When it comes to professional hockey, even the smallest equipment changes can impact how the game is played. That said, the most popular stick in NHL play isn’t just another talking point, but a reflection of cutting-edge engineering and performance evolution. For players, the right hockey stick can be the difference between scoring a goal or missing by an inch.
Knowing which sticks dominate the league helps players and fans appreciate how design and technology merge to improve play. When a stick becomes widely adopted, it’s usually because it delivers proven advantages: enhanced hockey stick flex, durability, and energy transfer.
The Top Hockey Stick Used by NHL Players in 2025
For the 2025 season, the Bauer Nexus Tracer stands out as the most popular stick in NHL competition. Bauer’s commitment to hockey stick technology advancements has kept them ahead of the curve, and the Nexus Tracer embodies that leadership. The Tracer’s mid-kick point delivers a consistent release, while its lightweight carbon composite frame enhances power and control across all stick handling techniques.
Professional players have praised how the Tracer performs in game-defining moments — from quick wrist shots to powerful slap shots. Its versatility supports different playing styles, making it ideal for both forwards and defensemen who rely on speed and control. Jake Guentzel, for example, is known for using Bauer’s Nexus line because it complements his quick-release scoring style and puck precision, demonstrating how superior materials and consistent hockey stick performance contribute directly to game results.
Bauer vs. CCM – The Battle for NHL Dominance
When it comes to NHL hockey stick brands, Bauer and CCM have long been the industry’s powerhouses. Together, they dominate more than 70% of professional usage — a testament to their relentless innovation and focus on athlete feedback.
Bauer has built a legacy on control and versatility. Its key lines include:
- Bauer Nexus Tracer – Mid-kick profile, built for all-around shooters.
- Bauer Vapor HyperLite2 – Low-kick point designed for snipers who rely on quick release.
- Bauer Supreme Mach – Engineered for maximum power transfer and shot velocity.
CCM, meanwhile, emphasizes innovation through customization and puck feel:
- CCM JetSpeed FT6 Pro – Hybrid kick point that adapts to various shooting motions.
- CCM Ribcor Trigger 8 Pro – Designed for speed and accuracy on rapid-release shots.
- CCM Tacks AS-V Pro – Known for blade stability and durability.
While Bauer maintains a lead in overall NHL adoption, CCM’s commitment to hockey stick innovation trends continues to attract players seeking refined handling and blade control. Together, their rivalry drives constant advancement in NHL hockey stick technology — benefiting everyone from elite professionals to new players choosing between youth vs. junior hockey sticks.
Warrior, True, and Other Rising Stick Brands
Outside the traditional giants, other hockey stick brands are carving out strong market positions in 2025:
- Warrior – Its Alpha LX series emphasizes precision and control with a low-kick profile ideal for wrist and snap shots.
- True – The Catalyst and HZRDUS lines combine lightweight carbon layering with custom flex options for advanced feel and responsiveness.
- Sherwood – Known for its affordability and nostalgic wooden feel, it remains a top choice for players seeking traditional balance.
Though smaller in market share, these companies are pushing boundaries through research, materials science, and feedback from NHL players, proving that innovation isn’t exclusive to legacy manufacturers.
Trends Driving NHL Stick Preferences
With each season comes a new wave of hockey stick innovation trends, and in 2025, the most defining factors influencing pro player choices include:
- Advanced Carbon Composites – Sticks like the Bauer Nexus Tracer use next-gen carbon layups that improve energy transfer without compromising durability.
- Variable Kick Points – Hybrid kick zones now adjust flex based on hand placement, maximizing power, control, and release speed.
- Precision Blade Design – Reinforced cores and thinner profiles enhance puck feel and shot accuracy.
- Player Data Feedback – NHL organizations now collaborate with manufacturers using tracking data to refine stick balance and torque response.
These shifts showcase how hockey stick technology advancements are all about optimizing biomechanics. The goal is clear: improve shooting power, consistency, and puck control while minimizing fatigue over 60+ minutes of play. For a deeper look at how stick design has evolved over time, check out our guide on the evolution of hockey sticks.
What Recreational Players Can Learn from NHL Choices
Recreational and amateur players often wonder if they should simply buy what NHL players use. Pros choose NHL player sticks tailored to their shooting motion, hand placement, and strength, and chances are that you should strive to do the same — but with your own abilities in mind.
Here’s how everyday players can apply NHL-level insights:
- Match Flex to Strength: Choose a flex rating around half your body weight for proper hockey stick flex and shot accuracy.
- Select the Right Curve: Explore different patterns at hockey stick curves to match your shooting preference.
- Mind the Material: Compare wood vs. composite sticks to find the feel and durability that suits you best.
- Check Hand Orientation: Determine your dominant hand with hockey stick handedness.
- Focus on Comfort and Fit: Check out our breakdown on choosing the right hockey stick for personalized guidance on length, kick point, and balance.
Even without a professional’s strength or speed, players can replicate aspects of hockey stick performance by focusing on flex, comfort, and fit rather than brand hype. If you’re ready to try authentic pro gear, explore pro stock hockey sticks to find real NHL-grade models.
The Bottom Line on NHL Hockey Stick Popularity
The Bauer Nexus Tracer is the undisputed most popular stick in NHL play for 2025 — a benchmark for the best NHL hockey stick design and versatility. Increasingly adopted among professionals and amateurs alike, it showcases the overall direction of NHL hockey equipment development: lighter builds, better balance, and smarter materials.
Still, CCM, Warrior, and True continue to innovate, offering sticks with unique flex profiles and handling advantages that appeal to different player types. This type of variety ensures that whether you’re playing college, junior, or weekend hockey, there’s a pro-level stick to match your needs. Pro Stock Hockey connects you directly with elite options that blend authenticity with performance.
And for more brand insights, check out the top hockey equipment brands.
Frequently Asked Questions About NHL Hockey Sticks
What’s the most popular skate in the NHL?
The Bauer Vapor HyperLite2 remains the most popular skate used by NHL players, known for its lightweight build and anatomical fit that enhances agility and acceleration.
Is number 69 banned in NHL?
No — number 69 isn’t officially banned by the NHL, though it’s rarely chosen due to its comedic connotation and lack of association with professional tradition.
What is the most used hockey stick in the world?
The Bauer Nexus Tracer leads both professional and amateur markets as the most used model globally, thanks to its balance of performance, flexibility, and durability.
Which hockey stick brands do NHL players use most?
Bauer and CCM lead the way, followed by Warrior and True, with each brand catering to different playing styles and preferences.
