Better to start with an inexpensive wooden hockey stick for your first Ice hockey stick and it should have a basic version of each of the unique characteristics of a hockey stick.
Left-handed or right-handed stick?
Using a left-handed or right-handed hockey stick is not an automatic decision and it really depends on which way it is most comfortable for you. One guideline is to choose a hockey stick so that your dominant hand is on top (that is, a left-handed stick for a right-handed person). The best way to solve this is to borrow one of each stick from your friends, or your local hockey store, and test them out. Choose the way that is most comfortable for you.
Long:
Choosing the correct length stick is very important and will drastically affect your ability to use the hockey stick. Your hockey stick should be long enough to approximately reach your chin when standing on skates when the hockey stick is held vertically in front of you. Hockey sticks come in a few standard sizes: junior, intermediate, and senior and you will choose the one with the closest or longest length. Expect to finish with a longer stick and cut it to the correct length with a wood saw (or cut it at your local hockey store).
The hockey stick blade pattern:
If you are going down the road of starting with a flat sheet, then your decision is already made. If you are going to get a curved blade, get one that only has a slight curve. Passes and forehand shots may be a bit easier if you end up with a big corner, but passes and backhand shots will be much more difficult. Master good club handling and shoot a basic blade pattern before moving into a forward curve.
Flex:
Flex is a measure of the stiffness of the hockey stick. When you shoot, the pressure you apply with your lower hand causes the hockey stick to bend. This flex is good, up to a point, because it helps speed up the shot when the hockey stick retracts. The correct flex is the one that has the most flex that you can still bend when shooting. Again, choose a standard / regular flex for your first stick.
Preparing your new hockey stick for playtime requires three things:
1. Cut your stick to the proper length. When standing on your skates, the top of the stick should be around your chin when held vertically in front of you. A fine tooth wood saw works best.
2. Tape the sheet from heel to toe with hockey tape.
3. Tape the handle to provide a better grip. It typically consists of a strip of tape at the end of the bar and a single layer of tape wrapped 6 to 8 inches down the axis starting at the knob.
Enjoy your new stick and the great sport of ice hockey!
