Hockey Stick Blade Curve & Pattern Chart: Which Lie is Right for You?

Published 17th April 2024

Embarking on the journey of purchasing a new ice hockey stick involves weighing various factors such as length, weight, and flex. However, one aspect that reigns supreme in importance is the hockey stick curve or pattern. Leading ice hockey stick brands offer a plethora of curve options, each with its own set of strengths and weaknesses. When selecting the ideal curve for your game, it's crucial to assess your playing position, preferred shot types, and overall gameplay strengths. Forwards, who typically focus on quick releases and accurate shots, may prefer a curve that enhances puck control and accuracy. Meanwhile, defensemen might opt for a curve that facilitates powerful slap shots and precise passes from the blue line. Understanding how different curves complement your playing style enables you to make an informed decision that aligns with your on-ice objectives and enhances your overall performance. By considering these factors, you can confidently select an ice hockey stick with the perfect curve to elevate your game and dominate the competition.

That said, this guide will dive into what some of the different types of curves, how they affect the puck, Hockey Stick Curves from the major stick brands, along with some popular commonly asked questions about Hockey Stick Blade Curves.

* What Influences Hockey Blade Curve?

* How Does Blade Curve Affect Puck Control?

* Hockey Stick Blade Curve Chart

* Hockey Stick Blade Curve Patterns by Brand

* Common Questions About Hockey Stick Blade Curves

What Influences Hockey Blade Curve?

* Heel Curves are blades that have more of a curve near the base (or Heel) of the blade. This means that the curve of the blade will start here with the middle and toe of the blade straightening out a little bit. Heel Curves are predominantly used by defensemen as they help improve slap shot power and accuracy.

* On the contrary, Toe Curves are blades that have most of their curve at the toe area of the blade. Hockey Stick Patterns that are listed as having Toe Curves are often preferred by forwards as they will allow them to lift the puck quicker and easier during shooting in tight spaces.

* Mid Curves are a balance of the two. Due to most of the curve being in the middle of the blade, Hockey Sticks with these Blade Patterns are great for stickhandlers, passers, and accuracy on all types of shots, including backhand shots.

* All Hockey Stick Curves have some degree of loft to them. This is similar to how golf wedges look, but to a much lesser extent. Hockey Stick Blades with a closed face will help keep shots low and powerful, with more straight-line velocity. Slightly open faces are slightly more open than the closed option, so it will still provide great power on heavy shots, while also give players an easier time lifting the puck on shots. Open faced blade types are, as the name states, the most open of the three. Blade Patterns with open faces are great for getting the puck up in the air as quickly as possible in tight areas.

* Hockey Blade Curve Depth refers to how deep the actual curve of the blade is. There are three primary curve depths regarding Hockey Stick Curves; Moderate curves, slight curves, and deep curves, and usually range from 3/8th” to ½”. For perspective, a perfectly flat blade has a zero depth. A slight curve depth provides great accuracy on all shot types and puck control but will be harder to lift the puck. A moderate curve depth (1/2”) is the most popular and will help improve puck control, improve the ability to lift the puck easier (compared to slight), all while still having a good backhand. A deep curve depth will provide the most control thanks to the blade being able to really cup the puck. This option will also help snipe corners in tight spaces. However, backhand shots will be much harder to utilize. Hockey Blade Patterns with deep curve depths are not recommended for beginners.

* The Lie of a Hockey Stick refers to the angle that your stick is at when the bottom of your blade is flat on the ice. If you stand on the ice holding the stick to your side normally, and the blade is more on its heel or toe, then you have the wrong Hockey Stick Lie. You want the blade to lie flat (have the right lie) as it will help control the puck while stickhandling, receiving passes, and shooting. The most common Hockey Stick Lies are 4,5, and 6. A four Lie is great for players who skate with a lower center of balance, with the puck out in front of them more often. A higher lie, like six, will cater towards players who skate more upright, with the puck closer to their body. This will be the preferred lie for quick, puck handling forwards. A lie five is a good balance between the two.

How Does Blade Curve Affect Puck Control?

* Puck Spin - The Curve of an Ice Hockey Stick Blade helps generate spin on your shots and passes. Like a football, the spinning motion of a Hockey Puck increases stability and accuracy.

* Control - The Curve of an Ice Hockey Stick Blade greatly increases puck control during stickhandling, especially quick stick handling in tight spaces. It makes it easier to “grab” the puck with your blade without it rolling off.

* Shot Power - The Curve of an Ice Hockey Stick also helps increase shot power. Due to you being able to cup the puck with the curve, paired with the spin added, it will help increase shot speed.

Hockey Stick Blade Curve Chart

Common Questions About Hockey Stick Blade Curves

Is there an illegal curve type?

There are no retail curves currently made that would be deemed illegal. A way to check if a curve is illegal is to lay the stick flat so that the curve of the blade is flat against a surface. Stand a quarter up and see if it fits inside the curve of the blade. If it does, it means that Hockey Blade Pattern has too much curve and is illegal.

How long does a hockey stick blade last?

Discover the variables influencing how long a hockey stick blade lasts, primarily determined by playing frequency and the intensity of competition. Players engaged in highly competitive youth or collegiate hockey, with daily ice time, face a higher risk of stress fractures in the blade's toe and heel areas.

Intense gameplay at these levels involves frequent stick checks, intense puck battles along the boards, and other factors contributing to blade wear and tear. To mitigate this risk, players at such levels often maintain multiple backup sticks to ensure uninterrupted gameplay.

Understanding the impact of playing frequency and competition level empowers players to make informed decisions regarding stick maintenance and backup stick availability, ensuring optimal performance on the ice.