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= Hockey Stick Curves/Blades =

Overview
Hockey stick curves have gained in popularity since their inception. Curves range from strongly angled toe curves to slightly angled heel curves. Each hockey stick brand will identify the curves with a specific title. In addition, brands share curves to offer players similarities while using different sticks. The curve of the blade has a direct effect on your ability to shoot, pass and stickhandle. Changing your curve threatens your ability to hit the corners you're used to hitting, make the passes you're used to making and pull off the moves you're used to pulling off!

All Hockey Stick Curves have some degree of loft to them. This is similar to how golf wedges look, but to a much lesser extent. Hockey Stick Blades with a closed face will help keep shots low and powerful, with more straight-line velocity. Slightly open faces are slightly more open than the closed option, so it will still provide great power on heavy shots, while also give players an easier time lifting the puck on shots. Open faced blade types are, as the name states, the most open of the three. Blade Patterns with open faces are great for getting the puck up in the air as quickly as possible in tight areas.

Main Curves
Comfort on the ice is the most important factor while playing hockey. Having multiple curves comes to the benefit of the player. Each curve has unique features that match a player’s playstyle. Many options exist; however, three types of curves dominate markets.

Mid Curve
Mid Curves are a balance of the two. Due to most of the curve being in the middle of the blade, Hockey Sticks with these Blade Patterns are great for stickhandlers, passers, and accuracy on all types of shots, including backhand shots.

Toe Curve
Toe Curves are blades that have most of their curve at the toe area of the blade. Hockey Stick Patterns that are listed as having Toe Curves are often preferred by forwards as they will allow them to lift the puck quicker and easier during shooting in tight spaces.

Heel Curve
Heel Curves are blades that have more of a curve near the base (or Heel) of the blade. This means that the curve of the blade will start here with the middle and toe of the blade straightening out a little bit. Heel Curves are predominantly used by defensemen as they help improve slap shot power and accuracy.

Blade Length
There is no ‘standard' blade length (e.g., 8" for a short blade and 9" for a long blade). The maximum allowed under NHL rules is 12.5 inches from the heel to the end of the blade. There is no official minimum length.

Blade length can vary greatly depending on the manufacturer—a ‘short' or ‘long' blade is a relative term and can vary between companies. The particular curve, or the qualities the pattern is designed to have—for example, better for shooting, for puck handling, for passing—will have an impact on the length of the blade.

Short Blades

 * Give the player better puck control.
 * Promise a quicker release on snapshots due to the puck having less distance to travel to the release point.


 * Create less velocity on shots due to the puck having less time to build up velocity.

Medium Blades

 * Are great for a combination of shot power and puck control.

Long Blades

 * Help to maximize shot power because the puck has more contact time against the blade to build up velocity.
 * Deliver a slightly slower release on shots as the puck has longer to travel to release.
 * Help to make pass reception easier since there is more area on the blade to catch passes.

P92 (Bauer), P29/P90 (CCM), W03 (Warrior), TC2 (True)
One of the most popular patterns in the game today. Provides great puck control, quick releases, great ontrol on shots.

P28 (Bauer), P28 (CCM), W28 (Warrior), TC4 (True)
Fastest growing pattern in hockey. Great for toe drags, quick releases, and getting lift on your shots.

P88 (Bauer), P88/P80 (CCM), W88 (Warrior), MC (True)
Classic mid-curve blade. Great all-around blade for stick-handling, wrist shots, and quick releases. Also good for backhand shots.

PM9 (Bauer), P42 (CCM), W01 (Warrior), MC2 (True)
Great mid-curve option for players who take a wide variety of shots. Backhands, quick snap shots, and wrist shots. Perfect for high-velocity shots.

Also great for stickhandling in tight spaces.

NHL Curves
NHL players often use custom curves that aren’t available in most stores. The players have opportunities to create custom curves made to their liking. The result has created extreme examples alongside straightforward ideas. Examples can be seen with extreme toe curves or straight blades with the slightest bend.