or those on a budget

PH1 Kids hockey shin pads are a great choice for those who want to opt for good quality shin pads, but do not wish to invest in high-end ones.
These entry-level shin pads come in an anatomical fit that seems to complement young legs perfectly. The design is also a bit top-heavy for improved protection.

Given that these are not high-end shin pads, they do not employ a composite smart foam for protection, but rely on a basic multi-density foam. However, the foam placement helps keep the overall feel of the shin guards fairly lightweight.
What’s fantastic is that even though these are basic shin pads, the liners can be removed. This supports quick-drying and enhances comfort. The removable liners also allow the fit to be customized as per player needs.

However, the one area where the design falls short is in the strap department. The use of a single strap causes shifting and sliding unless properly taped and can prove to be a bit of a hassle for entry-level players.

Buy it / Read user reviews

CCM Tacks AS1

Pros:

• Suitable for elite level of play
• Removable liner for greater comfort
• Quick adjustment straps
• Affordable
• Excellent protection

Cons:

• Limited calf coverage

Ideal for: Intermediate to advanced level players looking for comfort and protection.

The CCM Tacks AS1 pack several impressive features that make these suitable for intermediate to advanced levels of play.

They use a beautifully molded knee cap structure that completely covers the player’s knees. The shin area itself is protected using a high-quality molded PE shell. The ribbed design on the kneecap and the shin shell disperse shock evenly and keep the leg feeling secure even in high-intensity games.

The liner used in these shin guards employs the super-absorbent D3O material. This material is a top-end material that keeps the weight of the shin guards low while adding tremendous shock absorption to the shin guards.
The liners can be easily removed for cleaning and can be suitably placed in the shin guards, depending on individual preference.

Another small but impressive feature of these shin guards is the velcro strap mechanism. The straps can be quickly adjusted and then sealed on the front end for a secure closure.

Had these shin guards offered a little more coverage on the calves, they would have easily proved to be the perfect youth hockey shin guards.

Buy it / Read user reviews

Bauer Supreme 2S Pro  

Pros:

• Anatomical fit (Same as senior-level)
• Excellent calf coverage
• Breathable liner
• Great value for money

Cons:

• Need to be taped to prevent shifting

Ideal for: Bauer fans looking for top-quality full-coverage comfortable shin guards

Bauer Supreme 2S Pro shin pads are a great choice for those looking for the perfect blend of comfort and protection.

The protection provided by these shin guards comes from the use of MD foam, a smart foam that excels at shock absorption. The placement of the MD foam on the knee and the knee flap extending to the thigh allows even shock distribution.

This protection is also seamlessly complemented by the anatomical fit. The fit, which is a replica of its senior model, sits firmly on the shin. It delivers a soft, thick cushioning without feeling bulky at all for the small, skinny legs of young players.

What increases the comfort quotient of these shin guards is the use of Vent Armor foam. The foam and the liner work hand in hand in keeping the legs feeling dry. The shin guards come with two straps. However, the straps need the support of extra taping for securely keeping the shin guards in place.

Buy it / Read user reviews

Reviews - Best Junior Hockey Shin Guards

Bauer Vapor 2X pro

Pros:

• Super protective for low-profile design and thin construction
• Suitable for elite level of play
• Promotes fantastic mobility
• Lightweight and breathable
• Secure double velcro straps

Cons:

• Thinner than standard shin pads

Ideal for: Dedicated players who prefer a lightweight shin-hugging design for better movement

These elite-level shin pads are one of the lightest ice hockey shin pads and offer abundant freedom of movement. The low-profile hockey shin guards prove to be an excellent choice and are undoubtedly the best hockey shin guards for forwards. The shin-hugging design allows free movement without feeling restrictive at all.

The patterned shell also distributes shock, nullifying the impact of slashes and pucks completely. The premium quality of the X-Lite Shield Shin Cap impresses instantly, especially if you are upgrading from shin guards.

The Deep Fit Pro Knee Cap is a champion at knee protection. Its deep knee cavity wraps completely around the knee and holds it in place even when the leg is completely flexed. The straps lock themselves in place quickly and stay in place throughout. 

The overall design has also been structured to feel highly comfortable. The removable liners dry fast, and the placement can be adjusted to meet personal requirements.

Overall, if you are willing to try out shin pads that are much thinner than traditional fit shin pads, these are a worthwhile investment.

Buy it / Read user reviews

CCM Super Tacks AS1

Pros:

• Customizable protection
• Highly comfortable lining and padding
• Defined fit
• Excellent value for money
• Suitable for elite-level of play

Cons:

• Slightly tapering design may not work for everyone.

Ideal for: Best all-round shin guards for intermediate to advanced level of play

The CCM Super Tacks AS1 design is highly impressive for its high-quality construction, seamless integration of protective features, and overall comfort-enhancing features.

To begin with, what impresses me the most is that these shin pads use the solid D3O foam throughout their body as the primary protective element.

The D3O is known to be the most shock-absorbing material amongst ice hockey gear materials. It deadens the most intense shocks almost instantly, thereby facilitating freedom of movement. Thus, what’s commendable is that the D3O has been used on the calf area, on the knee as well as on the shin.

To enhance comfort, the shin guards employ a removable liner with detachable lower shin padding for a highly customizable fit.

However, a unique aspect of the CCM shin guard is the tape groove integrated into the shin cap. This small addition to design goes a long way in increasing ease of use and preventing shifting of the pads.

Buy it / Read user reviews

Bauer Vapor X2.9

Pros:

• Provides excellent value for money
• Removable liner for more comfort
• Adequate protection for beginner to intermediate level of play
• Dual strapping for a more defined fit

Cons:

• Not suitable for elite players

Ideal for: Those looking for mid-range shin guards providing all-round protection and comfort.

The Bauer Vapor X2.9 Junior Hockey Shin Guards are the best hockey shin pads for those looking for all-round protection and comfort at an affordable price range.

These shin pads do not employ advanced construction features like the Junior shin pads reviewed above but still deliver commendable protection and comfort.
The liner, in particular, which uses the Thermo Max technology, is extremely breathable. It will leave you feeling dry and cool. It is removable too, for thorough cleaning and drying.
You will also feel super comfortable wearing these shin guards, thanks to their wide straps. The straps gently cover the calf area, and the fit can be easily dialed down as per the player’s individual liking.

The Shin Cap and the Kneecap both feel sturdy when worn, and most impacts go unnoticed.

In my opinion, unless you are looking for low-profile or elite-level shin pads, you should only opt for these shin pads for their impressive design and construction.

Buy it / Read user reviews

Reviews - Best Senior Hockey Shin Guards

Bauer Vapor 2X Pro

Pros:

• Super protective for low-profile design and thin construction
• Suitable for elite level of play
• Promotes fantastic mobility
• Lightweight and breathable
• Secure double velcro straps

Cons:

• Thinner than standard shin pads

Ideal for: Elite players who prefer a lightweight shin-hugging design for better movement

One of the best options for light ice hockey shin pads. They also offer abundant freedom of movement. An excellent choice for forwards. The shin-hugging design allows free movement without feeling restrictive at all.

The patterned shell distributes shock, nullifying the impact of slashes and pucks completely. The premium quality of the X-Lite Shield Shin Cap will impress you, especially if you are upgrading from older shin guards.

The Deep Fit Pro Knee Cap is a champion at knee protection. Its deep knee cavity wraps completely around the knee and holds it in place even when the leg is completely flexed. The straps lock themselves in place quickly and stay in place throughout. 

The overall design has also been structured to feel highly comfortable.
The liners are removable and dry fast. Plus, their placement can be adjusted to meet personal requirements.

Overall, if you are willing to try out shin pads that are much thinner than traditional fit shin pads, these are a worthwhile investment.

Buy it / Read user reviews

CCM Super Tacks AS1

Pros:

• Customizable protection
• Highly comfortable lining and padding
• Defined fit
• Excellent value for money
• Suitable for elite-level of play

Cons:

• Slightly tapering design may not work for everyone.

Ideal for: Best all-round shin guards for intermediate to advanced level of play

The CCM Super Tacks AS1 design is impressive because of

• its high-quality construction,
• seamless integration of protective features,
• and overall comfort-enhancing features.

These shin pads use the solid D3O foam as the primary protective element. D3O is known to be the most shock-absorbing material amongst ice hockey gear materials. It deadens the most intense shocks almost instantly.
On this product, the D3O has been used on the calf area, on the knee, as well as on the shin.

Plus, to enhance comfort, these shin guards employ a removable liner with detachable lower shin padding for a highly customizable fit.

Plus, another unique aspect is the tape groove integrated into the shin cap. This small addition to design goes a long way in increasing ease of use and preventing shifting of the pads.

Buy it / Read user reviews

Bauer vapor X2.9

Pros:

• Provides excellent value for money
• Removable liner for more comfort
• Adequate protection for beginner to intermediate level of play
• Dual strapping for a more defined fit

Cons:

• Not suitable for elite players

Ideal for: Those looking for mid-range shin guards providing all-round protection and comfort.

The Bauer Vapor X2.9 senior Hockey Shin Guards are the best hockey shin pads for those looking for all-round protection and comfort at an affordable price range.
They don't have advanced construction features, but still deliver commendable protection and comfort.
The liner uses the Thermo Max technology and is extremely breathable. It will leave you feeling dry and cool. It is removable too, for thorough cleaning and drying.

You will also feel super comfortable wearing these shin guards, thanks to their wide straps. They cover the calf area very well, and the fit can be easily adjusted to the player’s individual liking.

The shin cap and the kneecap both feel sturdy when worn, and most impacts go unnoticed.

