Choosing the right hockey stick length is crucial for your performance and comfort on the ice. Here, we go through the most important rules of thumb and tips to help you find a stick that suits your playing style.

Measurement Methods – Find Your Optimal Stick Length

There are three common ways to measure what length is right for you.

• Measurement with and without skates This is the most classic and reliable method.
• Without skates: When you stand straight, the stick should reach up to the tip of your nose. This provides a good, neutral starting point.
• With skates: When you have your skates on, the stick should instead reach up to your chin.
• Measurement in relation to body height A simpler way to get an estimate is to base it on your own height.
• A rule of thumb is that the stick should be about 80% of your body height.
• Example: If you are 180 cm tall, a stick around 144 cm is a good guideline.

Adapt to Your Playing Style

Your role on the ice also influences your choice.

• Shorter sticks: Provide better puck control and faster reactions. Perfect for technical players who want to dribble and keep the puck close to their body, often forwards.
• Longer sticks: Provide increased reach and more power in shots. Suitable for players who work a lot with poke checks or defensemen who handle shots from the blue line.

Why the Right Length is Crucial

Playing with the wrong stick length can make it difficult to maintain a natural playing stance, reduce your puck control, and increase the risk of injuries to your back and shoulders. When you choose the right length, you get a stick that feels like a natural extension of your body.