Choosing the correct curve is one of the most crucial factors when it comes to selecting the right hockey stick. Stick curves affect how you handle the puck, pass, shoot, and even play defense. With so many curve patterns to choose from across different brands, understanding the unique characteristics of each can help you optimize your performance on the ice.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about hockey stick curves: what they are, how they affect your game, and how to choose the best one for your style of play.
What Is a Hockey Stick Curve?
A hockey stick curve (Also known as a hockey stick pattern) refers to the bend in the blade, which can impact everything from stickhandling to shooting. Stick curves can vary in their depth (how pronounced the curve is), location (where the blade starts curving), and face angle (how open or closed the blade is). Each of these attributes influences the way the puck behaves when it contacts the stick.
The primary aspects of a stick curve to consider are:
- Curve Type (Heel, Mid, Toe): The location on the blade where the curve begins.
- Curve Depth: How deep or shallow the curve is.
- Face Angle: How open or closed the face of the blade is.
- Lie: The angle at which the blade sits on the ice.
Different Curve Types: Heel, Mid, and Toe
- Heel Curve:
- Starts curving closer to the heel of the blade.
- Ideal for players who want more power on their shots, particularly slap shots.
- Good for players who often take shots from further out.
- Example: Bauer P88, CCM P88, Warrior W88.
- Mid Curve:
- The most versatile curve, it starts near the middle of the blade.
- Excellent for both shooting and passing, making it the most popular choice among players.
- Offers a good balance between accuracy and power, suitable for all-around gameplay.
- Example: Bauer P92, CCM P29, Warrior W03.
- Toe Curve:
- The curve starts closer to the toe of the blade.
- Known for quick, precise wrist shots and enhanced puck control.
- Popular for players who like to handle the puck close to their body and pull off toe drags.
- Example: Bauer P28, CCM P28, Warrior W28.
Curve Depth: Shallow, Medium, and Deep
- Shallow Curves: Offer more control over the puck for passing and stickhandling but less assistance with lifting the puck. Better suited for defensemen who focus on making accurate passes and taking low shots on net.
- Example: Bauer P88, CCM P88, Warrior W88.
- Medium Curves: Provide a good balance between puck control and shooting accuracy. This is the most versatile curve depth, great for players who like to mix wrist shots, snap shots, and stickhandling.
- Example: Bauer P92, CCM P29, Warrior W03.
- Deep Curves: Make it easier to lift the puck and are great for wrist shots. However, they can make passing less accurate, especially for backhand passes. Ideal for players who like quick-release shots or who play a lot in front of the net.
- Example: Bauer P28, CCM P28, Warrior W28.
Face Angle: Open vs. Closed
- Closed Face: This means the blade remains more parallel to the ice, offering more control and accuracy for passing and stickhandling. However, it may be harder to lift the puck.
- Example: Bauer P88, CCM P88, Warrior W88.
- Open Face: The blade opens up slightly, making it easier to lift the puck, especially on wrist and snap shots. This curve is perfect for players who want to elevate the puck quickly but may require more skill to keep passes low and accurate.
- Example: Bauer P28, CCM P28, Warrior W28.
Stick Lie: What It Means and Why It Matters
Lie refers to the angle between the blade and the shaft. A lower lie (e.g., 4 or 5) is better for players who skate low to the ice, while a higher lie (e.g., 6) is ideal for players who skate more upright. The correct lie ensures more of the blade stays in contact with the ice, improving control and reducing wear on the blade’s toe or heel.
Popular Stick Curves by Brand
Let’s look at the most popular curves across major brands and what makes them unique.
1. Bauer Stick Curves
- P92 (Mid-Tow Curve): The most versatile and popular curve for all-around players. Ideal for accurate passing, powerful shooting, and puck control. Best for players who like a balanced approach.
- P28 (Toe Curve): Best for quick wrist shots, toe drags, and players looking to elevate the puck quickly.
- P88 (Heel Curve): A flatter curve with a more closed face, great for defensemen and players focused on puck control and passing accuracy.
- P90TM (Hybrid Curve): A combination of the P92 and P28, offering both puck control and the ability to lift the puck easily. Great for centremen.
2. CCM Stick Curves
- P29 (Mid-Toe Curve): Equivalent to Bauer’s P92, offering a versatile style for all-around play.
- P28 (Toe Curve): Popular among players who prefer quick release shots and toe drags.
- P88 (Heel Curve): A more controlled curve for low, accurate shots and superior puck handling.
- P90TM (Hybrid Curve): Combines the benefits of the P28 and P29, offering balance and versatility for centermen and all-around players.
3. Warrior Stick Curves
- W03 (Mid-Toe Curve): Versatile for all-around use, similar to the Bauer P92 and CCM P29.
- W28 (Toe Curve): Perfect for players who prefer quick-release wrist shots and more control on toe drags.
- W88 (Heel Curve): A more controlled curve for low, accurate shots and superior puck handling.
4. True Stick Curves
- T92 (Mid-Toe Curve): A balanced curve for all-around use, much like Warrior's W03.
- T28 (Toe Curve): Focused on quick wrist shots and puck control, similar to Bauer’s P28.
- T88 (Heel Curve): A flatter curve for defensemen, offering control and accuracy in low shots.
5. Sherwood Stick Curves
- PP92 (Mid-Toe Curve): The Sherwood equivalent to the Bauer P92, excellent for balanced play.
- PP28 (Toe Curve): Ideal for players who prioritize quick puck elevation and wrist shots.
- PP88 (Heel Curve): A flatter blade curve that provides excellent puck control and low shot accuracy like the True T88.
- PP90MX (Hybrid Curve): A blend of mid and toe curves, designed for versatility across all playing styles.
How to Choose the Right Curve for Your Playstyle
- For Shooters: If you rely heavily on wrist shots and snap shots, a curve like the P28 (toe curve) will give you more puck lift and precision for quick releases.
- For Stickhandlers: Players who excel in puck handling and passing should consider a curve like the P88 (heel curve) or W03, which provides greater control and feel.
- For All-Around Players: If you need a balance between shooting, passing, and stickhandling, go for mid-toe curves like the P92 or P29.
- For Centermen: Players who take a lot of face-offs and need versatility should consider the hybrid curves like the P90TM, which offer control and quick puck release in all areas of the game.
Which Stick Curves Do The Pros Use?
Many NHL players have developed signature stick curves tailored to their specific playing styles, which have become popular among hockey enthusiasts. For instance, Sidney Crosby’s P29 curve (similar to Bauer’s P92) features a mid-toe design, perfect for his all-around game that emphasizes accurate passing and quick shots. Auston Matthews uses the P28 toe curve, designed for precision wrist shots and toe drags, which suits his goal-scoring prowess. Alex Ovechkin has long favored an open-face curve (like the P88), providing him with excellent puck control and the ability to unleash powerful, low slap shots. Connor McDavid uses a P90TM curve, which combines the best features of mid and toe curves—perfect for his fast-paced, dynamic style of play. These custom curves reflect each player’s strengths, and many hockey players seek out similar patterns to emulate their favorite NHL stars.
Understanding how hockey stick curves affect your game is key to making the right choice for your specific needs. Whether you’re a shooter looking for more puck lift or a defenseman prioritizing accuracy and control, selecting the right curve can have a major impact on your on-ice performance.
For more tips on how to grow your game, check out other articles from our Game Assist blog!