Buy it / Read user reviews

CCM Tacks 9060

Pros:

• Excellent value for money
• Complete all-round protection
• Removable liner with knee cut out for comfort and cleaning
• Thick straps to keep the shin pads in place

Cons:

• A bit thicker than elite models

Ideal for: Those looking for all-round protection at an affordable price range

Unless you are an elite-level player looking for a specific shin guard profile, you will like these shin guards for their excellent comfort and protection.
Given that they come at a mid-range price point, it is astonishing to see how protective these shin pads are.

These shin pads use the classic CCM PE mold cap for the shell. The protective material coupled with the patterned design dilutes the blow of most impacts. The knee area also feels deep enough to cradle the knee cap properly, and the use of the hard PE ensures that hard blows are blocked and nullified.

For comfort, these shin pads use a removable liner with a clever knee cut-out similar to its top-end models. This feature guarantees a clean, dry feeling. What’s impressive is that the liner holds on to the back of the pads even after it has been removed and washed a few times.

The other two interesting features integrated into these shin guards are the broader straps that perform an excellent job at keeping the shin pads in place and the tape grooves that take the user experience to the next level.

Overall, these should be your go-to shin pads if you want great value for money.

Buy it / Read user reviews

Bauer NSX

Pros:

• Budget-friendly
• Good protection for the price range
• Removable liner for comfort and cleaning
• Durable
• Ideal for beginners or recreational players

Cons:

• Bulky feeling takes some time to get used to

Ideal for: Those looking for cheap shin pads for entry-level or recreational play

Bauer has always excelled at producing both elite-level gear as well as entry-level gear. With this product, Bauer retains the basic protection required in hockey gear while lowering the overall sophistication in its budget range gear.

The Bauer NSX delivers ample protection and adequate comfort and comes at a cheap price point that is perfect for recreational play.

These shin pads use a tapered profile - which means that they are loaded with protection on top for a secure feel, and thinner padding at the ankles allows free movement. On the back, the shin guards cover the calves completely using thick molded PE inserts and high-quality velcro calf straps.

On the inside, the shin pads use a simple mesh liner that keeps the legs dry and improves breathability.

Overall, note that its comfort and fit features are not comparable in quality to the top-end models. You will find these shin pads a bit bulky, and the small strap at the back will do little to hold the shin guards in place.

Nevertheless, for protection, these shin pads perform as well as Bauer’s advanced models and are a fantastic choice for recreational players who do not want to shell out extra dollars on fancy shin guards.

Buy it / Read user reviews

Tips to take care of ice hockey shin guards

In this section, you will find some quick tips to help you take care of your shin guards. Taking care of shin guards ensures that their protection stays intact and helps you get the most out of them.

Taping your Hockey Shin Guards

To ensure an ideal fit and prevent the shin guards from moving during play, most players use sock tape to keep their guards in place. 
One technique is as follows, but you should experiment to find what works best for you:

1. Fit your shin guards
2. Place your hockey socks over the shin guards
3. Tape over hockey socks to hold both your socks and shin guards in place
4. Tape around the leg multiple times just below the knee
5. Do the same just above the ankle or mid-calf
6. You can add an extra diagonal wrap between the two

Drying

• Dry out the shin guards completely after every use at normal room temperature.
• Leave them on a drying stand or hang them.
• Spray a light coat of sports deodorizer on them while they dry.
• Do not use the shin guards again unless they are completely dry.

Washing

• If your shin guards have become too dirty or stinky, you can safely wash them at home.
• Soak the shin guards (velcros sealed together, liners removed) in warm water with mild detergent (specifically made for sports gear) or vinegar.
• Load them in the washing machine and run a regular cycle. Make sure the machine isn’t too full. Avoid using harsh detergents.
• Let them dry out completely before the next use.

Inspecting & Replacing

• Regularly inspect shin guards to see if they are damaged. A damaged velcro strap can be fixed.
• However, never stick together a cracked shin cap. A cracked shin pad must be replaced immediately.

Other care

• Keep the velcro on the shin pads free from pieces of tape or cloth to ensure that they seal properly.
• Tape the shin pads between the knee and the leg area to avoid wear and tear on account of friction.

Frequently Asked Questions - Ice Hockey Shin Pads

Do socks go over or under shin guards?

Socks always go over the shin guards. Position the shin guards correctly, strap them on and then wear socks over them. If required, tape over for extra security.

What shin guards do NHL players wear?

NHL players were elite-level shin guards from popular brands like Bauer, CCM, and Warrior.

What do you wear under the shin guards?

Some players wear a base layer of pants, compression pants, or socks underneath their hockey gear to add comfort and prevent the shin guards from coming in direct contact with their skin. However, most players wear ice hockey pants (knee length) and hence do not wear anything under the shin guards.

Which shin guard goes on which leg?

Shin guards made by most major brands come printed with the words left or right on them for easy identification.

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Need help to raise money for your kid's hockey team or your hockey player?
Below are over 30 hockey fundraising ideas for you to consider with:

• different difficulty to set up (easy, medium or high)
• different investment level
• and, of course, different revenue potential.

Plus, some ideas can tighten your hockey community because of the organization or the activity itself.

** BEWARE ** - please consider any legal restrictions/requirements in your area 

This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you (more info here).

9 Hockey fundraising ideas with hockey theme

Note: many of the hockey fundraising ideas include the need for prizes. I list ideas for those at the end of the article

#1 - Chuck-a-puck

• Fundraising Potential: $
• Cost: $
• Popularity: +++
• Complexity: Easy
• What is required: Need access to the rink, to pucks and a price for the winner (or several for top 3)
• Best Time to do it: Offer to purchase before a game and organize the throws during an intermission
• Can kids participate? yes
• Description
  Chuck-a-puck is a very popular option for fundraising because it is quick, easy, fun and an old tradition of hockey games.
  Collect a large quantity of pucks.
  Write unique numbers on the back of each puck.
  Sell pucks to people and attach a name to the number (either via a paper list or by giving a receipt with the duplicate of the number to the purchaser (another option is for people to write their name at the back when purchasing).
  That person chucks the puck on the ice towards the central dot.
  At the end, the owner of the puck closest to the center takes on the prize.

#2 - Puck to target

• Fundraising Potential: $
• Cost: $
• Popularity: ++
• Complexity: easy
• What is required: Either a rink or a backyard set up with a net and shooting pad (or using a ball instead of puck) + prizes for winners
• Can kids participate? Yes.
• Description
  Run a competition where a target must be hit, e.g.:
  - Score the highest number of goals within a limited time
  - Score from a distance, and increase the distance until only one remain
  - Set up a variety of target at various heights and distance - and measure time to hit all targets
• Alternative
  It can also work for other games such as basketball, soccer, darts... You can plan it around important tournaments to raise the interest.

#3 - Skate-a-thon

• Fundraising Potential: $
• Cost: $
• Popularity: +
• Complexity: medium
• What is required: need access to the rink for a longer time 
• Can kids participate? this is best for kids
• Description
  If you have limited access to the rink in terms of time, it is best for pledge to be minutes on the ice rather than laps around the ice. Otherwise, laps are more fun to raise.
  Anyone can pledge money to a kid for the amount of time / laps on the ice.
  The money is collected in advance.
  Upon getting on the ice, collect the starting time for each kid / or give a number to each kid for lapses to be counted
  This is a great way to get kids motivated to fundraise with you.
• Alternative
  If you don't have access to a rink, you can organize a variant with rollerblades or skateboards

#4 - Hockey fantasy league

• Fundraising Potential: $$
• Cost: $
• Popularity: +++
• Complexity: need to be familiar with hosting a fantasy sport pool
• What is required: prizes for the winner
• Can kids participate? 
• Description
  Host a fantasy hockey league
  Determine team sizes, timeframe and rules
  Have everyone pay a fee to enter
  Run the league
  Learn the basis here

#5 - Hockey photography contest

• Fundraising Potential: $
• Cost: $
• Popularity: +
• Complexity: easy
• Best Time to do it: during a game
• What is required: just a way to register participants and prizes for the winners
• Can kids participate? yes
• Description
  Have people enter the contest via a fee, at the beginning of a game
  Everyone must take their picture during a game or an event
  You can use social media for people to enter their photo with a hashtag
  Choose a winner either by a board of parents or kids (can be fun to let the kids choose the best photo) or by the number of likes on the picture... 

#6 - Guess the number of pucks

• Fundraising Potential: $
• Cost: $
• Popularity: +
• Complexity: medium (because the container needs to be quite large)
• Best Time to do it: during a large event
• What is required: a large container, many pucks and a prize for the winner
• Can kids participate? yes
• Description
  Place numerous pucks into a container (like jelly beans in a jar)
  People pay to enter the contest and guess how many pucks are in
  The closest number wins.

