If you have a kid getting ready to play hockey, chances are you were a little overwhelmed seeing the list of equipment he or she needs. With so much gear you need for your young hockey player, it can be more than slightly confusing at first. For example, does your young player need a youth stick, or a junior stick? Is there even a difference?
The short answer is yes, you absolutely need to know what you’re getting into when choosing youth vs. junior hockey sticks. These categories aren’t just names — they’re very specific classifications to help you find the sticks that are optimized for younger players, based on their differences in terms of physical size and skill level. There can be a world of difference between youth hockey sticks, junior sticks and senior sticks like those used by the pros. Choosing the right one can have a tremendous impact on how well your child performs on the ice, and the wrong one can be a serious handicap to overcome. Read on to learn more about the differences between these categories of ice hockey sticks for young players and how to select the right one for your child.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Size
Hockey sticks generally come in one of four sizes: youth, junior, intermediate and senior. The first two categories are intended for use by the youngest players, but there are some significant differences between them. Selecting the right hockey gear for a particular player means knowing what these differences are and what they mean.
Youth sticks are designed for the youngest players, usually between the ages of 4 and 8. They tend to range between 38 and 44 inches in length. They also have a lower flex rating than other types of sticks, which is important for puck control and the amount of power players can put into their shots. The lower the flex rating is, the less force is needed to bend the stick. This makes it easier for younger players to shoot the puck. Take a look at our guide to
hockey stick flex ratings to learn more about what makes flex so important on the ice. Youth sticks also tend to have a smaller shaft circumference so they fit better in smaller hands.
Junior sticks tend to be the ones used by players from ages 8 through 12. They generally have a length between 46 and 53 inches to accommodate for an increase in height, and their flex rating tends to be a little bit higher on average. This makes them more rigid in general, meaning it requires more force to bend them.
Selecting the right size for your child is crucial because it can have a big impact on how comfortable he or she is while playing. If the stick is too long, your player will have difficulty controlling the puck and maneuvering around the ice. On the other hand, a stick that’s too short forces the player into an uncomfortable stance and reduces his or her range.
The Optimal Size for Each Level of Play
Although every player is unique, the general rule of thumb when it comes to choosing a hockey stick for a player of a certain age is:
- Youth: Ages 4 through 8
- Junior: Ages 8 through 12
- Intermediate: Ages 12 through 15
- Senior: Ages 15 and up
You can get a good idea of whether a stick is the right length by having the player set the toe of the stick on the floor, then holding it straight up vertically in front of his or her face. Ideally, the end of the stick should be at about the same level as the player’s nose, or up to the chin when wearing skates.
Even if your child has reached the age where he or she should be moving up from a youth stick to a junior stick, that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to do so. If, for example, your son or daughter hasn’t grown as tall as other kids in the same age group yet, you should probably hold onto your current stick until the next growth spurt. It’s also possible that your young hockey player just prefers playing with a lighter stick because it’s easier to handle quickly, or he or she is more comfortable using a stick with a very low flex rating. The bottom line is that as long as it doesn’t have a negative impact on his or her play, it’s okay to hang onto a youth stick for a bit longer than suggested.
Another key factor in determining whether it’s time to graduate to the next level is the flex rating. If your player is getting stronger and feels like a youth stick is too flexible for his or her style of play, that may be a sign that it’s time to move up to a junior hockey stick.
Key Takeaways
Stick length, flex rating and personal preference all play important roles in helping you find the right stick for your young player. Matching the player to the hockey equipment that’s best suited for how they play is important if you want them to be successful on the ice and stick with the sport. ProStockHockey.com has a huge selection of youth hockey sticks for sale as well as intermediate and pro-grade senior sticks. No matter the level of play, you’re sure to find something that fits your needs at competitive prices.
If you’re still not sure what type of stick is right for your child, don’t hesitate to reach out and contact our team for more information today!
