Preparing for a Successful Season: Hockey Stick Insights

This is the first in a series of articles this summer in which we will provide information to assist players and families as they prepare for the 2025-26 hockey season.

 

By Justin Lafleur – HockeyStickFittings.com

This guide combines National Hockey League usage data with essential hockey stick knowledge from HockeyStickFittings.com in hopes of helping players stay on top of the latest trends and technology. Ultimately, we hope to help players make informed choices when selecting their hockey stick for the upcoming season so that they can contribute to a successful season for their team.

 

Kickpoint: The Hidden Optimization

A stick’s kickpoint – where it flexes most – determines the tradeoff between shot power and release speed. 

• Low Kick (37%) – This is the most popular option across all positions in the NHL, with 40-percent adoption among wingers who are prone to rely on quick releases in tight spaces. Surprisingly, many defensemen also favor low-kick sticks, despite sacrificing some power. The trend is clear: a fast, deceptive shot now outweighs raw power.

 

NHL players using a low-kickpoint stick include:

• Leon Draisaitl, Warrior Alpha LX2 Pro
• Nick Suzuki, Bauer Twitch
• Nico Hischier, CCM Trigger Pro

 

• Mid Kick (29%) – Defensemen favor mid-kick sticks (33 percent) for more power on slap shots and to clear pucks with force, prioritizing strength over precision. Many forwards still opt for mid-kick models as well. For example, players of smaller stature seeking extra power or veterans sticking with their traditional choice, may choose a mid-kick stick. Think of a mid-kick model as the hammer, while low kick is the scalpel.

 

NHL players using a mid-kickpoint stick include:

• Nathan MacKinnon, Bauer Nexus Sync
• Cale Makar, Bauer Nexus Tracer
• Lane Hutson, Bauer Proto-R

 

• Hybrid Kick (34%) – Hybrid-kick sticks offer a balance of speed and power, making them ideal for players who take shots from all over the ice. It’s no surprise that centers lead hybrid usage (36 percent), given their two-way responsibilities and versatility in positioning in the offensive zone. 

      

NHL players using a hybrid-kickpoint stick include:

• Connor McDavid, CCM Jetspeed FT7 Pro
• Roman Josi, CCM Jetspeed FT7 Pro
• Auston Matthews, CCM FT Ghost

 

Performance, Price or Durability: Pick Two!

Like most things in life, when it comes to hockey sticks, you typically can’t have it all - you must decide what matters most to you with regards to performance, price and durability. 

 

Elite Sticks (<415 grams, $240+) – High performance, low durability. If you want the lightest, most responsive stick, be ready to pay and replace it often.

Competitive Sticks (415-460g, $140-$240) – Good mix of performance and durability, a solid middle ground for serious players on a budget.

Recreational Sticks (>460g, <$140) – Durable and affordable, but heavy and unresponsive. Great for beginners or those who don’t need top-tier tech.

 

Brand & Model Wars: Who Dominates?

The NHL is a battlefield for stick manufacturers, with two giants leading the pack.

 

CCM (44%) – The market leader, trusted by generational talent like Connor McDavid & Sidney Crosby. The Jetspeed FT7 Pro is used by a whopping 190 players in the NHL. 

Bauer (37%) – Known for innovative R&D, lightweight and performance-driven engineering. The Vapor Hyperlite 2 ranks second in terms of player usage in the NHL.

Warrior (14%) – With moderate adoption, it is favored by some players looking for unique features. Erik Karlsson and Jake Guentzel are two current high-profile users of the Covert QR6 Pro.

True (4%) & Sherwood (1%): While True and Sherwood have less adoption, they’ve built dedicated followings as they are known for offering near-elite performance at a more affordable price and still do have some young NHL marquee athletes using their sticks.

 

Flex Appeal

The flex rating is a more known, and crucial factor that can be tweaked to optimize the tradeoff between release speed and shot power. While flex selection primarily should be influenced by height, weight, and strength, it is important to also consider the types of shots you take and the area of the ice you take them from. Much like kickpoint, the trend is shifting toward lower flex ratings, though some traditionalists remain loyal to the raw power of a 100-flex stick and the booming slap shots it can deliver if you are strong enough for that flex.

 

Lower Flex: Bends easily, allowing for a quicker shot release—ideal for wrist and snap shots, especially in tight spaces and fast-paced play.

Higher Flex: Generates more shot power, particularly for slap shots, but takes longer to load. Requires greater strength to flex properly, making it less effective for quick-release situations.

 

General Flex Recommendations

	Age	Height	Weight	Flex
Youth	3-7	Up to 4'7"	40-70 lbs	20-30
Junior	7-12	4'4" - 5'2"	70-110 lbs	40-50
Intermediate	11-14	4'11" - 5'8"	110-150 lbs	55-65
Senior	14+	Over 5'5"	150+ lbs	75+

 

Curves: The Basics

A stick’s curve will affect the control and feel of stickhandling as well as passing, but can also impact your shot accuracy, and elevation.

• Mid Curve:  Balanced and versatile, great for quick shots, stickhandling, and saucer passes. These curves also allow for effortless and beautiful saucer passes. This is the most popular choice. Start here if you are not sure! (mid-curve patterns: P88, P92, TC2)

 

• Toe Curve – Adds extra lift and precision, ideal for high, deceptive, aggressive and quickly released shots and toe drags. A favorite among upcoming elite scorers. These curves are trending, but they sacrifice some forgiveness and ease of use of mid curves, use with precaution! (toe-curve patterns: P28, P90TM, TC4)

  

• Heel Curve – Maximizes shot power, best for heavy slap shots and puck control. Less common, but this curve still is valued by big shooters and old-school players. They tend to be harder to find, especially if you are not shopping for an elite level stick. (heel-curve patterns: P91A, PM9)

 

Finding the Perfect Stick in Seconds

What works for Connor McDavid or Nathan MacKinnon might not be the best fit for you.

With all the necessary insights built into its smart algorithm, this free online hockey stick fitter is here to help you find the perfect stick to elevate your game. A few quick inputs about yourself and your playing style are all it takes to access a personalized, interactive report that makes comparing options and bargain-hunting effortless. It’s free, straightforward, and doesn’t require a phone, email, or credit card. 

Check it out and best of luck next season!