#7 - Hockey-themed scavenger hunt

• Fundraising Potential: $
• Cost: $
• Popularity: ++
• Complexity: medium, requires time to organize
• Best Time to do it: Summer (for more chances of good weather)
• What is required: locations, items to be found, clues... prize for the winner
• Can kids participate? yes, this is for the whole family
• Description
  This requires time to design the hunt and organize it, but it can also be a lot of fun.
  You can run it around the rink or in another location with hockey items
  To get proof steps are completed, you can ask for the name of the items or for people to take pictures with the items
  Be sure to plan so that the route is safe for participant and that it can be completed by participants of all levels (and to the situation adapt car / on foot)

#8 - Hockey Trivia Game

• Fundraising Potential: $
• Cost: $
• Popularity: ++
• Complexity: easy, you can find plenty of trivia questions on the Internet or within a book about hockey (see suggestions in this article)
• What is required: a room and drinks (or a bar willing to host you in exchange for a drink minimum for attendees)
• Can kids participate? yes, it can be fun depending on the location and time (it can be done during an outdoor picnic)
• Description
  Participants pay an entrance fee to get an entrance paper to write their answers
  Ask questions specific to hockey (equipment, history, players, famous games, technical terms...) - they should be adapted to your audience - people can play in teams of 2 or 3 to make it more fun and interactive
  A few questions must be difficult to be able to get a winner
  The highest number of correct answers wins the prize

#9 - Hockey themed silent auction

• Fundraising Potential: $
• Cost: $
• Popularity: +
• Complexity: 
• Best Time to do it:
• What is required: collect hockey themed items for the auction - location to run the auction
• Can kids participate? yes by 
• Description
  Have fun collecting items - kids can take part (for example by creating drawings that can be auctioned) - items can include something from the coach, paintings about hockey, pictures, objects created with old pucks... be creative!
  Display the items to be won (online or in a room)
  Have people bid on each item they enjoy
  The highest bid wins the item and you collect the money

7 Events / Gatherings type hockey team fundraising ideas

#10 - Dance

• Fundraising Potential: $
• Cost: $$
• Popularity: +
• Complexity: Medium
• What is required: a place, music, drinks, food, decorations...
• Can kids participate? yes it can include kids, but it can be for parents only
• Description
  It can be nice for parents of hockey player to gather and enjoy a night out, celebrating their commitment to their kids' passion
  Sell entrance tickets to cover location, food, music and drinks + margin - or have people pay for food and drinks inside
  It can be paired with a trivia game or a silent auction

#11 - Game night

• Fundraising Potential: $
• Cost: $$
• Popularity: +
• Complexity: Medium
• What is required: a location, music, drinks, food, and games...
• Can kids participate? yes it can include kids, but it can be for parents only
• Description
  Set up different areas in the room with different games such as casino games, darts... or organize it at a bowling alley... or using games for people to get to know each other better (e.g. the bowl game, the press conference game...)
  Sell entrance tickets to cover location, food, music and drinks + margin - or have people pay for food and drinks inside
  Watch people have fun 

#12 - Non-Hockey Trivia Game

• Fundraising Potential: $
• Cost: $
• Popularity: ++
• Description
  Organize trivia nights with other themes - tv, movies, celebrities, other sports...

#13 - Non-hockey themed silent auction

• Fundraising Potential: $$
• Cost: $
• Description
  Same as the hockey themed one, but with items that are not related to hockey.
  You can get people to donate higher end products to fundraise more money

#14 - Food party

• Fundraising Potential: $
• Cost: $
• Popularity: ++
• Complexity: 
• What is required: grocery store to donate food / or parents to donate food
• Can kids participate? yes
• Description
  OPrganize a food party and have people pay for entrance.
  They can include: Community barbecue, pancake breakfast (e.g. during morning practice) or salad party

#15 - Bingo night

• Fundraising Potential: $
• Cost: $
• Popularity: +
• Complexity: medium
• What is required: dabbers, sheets, ball and rolling cage - can be rented + you need a location and prizes to win
• Can kids participate? yes
• Description
  Typical bingo game
  People pay for a sheet with various numbers
  It creates a night of fun, and you could also generate income from food / drinks

#16 - Poker tournament

• Fundraising Potential: $$
• Cost: $
• Popularity: ++
• Complexity: Difficult if you have a lot of players
• What is required: area to run the poker games, prize for the winner
• Can kids participate?  no
• Description
  Run a poker tournament.
  Fee for entry and prize for the winner
• Careful, make sure to check your local regulations regarding hosting poker nights for generating money

#17 - Golf tournament

• Fundraising Potential: $$
• Cost: $
• Popularity: +++
• Complexity: high
• What is required: agreement with golf course, a lot of time
• Can kids participate? maybe
• Description
  Organize a golf tournament.
  This takes a lot of time but can raise a lot of money as it is very popular.

8 Sales / Services type fundraising for hockey mums and dads

#18 - Holiday gift wrap

• Fundraising Potential: $
• Cost: $
• Popularity: ++
• Complexity: medium
• Best Time to do it: Christmas
• What is required: agreement with shopping mall or shop, table, paper, ribbons, sticky tape... (you could find shops to donate the paper in exchange for advertisement on your wrapping booth)
• Can kids participate? yes (from a certain age)
• Description
  The most difficult part is to find a good place / store to set up your stand (and get an agreement to do it).
  Make sure your volunteer can make beautiful gift wrapping (watch youtube video and practice if necessary)
  Then you just set up and wrap holiday gifts for a tip

#19 - Bake sale

• Fundraising Potential: $
• Cost: $
• Popularity: ++
• Complexity: easy
• What is required: type to bake
• Can kids participate? 
• Description
  Classic activity...
  Make it themed by creating puck style cookies!

#20 - Garage sale / used equipment sale / used book sale

• Fundraising Potential: $$
• Cost: $
• Popularity: ++
• Complexity: medium
• What is required: people to donate things / equipment they don't need anymore + a location
• Can kids participate? yes
• Description
  Declutter house and get rid of your unwanted stuff.
  Hold an association garage sale (maybe on the rink parking lot or the yard of a volunteer)
  Make flyers to advertise the sale

#21 - Holiday Candygrams

• Fundraising Potential: $$
• Cost: $
• Popularity: +++
• Complexity: medium 
• Best Time to do it:
• What is required:
• Can kids participate? yes, in preparing the candygrams
• Description
  Spread joy and raise money by selling and sending personalized messages attached to candies and other treats.
  Sell candygrams at your office, in your neighborhood, at the rink...
  Just get the detailed information of the recipient to send the candygram to the correct person.

#22 - Car wash

• Fundraising Potential: $
• Cost: $
• Popularity: ++
• Complexity: medium
• What is required: location, access to water, soap, sponges
• Can kids participate? yes
• Description
  The classic of fund raising
  Don't forget to make flyers and advertise for it beforehand! And use signs on a main road to attract other customers.

#22 - Sell something for other hockey (and non hockey) moms 

• Fundraising Potential: $
• Cost: $
• Popularity: ++
• Complexity: 
• Best Time to do it:
• What is required:
• Can kids participate? 
• Description
  If you are really good at something, create a product to help other hockey moms, e.g.:
  - cookbook
  - your special mix to wash hockey equipment (and remove the stinks)
  - calendar with your photography (hockey or non hockey related)
  - design a t-shirt with a special theme

#24 - Teach something in your community

• Fundraising Potential: $$
• Cost: $
• Popularity: ++
• Complexity: medium
• What is required: location and your knowledge
• Can kids participate? maybe
• Description
  If you are really good at something, consider teaching a masterclass to raise some money e.g.:
  - cooking a special dish
  - photography class
  - Take care of specific plants
  - craft skill
  ...
  Charge admission to attend and place a donation jar.

#25 - Volunteer Auction

• Fundraising Potential: $$
• Cost: $
• Popularity: ++
• Complexity: medium
• What is required: volunteer hockey parents, location to run the auction
• Can kids participate? maybe 
• Description
  Have member of the hockey community volunteer a few hours to offer a service / do something for the auction winner, e.g.:
  - handyman to fix something
  - lawn mowing
  - web design
  - cooking a meal
  ...
  People bid to win each service.

2 Raffles / contest / challenges - ice hockey fundraising ideas

#26 - Raffle tickets

• Fundraising Potential: $$
• Cost: $
• Popularity: ++
• Complexity: easy once you have the prize
• What is required: a prize, raffle tickets
• Can kids participate? they can sell tickets
• Description
  Collect prizes (from families of team members, local businesses, or famous hockey player if you know one...)
  Sell tickets to enter the raffle
  If you don't have prizes, you cna do a 50/50 raffle where the winner gets half of the funds you raise and you/ the association gets the other half.

#27 - Pumpkin Carving Contest

• Fundraising Potential: $
• Cost: $
• Popularity: ++
• Complexity: easy
• Best Time to do it: people to judge the contest (or a way to have the community judge)
• What is required: prizes for the winners
• Can kids participate? yes
• Description
  People pay a small fee to enter their carved pumpkin into the competition.
  You can do it on location with limited time to do it or have people bring their creation (maybe with a theme) and enter the contest
  Set categories (kids, adults...)
  Winners (decided by judge or community) get prizes

#28 - Snowman contest

• Fundraising Potential: $
• Cost: $
• Popularity: ++
• Complexity: easy
• Best Time to do it: people to judge the contest (or a way to have the community judge) + location (and snow of course)
• What is required: prizes for the winners
• Can kids participate? yes
• Description
  People pay a small fee to enter their snowman into the competition.
  Set categories (kids, adults...)
  Winners (decided by judge or community) get prizes

Sponsoring - Hockey fundraiser

Sponsors (Jerseys, Programs, Banners)

Many teams have team sponsors that will make a contribution to a team to have the name of their business on the jerseys, buy program space, or have their name on a banner that is used at home and away games (just be sure not to put that  banner too close to the home team’s bench to avoid bad feelings). This can be a great way to raise funds for a particular team.

#29 - Crowdfunding

• Fundraising Potential: $$
• Cost: $
• Popularity: +++
• Complexity: high
• What is required: understand marketing on social media
• Can kids participate? no
• Description
  There are nowadays many platforms to create a crowdfunding event / process.
  With the Internet, you have access to many people, who can give small donations.
  You can just explain your cause and create interesting brief that invites people to donate, or you can organize for donation to get a small thing in return such as a postcard or a drawing by one of the players...
  Rallyup.com, for example, is focusing on raising money for sports team.

#30 - Donation Page

• Fundraising Potential: $
• Cost: $
• Popularity: +
• Complexity: medium
  
• What is required: website understanding, marketing skills
• Can kids participate? no
• Description
  If your hockey team / club / rink has a website, make sure to create a donation page.
  If you don't promote it, it might not make a lot. But once it is done, you don't have to worry about it and you can direct people to it during events.

#31 - Store partnership (Grocery or not)

• Fundraising Potential: $$$
• Cost: $
• Popularity: ++
• Complexity: difficult
• What is required: agreement with store, contract
• Can kids participate? no
• Description
  Some grocery store can have an agreement with you where they give a percentage of the same back to the association based on defined criteria.
  It may be easier to set up with a chain store as they already have systems in place.
  And with local smaller store, they could just agree to place your jar at their counter - if you create an appealing box, customers could give their changes or make donation in them.

