How to Choose the Right Hockey Stick Length

Picking the right hockey stick length has evolved in today's game, with a fast, puck-moving style that requires elite puck-handling ability and players to find the next play as quickly as possible.

In the past, the general rule of thumb was always to cut the stick around your nose. However, we advise players to keep their stick length no higher than the Adam's apple. Stick length can range from the chin to the chest when standing on skates—we will break down exactly why this shift in length is necessary.

Advocating for a Shorter Stick Length

In this next section, we will break down the advantages of going with a shorter stick for players just starting out all the way to the NHL ranks.

Hockey Stick Length and Puck-Handling Ability

The number one thing that scouts look for in hockey is a player's ability to prolong possession. You should ask yourself, does the puck die on your stick, or are you able to keep the play going? Teams want to keep the puck as much as possible, with the game trending toward a possession-based style. A large factor in this is your ability to control the puck. If your stick is too long when starting out at a young age, it can be detrimental to your ability to stickhandle effectively.

This is often an overlooked and underdeveloped skill in today's game. Players often do not have the puck on their stick for the full duration of a practice, and in a game, the best players in the world have the puck on their tape for less than two minutes. It is also, quite frankly, not the most fun thing to practice, with players putting a lot more emphasis on shooting instead. Coaches working with youth players should build drills and practices that require each player to have the puck on their stick for a minimum of 30 minutes in a 60-minute practice. It's also recommended that players spend time at home in the garage or driveway practicing their puck handling for short stints daily.

Passing and Why Stick Length Matters

A short stick is going to aid in your ability to pass the puck. A longer stick will inhibit your ability to move the puck around your stick zone in tight spaces. Being able to adjust your stick quickly to find passing lanes and triangles is essential, and this becomes more difficult when players use a longer stick.

Finding the Right Length, Flex, and Shooting

What about shooting? Will I lose a lot of flex on my shot by going with a shorter stick? Not really. With the advancement in today's stick technology, there are plenty of ways to combat this. Carbon fiber blades allow sticks to flex not only through the shaft but all the way through the length of the blade as well. Cutting your stick down will reduce flex, but one way to solve this is to go with a lighter-flex stick.

If you are using a 50-flex stick, drop down to a 40-flex and cut it shorter to offset the lost whip from cutting down a stiffer shaft.

Stick Shaft Length and Its Impact on Lie

When players use a stick that is too long, we often see the following issues:

• Only the heel of the blade rests on the ice, reducing the amount of blade contact with the ice.
• To flatten the lie, players will skate more upright instead of with bent knees in an athletic skating position.
• Difficulty shooting, passing, and stickhandling.

Right Hockey Stick Length for Your Position and Style of Play

Personal preference, position, and playing style all influence the ideal stick length. Let's break down the common stick-length tendencies by position.

Stick Length for Defensemen

In the past, the common trend was for defensemen to use a longer stick to make defending easier. A longer hockey stick provides extra reach, helping break up passes, disrupt plays, and win puck battles. While those advantages still matter, today's game demands much more from defensemen than simply defending.

Today's defensemen are expected to be confident puck movers. Breaking the puck out quickly, escaping forecheck pressure with your feet, joining the rush, and contributing offensively have become essential parts of the position. Having a long stick won't make up for poor skating or puck skills. Young defensemen should focus on developing the ability to retrieve pucks, move their feet, and make quick, accurate plays under pressure.

As we mentioned earlier, hockey has evolved into a much faster, puck-possession game. Defensemen who can efficiently handle the puck and transition play from the defensive zone to the offensive zone give their team a significant advantage. That's why many elite defensemen are now choosing slightly shorter sticks that allow for quicker hands, better puck control, and faster decision-making.

Stick Length for Forwards

Forwards tend to prefer shorter sticks because they allow for quicker hands and better puck control. With nearly 70% of the game spent along the boards and around the perimeter of the rink, forwards constantly need to get in the corners and dig for pucks in tight spaces where quick stickhandling and puck protection are essential.

Winning puck battles in the corners and along the wall often comes down to how quickly you can move the puck around your body. A shorter stick makes it easier to control the puck in traffic, adjust your hands, and make plays under pressure without the puck getting too far away from you.

While some forwards like the longer reach of a bigger stick to keep the puck away from defenders, experienced players can create extra reach simply by sliding their top hand farther up the shaft or bringing both hands together at the top of the stick. This provides additional extension when needed without sacrificing the quickness and control that a shorter stick offers.

Finally, nearly half of all goals are scored from in and around the front of the net. In these high-traffic areas, players rarely have much time or space. Quick hands, fast releases, and the ability to handle pucks in tight are critical—all of which are easier to develop with a slightly shorter stick.

Choosing the Right Stick Length Conclusion

There is no one perfect hockey stick length for every player. The position you play, playing style, and personal preference all play a role in finding what works best for you. That said, we strongly believe younger players are better off starting with a slightly shorter stick and learning how to handle the puck, pass, and make plays in tight spaces. It's much easier to add a little length later than it is to relearn habits that developed from using a stick that was too long when starting out.

If you're thinking about getting a new stick and aren't sure what setup is right for you, check out our Personalized Stick Fitting. One of our experts will help you with getting the right stick length, flex, curve, and lie based on your playing style, position, and skill level so you can feel confident every time you step on the ice.