Which Hockey Stick Curve Is Right for You? (Take The Quiz)

Which Hockey Stick Curve Is Right for You?

Choosing the right hockey stick curve can completely change how you play the game. While flex and lie are important, the blade curve determines how the puck reacts on your stick. From passing to shooting to stickhandling, your curve shapes your style. Take our interactive quiz below to find the curve that fits your style best!

Understanding Hockey Stick Curves: How to Find Your Perfect Blade

Choosing the right hockey stick curve is one of the most important decisions for players of all levels. While factors like stick flex, length, and lie are important, the curve of the blade can completely alter your game. It influences how you shoot, pass, lift the puck, and control it on the stick. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about hockey stick curves, how to match them to your playing style, and popular pro curves used by NHL stars.

What Is a Hockey Stick Curve?

The curve of a hockey stick refers to the bend of the blade from the heel to the toe. It affects the angle at which the puck leaves your stick, your ability to lift shots, and your control when passing or handling the puck. Curves are measured in terms of depth (how pronounced the bend is) and face angle (how open or closed the blade is).

Blade Curve Types

Understanding the types of curves is key to finding one that suits your style:

• Toe Curve: The bend is near the toe of the blade. Toe curves allow for quick releases, powerful wrist shots, and effective toe drags. Wingers and offensive players who excel in tight spaces often prefer toe curves because they make it easier to lift the puck and score in close quarters.
• Mid Curve: The bend is in the center of the blade. Mid curves offer balance between passing, stickhandling, and shooting. They are extremely versatile and often used by centers or two-way forwards who need consistency in all aspects of play.
• Heel Curve: The bend is near the heel of the blade. Heel curves favor slapshots and long-distance shooting, giving power and stability. They’re commonly preferred by defensemen and players who take heavy shots from the point or outside the crease.

Curve Depth and Its Impact

The depth of the curve significantly affects your performance:

• Deep Curves: These curves cup the puck more, helping lift it quickly and making wrist shots and dekes easier. However, deep curves can make backhand shots more challenging and may reduce overall passing accuracy.
• Shallow Curves: Flatter curves provide predictable puck behavior, excellent passing, and accurate shots. The trade-off is that lifting the puck becomes slightly more difficult, and quick releases may take more practice.

Open vs. Closed Blade Face

The face angle of the blade affects puck control and shot trajectory:

• Open Face: The blade points slightly upward, making it easier to lift shots. Open faces are ideal for players who score off quick releases or want to elevate the puck over goalies.
• Closed Face: The blade points slightly downward, keeping shots flatter and more controlled. Closed faces favor accuracy, passing, and defensive stickhandling.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Curve

Choosing a curve isn’t just about preference — it should align with your position, skill level, and playing style:

• Playing Position: Wingers often favor toe curves for quick scoring. Centers may prefer mid curves for balance, while defensemen often lean toward heel or shallow curves for stability and power.
• Skill Level: Beginners typically benefit from mid or shallow curves to develop consistency and control. Advanced players may opt for deep toe curves to leverage speed, deception, and quick releases.
• Shooting Style: If you rely on wrist shots and toe drags, a toe or mid curve works best. If slapshots are your primary weapon, heel curves will give the extra power needed from long distances.
• Stickhandling and Passing: Players who focus on accuracy and puck control may prefer shallow curves, as they provide predictable puck behavior for precise passing.
• League Rules: Some leagues have restrictions on maximum curve depth. Always check regulations before selecting an extreme curve.

Popular Professional Curves

Many retail stick curves are modeled after NHL players. Here are some common examples:

• Bauer P28 (Auston Matthews): Deep toe curve, perfect for fast releases and close-range scoring.
• Bauer P92 / CCM P29 (Alex Ovechkin / Sidney Crosby): Mid curves that provide all-around versatility for shooting, passing, and stickhandling.
• Bauer PM9 (Mike Modano): Shallow, flat blade for accuracy and defensive control.
• CCM P02 (Brian Leetch): Heel curve ideal for defensemen who rely on slapshots and strong outlet passes.
• Warrior W88 (Henrik Zetterberg): Shallow curve emphasizing accuracy, passing, and puck control.

Testing Your Curve

The best way to know if a curve suits your game is to try it out. Many pro shops allow stick demos or bending sticks to test different curves. When experimenting, pay attention to:

• How easily you lift the puck for wrist shots.
• Your accuracy on passes and shots.
• Comfort on both forehand and backhand sides.
• Your ability to control the puck in tight spaces.

Final Thoughts

There’s no single “perfect” hockey stick curve. The right curve complements your strengths, playing position, and style. Toe curves favor fast releases and scoring, mid curves provide all-around balance, heel curves empower heavy slapshots, and shallow curves give you accuracy and control. Use our interactive quiz above to narrow down your options, then test sticks in real game scenarios to find your ideal match. The right blade curve can elevate your game, helping you handle the puck, shoot, and pass more effectively, giving you confidence and consistency on the ice.