Prizes ideas

Many of the fundraising activities above require prizes for the winners.
Below are some ideas for your to start with, but be creative, many things are possible depending on the level of investment by participants.

Small / cute trinkets

• Batch of cookies
• Cake
• Drawings by hockey players
• Association sticker
• ...

Free Prizes by team / volunteers

• Help by a volunteer from the hockey community
• Chat time with the coach
• Special seat at one of the team's games
• Name on a wall of fame
• ...

Medium prizes

• Basket of donated food items
• Basket of donated liquor bottles
• Gift
• Cinema ticket
• Personalize items on hockey theme - check out many ideas on my hockey gift article

Larger prizes

• Items by local stores (electronics, sport equipment, vacations, restaurant meal...)
• Services donated by local businesses (hairdressing, massage, yoga lesson, spa treatment, coaching...)
• Tickets to hockey events
• Hockey equipment
• Gift card
• ...

Money prize

• Fixed pre-determine amount
• percentage of the money collected

Share it on your favorite social media!

As a beginner, the choice of hockey equipment can feel overwhelming.
Below is a guide with my selection of the 10 best hockey sticks for beginners to help learn the game:

• 2 for youth players
• 3 for junior players
• 5 for adult players / teen players

This should help simplify your decision. And if you need more, you can find explanation about the criteria, reviews and answer to your frequently asked questions.

This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you (more info here).

Best hockey sticks for beginners

If you don't want to read the whole article, below is a summary of the best hockey sticks for beginners based on age category: youth, junior and senior (adults).
However, if you want to learn more, you can find further down:

• The answers to your FAQs
• The essential criteria to look for buying a beginner hockey stick
• Reviews of those selected sticks
• Tips to take care of them.

Best Youth beginner hockey sticks

And, if you are looking at the next level - check out my article about the best youth hockey sticks

Best Junior beginner hockey

Best adults beginner hockey sticks

And if you have master the absolute basics and are looking to progress, have a look at the next level:

Best Ice Hockey Stick - Frequently Asked Questions

What price should I put into my stick as a beginner? Are expensive sticks worth it?

Expensive sticks assist experienced, and elite-level players in delivering better performance as the sticks are specifically engineered to suit their style of play.

However, as beginners still learning basic shot making, balance, and posture spending an exuberant amount on an expensive stick will not yield any benefits. It is best to settle for a budget to mid-range stick.

Can I buy a hockey stick on Amazon?

Hockey sticks available on Amazon are mostly made for playing street hockey and not ice hockey. Using a stick hockey stick to play ice hockey will be damaging as the stick will not have the right curve or quality required for playing on ice.

What stick do most NHL players use?

Most NHL players used top-end ice hockey sticks made by Bauer and CCM. Some players also use sticks made by Warrior and True.

The technical specifications of each ice hockey stick are specifically chosen to meet the style of play of every individual player.

Is there a better brand of sticks for beginners? Bauer vs. CCM - which is better?

All the leading brands like Bauer, CCM, Warrior, etc., make excellent beginner-level hockey sticks. It is difficult to determine whether Bauer is better than CCM or any of the other brands in respect of their beginner ice hockey sticks.

This is because the decision to buy a particular hockey stick must depend on how the stick feels in your hands and how well it complements your playing style. The decision must not solely depend on which brand manufactures the stick.  

What are the essential specifications to look at when buying a beginner hockey stick?

As a beginner, you need a stick that promotes all-round development of your hockey playing skills. You do not need a stick that is crafted for the specific playing style of elite-level players. Thus the only factors that you must consider when buying a beginner ice hockey stick are:

Size & Length 

When buying a hockey stick, it is essential to consider the following two factors -

1. Size &
2. Length

Hockey sticks are categorized into the following four sizes based on age-

• Youth: 4-8 yrs
• Junior: 7-12 yrs.
• Intermediate: 10-14 yrs.
• Senior: 14 yrs and above

The above age-based classification is to be used as a primary guideline when choosing a hockey stick.

Next, you should determine the length of the hockey stick that you should buy. Hockey sticks come in three lengths:

• Short: This hockey stick stays a few inches under your chin when wearing ice skates and holding the stick upright from the floor.
• Regular: This hockey stick stays just under your chin when wearing ice skates and holding the stick upright from the floor.
• Long: This hockey stick stays over the chin when wearing ice skates and holding the stick upright from the floor.

As a beginner, you should ideally buy a regular-sized ice hockey stick. Regular-sized ice hockey sticks can be further adjusted by a few centimeters later.

However, if you are taller than average people in your age group, you may have to buy a long stick.

Weight

Many buying guides on the internet recommend using a lightweight hockey stick. Unfortunately, these hockey stick guides are only applicable to more experienced players.

For absolute beginners, though, it is better to opt for a slightly heavier hockey stick as: 

• It allows more control over shots.
• It can be used for practice sessions on non-ice surfaces
• It develops better stickhandling technique

Once you identify your style of play, you can opt for a lightweight stick that allows

• Quicker play &
• Lesser energy consumption

Material

Hockey sticks are made using wood or composite materials using a blend of carbon, fiber, aluminum, etc.

A wooden hockey stick enjoys the following benefits:

• It provides an excellent stick feel
• Its heavier weight promotes great control and stickhandling skills
• It is highly affordable

A composite hockey stick, on the other hand, enjoys the following benefits:

• It is more durable
• It promotes quicker release and allows high-speed shots
• It comes in many variations to support competitive play.

As an absolute beginner trying to get the first-hand experience of the stick, you can opt for either a wooden stick or a composite stick. However, once you decide to pursue the sport regularly, it is best to move to a composite stick.

Price

The price of a hockey stick is often directly proportionate to its construction quality. Nevertheless, when you are an absolute beginner, buying a stick that falls in the budget range or the mid-range is best.

The tentative price range of beginner level hockey sticks is -

• Wooden: USD 20-40
• Composite (Budget): USD 40- 80
• Composite (Mid-range): up to USD 160

The pricing will also vary depending on the age group to which you belong. Thus, expect to spend a bit higher if you are a senior.

Flex of the shaft + Curve/blade pattern 

The flex-rating of the shaft determines how much weight needs to be exerted on a stick for it to bend to its full capacity. Flex-rating determines the power and speed of shot-making.

Similarly, the blade also comes in varying patterns and curve specifications.

You will find the meaning and purpose of all these technical aspects specified in several hockey stick articles.

However, as a beginner, you should not worry too much about these aspects. You should buy a standard budget/mid-range hockey stick that

• is capable of giving you a preliminary feel of the stick as well as the game
• has a standard flex and a mid-kick point
• is not too expensive

You should upgrade your stick only after you play regularly for a while and discover your style of play and preferred position.

Reviews - Best ice hockey sticks for beginners - youth

Option 1 - Warrior Covert QRE 10 stick review

Weight: 305 grams

Material: Carbon Fiber

Why should you buy it? Affordable stick for absolute beginners

Pros:

• Perfect stick for young beginners
• Grip & smaller diameter fits small hands
• Lower flex promotes good stickhandling technique
• Affordable
• Attractive design
• Advanced variants of the same model available for upgrading.

Cons:

• Only suitable for absolute beginners

Comments:

This is the best ‘first stick’ for youth players. The design of this stick features an attractive color that stands out on ice. The design also appeals to young tots holding the stick for the first time.

The construction of this stick has been made specifically, keeping youth beginners in mind. Thus, it uses a soft, tacky grip on the shaft. The shaft, in itself, is also small in diameter. These features make holding the stick very easy for young players with small hands. In addition, the shaft uses a low flex that effortlessly loads shots with power.

For the blade, the Warrior Cover QRE 10 employs a W03 blade pattern. The W03 is a mid-curve, mid-depth, open angled blade that helps with lifting the puck. This blade and shaft combination also aids the development of stickhandling technique among players.

Overall, this affordably priced hockey stick delivers great value. It is the ideal stick to boost the skills and confidence of young players beginning their ice hockey journey.

Read customer reviews / Check out latest price

Option 2 - Bauer Vapor Prodigy youth stick review

Weight: 382 grams

Material: Carbon Fiber

Why should you buy it? Great stick for learning hockey basics / recreational play

Pros:

• Excellent fused two-piece construction
• Flex and blade suitable for learning basics
• Good stick feel for better control
• Durable
• Affordable

Cons:

• Length variants may not suit everyone

Comments:

The Bauer Vapor Prodigy is a composite stick made using carbon fiber. The unidirectional carbon fiber construction allows an even flow of energy from the shaft to the blade and then on to the puck. The flex on this stick is low to quickly infuse the right amount of power in shots.

The blade used in this stick has a larger surface area and an open-angle. This allows a slightly heightened puck feel, making lifting, passing, and blocking easier.

Now, these features are important because they boost the confidence of young players learning new skills. From better puck control to better stickhandling, this stick has what it takes to keep young minds interested.

The only downside of this stick is its sizing. While it can be a great hockey stick for 5-year-old average sized-players, it may not work for younger and shorter kids.

However, overall, it's a durable stick that works well for young hockey players.

Read customer reviews / Check out latest price

Reviews - Best ice hockey sticks for beginners - junior

Bauer Vapor X2.7

Weight: 412 grams

Material: UD Carbon Fiber

Pros:

• Lightweight for this price range
• Ideal stick for quick-paced game and snapshots
• Excellent puck feel
• Durable

Cons:

• Not suitable for shots requiring higher load time
• Experienced players will have to upgrade to the higher variant

This stick is an excellent budget-range choice for players that like to play competitive matches. In particular, the Bauer Vapor X2.7 is geared towards faster shot-making.

