Sticks

Measuring a goalie’s stick length is very important and often overlooked with younger goaltenders. When measuring for correct size, remember that paddle length is the most important feature. Paddle length helps the goalie maintain a proper stance. To elaborate:

• The paddle—the thicker part of the goal stick—must be long enough so when the goalie is in the proper stance (knees bent, stick flat on the ice 8 to 12 inches in front of the toes), the blocker is aligned with and not overlapping the leg pad.
• If the blocker is overlapping, the paddle is too short. If there is room for a puck to squeeze between the leg pad and blocker, the paddle is too long.
• At the same time, it is important that the length of the shaft—the thinner part of the goal stick—is not too short or too tall when poke-checking or playing the puck.

It is difficult to use the manufacturer’s measurements as a guide because their measurements do not always match other manufacturers’ measurements. In other words, a 24 inch paddle from one brand may not be the same as a 24 inch paddle from another brand, which is why it is so important to know how to properly size your goalie stick. In addition, goalie sticks are not measured solely by inches; they are also classified by size: youth, junior, intermediate, and senior.