To allow this, Bauer uses its quick-release technology at a lower kick point that works efficiently at releasing the puck quickly. For the shaft, it uses carbon fiber material. The carbon fiber used in hockey sticks ensures a seamless energy transfer between the handle and the blade. The carbon fiber blade further transfers that energy onto the puck quickly.

Moreover, the carbon fiber weave also makes this stick durable than other lightweight models. The feel of the stick is also great for taking on confident shot-making and controlled stickhandling.

Thus, as a new hockey player, who mostly stays close to the net and likes a balance of powerful and quick shot-making, this stick is an excellent choice for this budget.

Read user reviews / Check out latest price

Bauer Nexus N37

Weight: 460 grams

Material: UD Carbon Fiber

Pros:

• Ideal weight for quick release and powerful shot
• Budget-friendly stick for competitive play
• Supports all-round shotmaking
• Durable

Cons:

• Advanced players will need to upgrade

The Bauer Nexus N37 is a classic Nexus design by Bauer which supports all-round playing. Thanks to its mid-kick point, it delivers fast snapshots as well as shots requiring a longer load time. The extra weight on this stick also helps with added power.

However, this does not mean that the stick falls short in its ability to hit impactful snapshots. The blade profile that comes in Bauer sticks is lightweight. It is capable of releasing the puck quickly off the stick.

Thus, overall, this stick is a fantastic stick for junior players who want an all-round value for money stick to grow along with their growth in play.

However, do note that once you develop a specific playing style, you may have to look for a stick that complements it instead of relying on this stick.

Read user reviews / Check out latest price

CCM Jetspeed 460

Weight: 368 grams

Material: Carbon Fiber

Pros:

• Most value-for-money hockey stick
• Shaft offers excellent grip and control
• Durable construction
• Lightweight
• Mid-kick-point for versatile shot-making

Cons:

• Not suitable for absolute beginners

The CCM Jetspeed 460 is an excellent stick made using impressive features all throughout to assist you no matter your playing style.

To begin with, the CCM Jetspeed uses the same shaft as its elite models. Thus, the shaft offers an excellent stick feel and a reliable grip. You don’t have to worry about your hands shifting during play when using this stick.

Furthermore, the hybrid flex is designed to offer quickness for your snapshots and extra loading for your full-motion shots. This versatility also extends to its carbon fiber weave blade. The blade’s stiffness improves power while its low weight allows a quick energy transfer to the puck.

The use of this JS3 blade also improves the puck-feel. Your accuracy is guaranteed to increase when using this carbon fiber stick.

Overall, the Jetspeed CCM is an excellent choice for junior-level players serious about taking their game to the next level.

Read user reviews / Check out latest price

Reviews - Best ice hockey sticks for beginners - teens / adults

Sher-wood T20 Abs Wood

Material: Multi-layer birch

Weight: 715 grams

Pros:

• Cheap
• Ideal for absolute beginners
• Good stick-feel
• Sufficient stiffness

Cons:

• Not at all suitable for intense use

So let me clarify at the very beginning that this is a wooden stick that is not specifically designed for playing on ice.

Nevertheless, if you are an absolute beginner looking for a stick to lay your hands on for that first feel of hockey, this stick can offer you a good starting point.

The wooden construction of this stick provides an excellent stick feel enough to keep you interested in the sport. The stiffness of this stick can assist you with learning basic shots, passing, and blocking. The low price of the stick means that you need not worry too much about damaging the stick, even when used on non-ice surfaces.

However, this stick will not support you for a long time, especially if you intend on playing on the ice. Once you see an improvement in your playing and stickhandling skills, you must switch to a composite ice hockey stick for beginners.

Read user reviews / Check out latest price

CCM Jetspeed 440

Material: Composite

Weight: 550 grams

Pros:

• Great value for money
• Hybrid flex for versatile shot-making
• Excellent puck feel
• Ideal stick for beginners
• Budget-friendly

Cons:

• None (especially for an absolute beginner)

As an absolute beginner, you want a stick that can assist you with learning various types of shots. The CCM Jetspeed 440 meets this requirement perfectly.

First of all, the CCM Jetspeed 440 uses a hybrid flex that creates a hinge effect. This effect suits shots that require a quick release as well as those that require a longer load time. Thus, you can put it to use when you stay close to the net as well as when your skills improve a bit to take on longer shots.

The weight of this hockey stick is also not too light and further complements an all-round game.

The shaft is constructed using durable material that can withstand a few slips and falls. The shape of the shaft with its concave sides provides a secure hand-grip.

The blade also aligns well with the overall structure thanks to its mid-profile suitable for all playing styles.

Thus, if you want a budget-friendly stick to practice shots, this is a great option for you

Read user reviews / Check out latest price

CCM Super Tacks

Material: C6 Carbon fiber

Weight: 445 grams

Pros:

• Ideal stick for beginners
• Provides a balance of speed and power
• Excellent puck feel for lifting
• Durable

Cons:

• A bit expensive for beginners

The CCM Super Tacks is a high-quality stick that perfectly supports the requirements of a beginner.

To begin with, it uses a mid-kick profile that is engineered for extra energy and greater speed. Like most other sticks, it achieves this balance by using tapered stick construction.

However, combining a tapered stick and a mid-kick profile makes the stick useful for playing all types of shots.

The shaft comes in a neat square-shaped design that works particularly well for adult hands. The shaft also doesn’t feel as sticky as the CCM Jetspeed and hence delivers better comfort.

The blade on this stick uses a stiff toe that instantly results in an improved puck-feel. You will be able to take on shots at the net more confidently, especially when using an open-angled blade.

Overall, this stick is durable and made using high-end technology that will continue to assist even as you make substantial progress.

Read user reviews / Check out latest price

And if you have master the absolute basics and are looking to progress, have a look at the next level:

Warrior Covert QRE Pro Grip

Material: Minimus Carbon 1000

Weight: 447 grams

Pros:

• Excellent grip for controlled stickhandling
• Lightweight
• Great stick feel for control and accuracy
• High-quality construction
• Provides good value for money

Cons:

• Not suitable for absolute beginners

As you start making progress with your hockey playing skills, your basic stick often needs an upgrade. The Warrior Covert QRE Grip is a stick that is great for those introduced to the game but who need to take their skills to the next level.

The QRE employs a low kick-point. To help speed up the release while extracting maximum power, the stick uses a tapered design. This allows energy to load at the bottom of the stick for a quick transfer to the puck.

The one-piece construction also assists with the energy transfer and improves the overall feel of the stick.

The shaft used on this stick comes with a tacky soft grip that keeps the stick secure and avoids accidental slips.

Finally, the full carbon weave blade is durable and feels reliable when put to use. It also offers an excellent puck feel. For someone who has used a beginner-level stick, the release delivered by this blade will impress with its noticeably faster speed.

Thus, the Warrior Covert QRE Pro is a stick that will help you evolve into a better player, take on shots more confidently, and will definitely support you for a long time.

Read user reviews / Check out latest price

True XC black

Material: UD Carbon fiber

Weight: 501 grams

Pros:

• Advanced technology that enhances control and accuracy
• Lightweight construction with balanced stick feel
• Affordable
• Durable
• Suitable for all styles of play

Cons:

• Not suitable for absolute beginners

True has used remarkable thought and technology behind the construction of the True XC Black, making it a fantastic stick for beginners willing to do what it takes to grow into pro-level players.

The highlight of this stick is its puck feel. Almost no other stick in the market creates such a well-defined sweet spot on the blade that instantly improves the accuracy of shots. Moreover, the blade uses the BRT+ technology that makes it one of the most durable blades in the market.

The shaft also uses a unique SmartPly technology that makes the carbon fiber in the shaft sturdier without adding extra pounds on the stick. The weight distribution of the stick also furnishes an excellent stick finish for more control and accuracy.

When you put it to use, you will notice how balanced the stick feels in your hands. The mid-kick profile of this stick will let you lean into your shots for some added power.

Overall, this thoughtfully constructed ice hockey stick is excellent for beginners who want a stick that enhances their strengths as they continue to make progress.

Read user reviews / Check out latest price

Tips to take care of your hockey stick to make it last longer

As a beginner hockey player, the chances of you damaging your stick frequently are very high. Therefore, to increase the lifespan of your stick, you must take good care of your hockey stick.

Here are some ways in which you can do that:

Tips to prevent damage to your stick when in use: 

Tape your stick

Taping your stick is a non-negotiable care technique that can protect your stick from damage and moisture build-up when playing on ice.

The proper technique of taping your hockey stick is as follows-

• Start by taping the bottom of the blade.
• Follow that up by wrapping the tape around the blade either from heel to toe or toe to heel in an evenly overlapping manner.
• Next, make a grip by creating a rope from the hockey tape. Wrap this rope around the top end of the shaft, leaving even gaps.
• Wrap hockey tape over this grip in an even overlapping manner.
• Finally, create a knob on the butt using multiple wraps of the hockey tape.

Retape the hockey stick frequently to keep the stick secure at all times.

Use a blade protector (For off-ice use)

If you wish to use the stick on non-ice surfaces, you must cover the blade with a protector to prevent the blade from suffering any damage.

Tips to prevent damage to your stick when not in use: 

Dry your stick

A wet stick starts deteriorating rapidly on account of moisture build-up. Thus after every use, you must -

• Take out the stick from the bag.
• Let it dry on a rack in a room at normal temperature.

Store your stick in a bag:

You should always carry your hockey stick in a hockey stick bag as it protects it from possible damage and breaking. In any case, refrain from carrying it around without a proper cover.

Personalize your stick:

Storing the sticks in lockers can often result in a mix-up of sticks. Ending up with someone else’s stick that is not compatible with your height and weight will force you to buy a new stick.

To avoid this, you must write your initials on your stick.

Inspect your stick

Inspect your stick frequently. If you notice any development of chips or cracks, clean them out and fill them up with resin glue. Once the glue is dry, retape your stick properly for complete protection.

In case you are using a wooden stick, check the head of the stick for splinters. If you notice any splinters, remove them immediately and apply some hockey stick tape over that area to prevent further damage.

Complete your kid's hockey equipment set!

• Best hockey gloves for players - read article
• Best hockey helmets - read article
• Best hockey laces - read article
• Best hockey mouthguard - read article

So, your kid is growing and making progress playing ice hockey?
Are you wondering what the differences are: youth vs junior hockey sticks?
Wondering when to make the switch from youth to junior?
Below are the main differences and tips to help you make the decision.

This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you (more info here).

Youth vs Junior hockey sticks - summary of differences

The main differences between Youth and Junior hockey sticks are:

• Shaft diameter - youth sticks are made for smaller hands
• Stick length - youth sticks are overall shorter, for smaller kids
• Stick Flex - youth have a lower flex number (for more flexibility - it requires less weight to bend)
• Not stick weight - you can find a great variation of weight in both age category (although beginner cheaper sticks are heavier for junior)
• Curves and technical options - there is less choice for youth sticks as kids are mostly beginners - for juniors, your can find many more options in terms of curve, material, number of pieces...

In the article below, I am giving more details to help you make your decision or you can check out:

•  my article about the best YOUTH hockey sticks
• or my article about the best JUNIOR hockey sticks.

#1 - Start with age group, but don't fixate on it

Typical hockey stick size charts

All sizing charts for hockey sticks will tell you that normally:

• youth sticks are for players age 3 to 8
• junior sticks are for players age 7 to 12

This is a general overview and does not fit everyone.
However it is a great place to start.

Especially if your kid is 4 years old and only starting hockey, stick with youth. Don't overthink this.
If your kid is in the age covered by both, then the question remains.

If your kid is starting at 4 or 5 years old...

If your kid is starting at 4 or 5 years old, no need to read further, check out these 2 beginner sticks or head to my article about the best youth hockey sticks.

#2 - Main difference between youth and junior hockey stick

If this is sufficient to help you make your decision, check out:

•  my article about the best YOUTH hockey sticks
• or my article about the best JUNIOR hockey sticks.

Otherwise, keep on reading.

#3 - The length

If your kid is still comfortable holding a youth stick, then you still have a choice to make as both youth and junior could work.
Then look at the length.

How to measure

• Have the player stand straight
• Measure from the ground to under the chin (with skates on) or from the ground to under the nose (without skates)
• Refer to size chart

How to check if a stick is the right size

• Have the player stand straight
• Place the toe of the stick on the ground between the feet.
• Position the stick vertically against the body.
• With skates off, the stick should come to the nose - with skates on, the stick should come up to the chin.

When to apply or deviate from this rule?

This is a general rule.
For a beginner player, don't go searching further and apply this rule.

If your kid has been playing for a few years and is starting to show preferences in positions and style of play, then you can consider other lengths:

• Short: A short stick stays under the chin when wearing hockey skates. It is ideal for forwards, quicker stickhandling, and getting out of tricky situations close to the net.
• Regular: A regular hockey stick stays just under the nose when wearing hockey skates. It is ideal for all-round shot-making and suits most styles of play.
• Long: A long hockey stick comes above the nose when wearing hockey skates. This length suits defensemen and taller hockey players as it provides better reach. It also aids powerful shotmaking.

Should I cut the stick to the right length?

Some people rather buy a longer stick and cut it.
Don't do it!
It is absolutely not recommended for young kids. It is going to increase the flex (see next section). The stick is going to be way too stiff for the player.

However, if your kid is starting really young, then the smallest stick might still be too long.
At the beginning, he/she will focus more on learning to skate than learning to use the stick - so you could keep it a little too long while he/she grows.
Otherwise, if you prefer to cut it, pick a 30 flex so that, when cut, it remains quite flexible.

#4 - The flex

Your final criterion is the flex.

• Youth sticks typically feature a 30 or 40 flex.
• Junior features a 40 to 52 flex.

Great, but what does it mean?

What is Flex?

The first thing players should do when picking up a new stick is bending it.
If the player can bend the shaft a little without much effort, it is a good fit, a good flex.
Most players prefer flexible shafts. It should allow the player to bend when taking a wrist shot or a slap shot.

• Definition / Measure

For those who enjoy understanding the technical side of things: the flex is measured as the amount of weight required to bend a stick for 4 inches when it is supported by two points that are 48 inches apart.

• About the Flex number

The higher the flex number, the stiffer the stick.
So a 30-flex stick is a more flexible than a 50-flex. It requires less weight to be bent.

• What impact does it have on the play?

A stick that is too stiff will lessen shot accuracy, reduce puck stick.
A stiffer stick is better to win face-off and to increase shot power.
A heavier player has more weight and requires a stiffer stick. The taller and heavier a player is, the higher flex the player needs.

What do I need for my kid - youth levels of flex or junior levels of flex?

The flex level should match your kid's body size.
As a rule of thumbs, hockey players should use a stick with a flex rating that equals less than 50% of their body weight.
A more flexible stick to start with is fine.
If a stick is too stiff, a young player won’t be strong enough to get any kick, which will lead to poor shooting habits.

Sign that it is time for a higher flex (junior stick):
If your kid is very frequently breaking sticks, it is probably a sign that you should switch to a junior model with higher flex number.

#5 - Material, Curve and other technical differences

Once your kid starts improving, he/she might show signs of:

• position preference
• style of play preference

If that is the case, you might want more options for the sticks in terms of curve, blade pattern, construction (1 piece or 2 pieces), material.
With more options, you can optimize his/her performances

Youth sticks don't have many options. Junior sticks start offering variations.

Learn more about those options in my article about the best junior hockey sticks and the criteria to choose.

For example:

#6 - Growth rate

Hockey stick are an investment. The price ranges vary greatly.
You should consider the growth rate of your kid and not stretching yourself financially too thin for a couple of months of better fit.

If money is no problem, then always pick the exact best stick is great to avoid creating bad habits.
However, a few months with a stick that is not perfect will not damage their skills forever. If your kid is growing fast and will overgrow his/her stick soon, then maybe buying something a little too big or too stiff that will be good in a couple of months could be better for your family.

And don't forget to teach your kid to care of the stick

Step 1 - Tape the stick

• Why?

To protect the blade from damages and also from deterioration on account of moisture build-up.

• When? How often?

Ideally, you must tape your child’s stick immediately after you buy it and then whenever you notice wear & tear of the tape. Thus, depending on the frequency and level of play, you may have to retape the stick every couple of games or once a month!

• Where?

Taping must be done on the blade, on the shaft as well as on the butt.

Step 2 - Carry the stick in a bag

To prevent any damage during storage and commute, the stick is better in a hockey stick bag.

Step 3 - Dry the stick

The stick is constantly in contact with ice and hence runs the risk of moisture build-up. To prevent any damage on account of moisture, the stick must be dried out completely after every use.

To dry the stick, take it out of the bag and place it on a rack in a normal temperature room. Ideally, you should dry out all your hockey equipment on a wall mount.

Step 4 - Wrap the stick if used off ice

If your kid wants to play with the stick on surfaces other than ice, you must, at all costs, wrap the stick using a ‘hockey wrap around ice’ to protect the blade.

Step 5 - Inspect the stick

Regularly inspect the stick for chips, cracks, or the development of small holes.
This is to prevent serious damage and/or breaking of the stick.

Complete your kid's hockey equipment set!

• Best hockey gloves for players - read article
• Best youth hockey sticks - read article
• Best junior hockey stick - read article
• Best hockey helmets - read article
• Best hockey laces - read article
• Best hockey mouthguard - read article
• And check out my 30+ tips for hockey moms - read article

Need an ice hockey stick for your junior hockey player?
Below is my guide to help you find the best junior hockey stick for your child with:

• Criteria to understand the differences and make a choice
• The 8 best current options (with reviews) based on price and level
• Tips to take care of the stick and make it last longer
• ...

Note: if your child is in youth, prefer my article about the best youth hockey sticks.

This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you (more info here).

Best junior hockey sticks - short answer

In the article below, I will enter into the details to help you choose the best junior hockey stick for your kid including:

• 10 Criteria to properly choose 
• Reviews of the 8 best sticks
• 6 Tips to take care of the stick and make it last longer
• Answers to your FAQs

But if you don't want to read the whole article, here is an overview of my selection of the best sticks for young kids:

Cheaper junior hockey sticks for beginners

Mid-range hockey sticks for developing junior players

High-end sticks for serious junior hockey players

How to choose the best hockey stick for your junior hockey player

In this section, I will break down the many technical terms associated with a hockey stick. I will explain the importance of each of these terms and how you should consider each factor when buying a junior hockey stick.

Before proceeding with the technical factors, I will also help you understand the difference between youth vs junior hockey stick and whether you should switch from a youth hockey stick to a junior hockey stick.

When to switch to junior from youth 

When kids are at the age limit between youth and junior, it can be difficult to decide which sticks to look at.
Below are the main criteria for you to consider when taking the decision:

The diameter of the shaft is slightly larger for junior - if your kids has large hand, it may be time to switch to junior!
But don't buy junior too early as he/she will have a bad grip.

Other pros of switching to junior (see criteria detailed below):

• Options of curves 
• Some options in the flex
• More choices of technology
• Higher quality products

This allow you to find a stick that can match the style of play of your kid.
Learn more in my article about Youth vs Junior hockey sticks.

Criteria 1 - Size & Length

When buying a hockey stick, the primary consideration must be that of the size and length of the hockey stick. For the same, you should note the following:

Size is based on age-wise classification, and length is the actual height of the stick. Greater reliance must be placed on the length of the hockey stick, while the size-based classification must only be used as a guideline.

Hockey sticks come in three lengths:

• Short: A short stick stays under the chin when wearing hockey skates. It is ideal for forwards, quicker stickhandling, and getting out of tricky situations close to the net.
• Regular: A regular hockey stick stays just under the nose when wearing hockey skates. It is ideal for all-round shot-making and suits most styles of play.
• Long: A long hockey stick comes above the nose when wearing hockey skates. This length suits defensemen and taller hockey players as it provides better reach. It also aids powerful shotmaking.

The length of the stick also determines the flex of the shaft. A shorter stick is stiffer than a longer stick. (More on hockey shaft flex below).

If your kid is a beginner, measure from the ground to the bottom of the chin with skates on, and pick the size that correspond.

Criteria 2 - Weight – Is lighter better?

Before determining if you should opt for a heavy stick or a lighter stick, you should first assess your level of experience in hockey.

Beginners: Regular stick that weighs in the mid-range weight to

• To support all-round development
• To help discover a unique style of play
• To assist in learning and playing a wide range of shots
• To prevent fatigue

The thumb rule here is not to overthink the weight of the stick until you make substantial progress in your hockey playing skills.

Advanced: Light or heavy stick depending on the style of play.

Once you’re sure about your style of play and your position in the team, you can consider the pros and cons of lighter as well as heavier sticks.

Lighter sticks:

• require lesser energy and thus cause lesser fatigue.
• allow quicker movements
• support intense stick-handling
• suit competitive games
• are less durable

Heavier sticks:

• suit strong players
• support powerful shotmaking
• work better for blocking and defense
• requires more energy and can cause fatigue
• are more durable

Criteria 3 - One-piece vs. two-piece construction

Hockey sticks come in two types of construction:

One-piece construction: A one-piece construction is where the blade and shaft are not two different pieces joined together. The entire hockey stick works as a single unit. One-piece construction has the following characteristics:

• It is lighter in weight
• It gives a consistent uniform feel of the stick
• It allows swifter stick handling & quicker shotmaking
• It conserves energy
• It requires the replacement of the entire stick in case of any damage to the shaft or blade.
• It is less customizable.

Two-piece construction: A two-piece construction is where a shaft and blade are two separate units put together to work as a hockey stick. The key characteristics of a two-piece construction are:

• It allows more customizations (e.g., you can opt for a classic wooden shaft and a composite blade)
• In case of damage, the entire stick need not be replaced.
• It is usually not as lightweight as a one-piece construction.
• Using a two-piece stick could require more energy than a one-piece stick.

Most players opt for a one-piece construction due to its stick-feel and lightweight.

But if you’re someone for whom standard one-piece sticks don’t work and want your stick to be more customizable, you could opt for a two-piece construction.

Criteria 4 - Flex of the shaft

Flex of the shaft refers to the weight that must be exerted on the shaft to make it bend to its full capacity. Getting the flex right is crucial to ensure high efficiency while playing ice hockey.

Flex makes the hockey stick work like a spring. Flex-rating of a stick determines:

• Amount of energy stored in the stick
• Speed of energy transfer from the stick to the puck
• Accuracy of the shot

So what flex-rating should you opt for?

Beginners: Do not overthink the flex rating at all. Go with a regular flex, i.e., half your body weight in pounds.

Forwards/Wristy players/ Players who hit many snapshots: Flex rating lower than half your body weight in pounds.

Defensemen/Power hitters/ Players who hit many slap shots: Flex rating higher than half your body weight.

Criteria 5 - Curve / blade pattern

The blade of a hockey stick comes in several variations based on differences in:

Curve Type: A blade can curve in one of the three areas

• Heel: the back of the blade where it meets the shaft
• Mid: Middle of the blade
• Toe: Front end of the blade that makes contact with the puck

Curve Depth: A blade can come in three types of curve depth variations - deep, medium, and shallow.

Curve length: A blade can be either relatively short or long.

Face angle: A blade comes in two key face angles -

• Open An angle where the blade faces away from the puck for lifting or high shots.
• Closed: An angle where the blade covers the puck or closes on the puck. It is excellent for better puck control, stickhandling and passing.

Lie: Lie is the angle between the blade and the shaft. A number between 3 and 8 denotes it.

• Lower lie: It works well for players who play in a crouched or stooped posture. It keeps the puck closer to the body.
• Higher lie: It works well for players who stand more upright while playing. It keeps the puck farther from the body.

As with every other technical aspect, a mid-variant often works the best for all-round shot-making. However, if you want a blade that works specifically for your style of play, please read the section on the style of play below.

Criteria 6 - Material

Hockey sticks are made using composite materials (a blend of carbon, fiber, aluminum, etc.) or pure wood.

To be perfectly honest, wooden hockey sticks are slowly becoming less and less popular as composite sticks are completely dominating the market.

Key benefits of a composite stick

• More durable
• Lighter
• Supports competitive levels of play

Key benefits of a wooden stick:

• Excellent stick-feel
• Affordable
• Better control over the puck

For junior players, though, I would recommend buying a composite stick as it performs well in all areas associated with ice hockey - right from learning the basics to playing advanced games.

Criteria 7 - Left-handed vs right-handed

The standard rule followed by most ice hockey players is that the player’s dominant hand stays on top of the stick. So based on this assumption-

• Left-handed players should use a hockey stick whose blade curves to the right when looking down the shaft.
• Right-handed players should use a hockey stick whose blade curves to the left when looking down the shaft.

Criteria 8 - Price

The price of junior hockey sticks can be broadly classified as below:

• Budget: USD 50-100
• Mid Range: USD 100- 180
• Expensive: USD 180 and above
• Wooden hockey sticks are available for prices ranging between USD 20-50.

In most circumstances, a hockey stick in the expensive range will be better than a budget hockey stick. However, you should only opt for an expensive hockey stick once your child displays an advanced level of play. 

Criteria 9 - Style of Play / Preferred position

As can be seen from the above technical details, hockey sticks are made using different materials, flex, blade types, and curves.
Choosing a hockey stick that works for your style of play and is complementary to your playing position is critical to sustaining competitive levels of play.

For junior, you can start seeing where strengths and preferences are for a player. Therefore you can choose a stick for that position.

Below are a few broad examples of what technical aspects work for what style of play and playing position.

Forwards / Quick shot-making / Wristy play:

• Short stick
• Lower flex
• Mid/Toe curve
• Open-angle
• Lower lie
• Shorter blade

Defensemen / Powerful hitting / Longer loading time:

• Long stick
• Higher flex
• Mid/Heel curve
• Closed-angle
• Higher lie
• Longer blade

Please note that the above specifications are only suggested to be used as broad guidelines. You may have to make alterations based on your physique, height, unique shot-making style, and skill level.

Criteria 10 - Brand

The key brands manufacturing hockey sticks are Bauer, CCM, Warrior, True, and Sherwood make excellent composite hockey sticks. In fact, Bauer, CCM, and Sherwood also make great wooden hockey sticks.

Cheaper Junior hockey sticks for beginners - Reviews

Bauer Vapor X2.7

Weight: 412 grams

Material: UD Carbon Fiber

Pros:

• Lightweight for this price range
• Ideal stick for quick-paced game and snapshots
• Excellent puck feel
• Durable

Cons:

• Not suitable for shots requiring higher load time
• Experienced players will have to upgrade to the higher variant

This stick is an excellent budget-range choice for players that like to play competitive matches. In particular, the Bauer Vapor X2.7 is geared towards faster shot-making.

To allow this, Bauer uses its quick-release technology at a lower kick point that works efficiently at releasing the puck quickly. For the shaft, it uses carbon fiber material. The carbon fiber used in hockey sticks ensures a seamless energy transfer between the handle and the blade. The carbon fiber blade further transfers that energy onto the puck quickly.

Moreover, the carbon fiber weave also makes this stick durable than other lightweight models. The feel of the stick is also great for taking on confident shot-making and controlled stickhandling.

Thus, as a new hockey player, who mostly stays close to the net and likes a balance of powerful and quick shot-making, this stick is an excellent choice for this budget.

Read user reviews / Check out latest price

Bauer Nexus N37

Weight: 460 grams

Material: UD Carbon Fiber

Pros:

• Ideal weight for quick release and powerful shot
• Budget-friendly stick for competitive play
• Supports all-round shotmaking
• Durable

Cons:

• Advanced players will need to upgrade

The Bauer Nexus N37 is a classic Nexus design by Bauer which supports all-round playing. Thanks to its mid-kick point, it delivers fast snapshots as well as shots requiring a longer load time. The extra weight on this stick also helps with added power.

However, this does not mean that the stick falls short in its ability to hit impactful snapshots. The blade profile that comes in Bauer sticks is lightweight. It is capable of releasing the puck quickly off the stick.

Thus, overall, this stick is a fantastic stick for junior players who want an all-round value for money stick to grow along with their growth in play.

However, do note that once you develop a specific playing style, you may have to look for a stick that complements it instead of relying on this stick.

Read user reviews / Check out latest price

CCM Jetspeed 460

Weight: 368 grams

Material: Carbon Fiber

Pros:

• Most value-for-money hockey stick
• Shaft offers excellent grip and control
• Durable construction
• Lightweight
• Mid-kick-point for versatile shot-making

Cons:

• Not suitable for absolute beginners

The CCM Jetspeed 460 is an excellent stick made using impressive features all throughout to assist you no matter your playing style.

To begin with, the CCM Jetspeed uses the same shaft as its elite models. Thus, the shaft offers an excellent stick feel and a reliable grip. You don’t have to worry about your hands shifting during play when using this stick.

Furthermore, the hybrid flex is designed to offer quickness for your snapshots and extra loading for your full-motion shots. This versatility also extends to its carbon fiber weave blade. The blade’s stiffness improves power while its low weight allows a quick energy transfer to the puck.

The use of this JS3 blade also improves the puck-feel. Your accuracy is guaranteed to increase when using this carbon fiber stick.

Overall, the Jetspeed CCM is an excellent choice for junior-level players serious about taking their game to the next level.

Read user reviews / Check out latest price

Mid-range best ice hockey junior sticks for developing players

Warrior Covert QRE 30

Weight: 465 grams

Material: Minimus 900D Carbon Fiber

Pros:

• Excellent puck feel
• Selectively placed grip for better stickhandling
• Durable stick
• Taper technology for power-punched quick motion shots

Cons:

• Not exactly the best junior hockey stick for defenseman

The Warrior Covert QRE is an excellent stick for those ready to upgrade from their first stick.

This junior hockey stick cleverly packs high-quality material to enhance power in shots without costing you any extra load time. This impressive balance is achieved by its uniquely designed tapering angle coupled with its sturdy Minimus Carbon 900D shaft.

The tapering angle added to a solid carbon composite stick helps load the stick much faster with energy required for making snapshots feel power-punched. The energy transfer to the puck also takes a fraction of a second.

For its low kick point, the stick’s capacity to load energy for long-motion shots is also impressive.

In terms of the grip, too, the strategically placed texture makes stickhandling feel less cumbersome.

The highlight of this stick is its blade construction. Unlike most other lightweight blades in this price range that get damaged easily, this blade can last much longer. To increase its durability, the blade has reinforced its core. Not only does this help with added durability but also improves puck-feel considerably.

Overall, the quality of material used in this stick improves the overall stick feel considerably (especially compared to budget-range sticks) and allows players to take on the game more confidently.

Read user reviews / Check out latest price

Warrior Alpha DX Pro

Weight: 338 grams

Material: Minimus Carbon 1000

Pros:

• High-quality stick designed for all-round shots
• Strong & lightweight shaft
• Impressive stick-feel to boost stickhandling confidence
• Capable of complementing the development of skills
• Provides great value for money

Cons:

• Not suitable for absolute beginners

The Warrior Alpha DX Pro is an absolute value-for-money stick for those that want a highly sophisticated lightweight construction without spending extra money on top-of-the-line sticks.

The stick uses a mid-kick point intensified for better delivery using a sturdy Minimus Carbon 1000 shaft.

The one-piece construction backed with the same elite-level True 1 Phantom Feel technology provides a seamless energy transfer. Juniors will not have to lean heavily on this stick to generate punch in their shots.

The Ergo shaft shape and the tacky soft grip help young hands control the stick much better for passing and face-offs.

Warrior’s signature Fuelcore technology, used in Warrior Covert QRE, is also used on the Alpha DX. The improved puck feel delivered by this technology advances accuracy and gives more pop to the shots. Thus for a lightweight construction, the blade feels ultra-sturdy.

To round up, this is an ideal hockey stick for a junior who practices regularly, plays league matches, and is looking for a reliable stick to support his/her growth.

Read user reviews / Check out latest price

Sher-wood Rekker M90

Weight: 305 grams

Material: Blackline XXV

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Best junior hockey stick for forwards
• Durable
• Excellent shot-release speed

Cons:

• Not suitable for shots requiring a longer load time/defensemen

There are very few junior hockey sticks made in this price range that are specifically engineered to assist forwards.

The Sher-wood Rekker M90 is one such stick. It is designed specifically for a low-kick point style of play. Accordingly, the technology is geared towards improving the speed of the shot release. For this, the makers have used a tapered design for a super-fast release. The stick, effortlessly, delivers the speed required to get out of tight spots playing close to the net.

The high puck-feel offered by this thin blade also boosts the confidence required for taking shots at the net. 

The ultra-lightweight of the stick also facilitates speedy shots. However, for a stick that is so light, the use of carbon fiber in the shaft makes the stick feel strong. The impacts of shots are quickly neutralized. Overall, the stick is also considerably more durable than other lightweight sticks.

Finally, opt for this Sher-wood stick if your kid is a forward in the team and wants a stick for high-speed shots. 

Read user reviews / Check out latest price

High-end junior hockey sticks for serious players

True project X grip

Weight: 290 grams

Material: Precision Laminate Design

Pros:

• Provides great value for money
• Excellent construction for a low-kick point
• Lightweight
• Great puck feel for better accuracy and speed
• Easily supports elite-level hockey players

Cons:

• Only suitable for forwards

Not very durable

The True Project X Stick uses high-end technology and engineering to deliver a stick that’s truly capable of handling an elite level of play.

The shaft of the stick uses a double concave design. This makes holding the stick feel natural and keeps the hands secure when receiving passes. The lightweight construction helps with quick snapshots and wrist shots as well.

For being the lightest junior hockey stick, the power that its shots generate impresses. The low-kick point allows for maximum energy loading and efficient transfer to the blade. The puck-feel offered by the blade will let junior players shoot for the net with absolute conviction.

Every element on this stick unites to work as a single cohesive unit which greatly improves control, accuracy, and speed on the shots.

Overall, if you are willing to consider a brand other than Bauer or CCM, Project X by True is a fantastic choice for pro-level junior players.

Read user reviews / Check out latest price

Bauer Nexus Geo Grip 50 flex

Weight: 380 grams

Material: Asymmetrical TeXtreme Carbon & DuraFlex Resin System

Pros:

• One of the best sticks in the market for versatile shot-making
• High-quality construction
• Optimized for speed and power
• Tailored for elite-level playing
• Durable

Cons:

• Slightly expensive

The Bauer Nexus Geo is one of the finest junior sticks in the market. Every element on this stick is thoughtfully engineered and impresses when put to use.

The shaft of the stick uses a 5-sided design that fits perfectly in the hands of a junior. The design itself improves stickhandling considerably. To add to this, the shaft uses Bauer’s popular Duraflex resin, which makes the shaft feel sturdy and flexible for versatile shot-making.

The easy flex cuts down effort and speed massively, useful for playing at elite levels. Thus the sturdiness of the Duraflex shaft complements both faster-releasing snapshots as well as longer loading slapshots.

The blade renders an excellent puck-feel that improves control and accuracy while passing and shooting.

Overall, Bauer has blended an impressive ER Spine, a strong Duraflex resin construction, and the Asymmetrical TeXtreme finish to make a stick that is guaranteed to generate better performance from the player.

Read user reviews / Check out latest price

6 Tips to take care of a junior hockey stick to make it last longer

Hockey sticks are susceptible to damage and need to be replaced frequently on account of the growing height and age of junior kids.

Thus expenditure on hockey sticks can often start to feel like a burden. This is precisely why it is critical to take care of the hockey stick diligently. You must train your child to take proper care of hockey equipment and build habits that promote due care of hockey gear.

To increase the life of your junior hockey stick, follow the tips given below:

Tip 1 - Taping the stick:

Taping the stick protects the blade from damages and also from deterioration on account of moisture build-up.

Ideally, you must tape your child’s stick immediately after you buy it and then whenever you notice wear & tear of the tape. Thus, depending on the frequency and level of play, you may have to retape the stick every couple of games or once a month!

Taping must be done on the blade, on the shaft as well as on the butt.

Taping must be done in evenly overlapping wraps. Moreover, for the shaft, the tape must be rolled into a rope to create a grip. For the butt, the tape must be wrapped over multiple times to create a knob.

Tip 2 - Carrying the stick:

To prevent any damage during storage and commute, the stick must be stored and carried around in a hockey stick bag.

Tip 3 - Drying the stick:

The stick is constantly in contact with ice and hence runs the risk of moisture build-up. To prevent any damage on account of moisture, the stick must be dried out completely after every use.

To dry the stick, take it out of the bag and place it on a rack in a normal temperature room. Ideally, you should dry out all your hockey equipment on a wall mount hockey equipment drying rack easily available on Amazon.

Tip 4 - Wrapping the stick

If you intend to use the stick on surfaces other than ice, you must, at all costs, wrap the stick using a ‘hockey wrap around ice’ to protect the blade.

Tip 5 - Inspecting the stick:

Inspecting the stick regularly for chips, cracks, or the development of small holes can prevent serious damage and breaking of the stick.

If you notice any chips, cracks, or small holes, fill them up with epoxy resin glue.

For wooden sticks, make sure you remove splinters immediately when they start appearing and retape the area for protection.

Tip 6 - Personalizing the stick:

Always write initials on the hockey stick to personalize it for easy identification.
Doing this avoids mix-ups and saves you the unnecessary expenditure of buying a new hockey stick. 

Best junior hockey sticks - FAQs

How often do you replace a stick? When should you replace a stick?

Hockey sticks must be replaced when

• The stick breaks or
• The height/weight of your child changes substantially.

Repairing a broken hockey stick completely changes the inherent configuration structure of the stick and makes it unsuitable for play.

However, a stick need not be replaced in case of:

• Minor cracks
• Minor Chips
• Development of small holes

All of the above damages to the hockey stick can be fixed, provided the same are detected at a very early stage.

Thus, there is no standard rule that applies to replacing a hockey stick, and a decision to replace a stick must be made based on a case-to-case basis.

Are expensive sticks worth it for juniors? How much should I put into my child’s hockey stick? (Growth, difficulty of play)

For Junior players that have shown great advancement in skills and technique, investing in an expensive stick is absolutely worth it. This is because an expensive stick is crafted to deliver efficient puck control, grip, stickhandling, and shot-making.

Expensive sticks also come in various specifications that can further refine the stick’s compatibility with the player’s style and technique.

However, expensive sticks will not suit a junior player who is still learning ice hockey basics. In such a case, it is best to buy a budget or a mid-range hockey stick.

Complete your kid's hockey equipment set!

• Best hockey gloves for players - read article
• Best hockey helmets - read article
• Best hockey laces - read article
• Best hockey mouthguard - read article
• And check out my 30+ tips for hockey moms - read article