Seven Things To Consider In Caring For Your Hockey Stick

Since a hockey stick is of high importance for a hockey game, every player should take good care of it. Here are some ways to take care of your hockey stick.

1. Know your hockey stick. There are two types of hockey sticks and it is best that you take time to get to know your stick. There are some care instructions that may be applicable for composite sticks but not for wooden sticks. If you fail to do this, you might end up doing more damage rather than good.

2. Frequency of use and surface. Hockey is not played on ice alone; in fact, it can be played on a variety of surfaces. The degree of hockey stick care that you will have to do will depend on the frequency and surface you use your stick on.

If you are using your wooden stick more frequently that your composite stick, then it is only natural for you to go to great lengths to ensure the lifespan of your wooden stick. The surface you play on will also affect the lifespan of your hockey stick because the more you play on rough surfaces the shorter the lifespan of your hockey stick.

3. Tapes. Before you start taping your hockey stick, make sure that you have the right type of tape. The tape used for hockey sticks is made especially for that purpose; using other tapes might end up with unsatisfactory results.

There are different types of tapes for hockey sticks available like the fiberglass tapes, electrical tapes, trapping tapes, clear tapes and even grip tapes. Each type of tape may have a specific function.

For example, the grip tapes are used in order to have a better grip on the stick. Shaft tapes are used to prevent the shaft from breaking. Choosing the right kind of tape may help improve your stick's perfomance as well as lengthen its lifespan.

4. Taping. The process of taping is done in order to keep your hockey stick intact. Admit it; during a game, your hockey stick is subjected to high impact and force whether it is stick to puck or stick to stick. We cannot deny the fact that the blade and handle do endure a great deal of impact.

Aside from keeping your stick intact, it also helps keep the shaft pristine. However, no matter how well you tape it there will come a time when splinters will show. Once you notice splinters, do not neglect it; instead, remove the tape and do some light sanding on your stick. Sanding will keep the shaft smooth allowing the tape to stick to it better thus making it last longer.

5. Retaping. No matter how well you tape your stick there will come a time when you will have to retape it. When retaping, do not be lazy. Do not pile tapes one after the other.

When retaping, always remove the previous tape. Piled up tape won't help you handle the stick better. In addition, these piled up tapes can also add some extra weight to your stick which can affect its performace.

6. Repair Kit. There are times when simple taping and sanding won't help restore your hockey stick to its previous shape. Due to the stress it has to undergo during the game or practice, your stick will eventually end up with chips and minor damages. When this happens, what you need now is a hockey repair kit; the kind of kit that is handy and easy to use.

Repair kits can help fill in chips and smoothen the flaws on the shaft and the blade. Always follow instructions when using a mixable hockey stick repair product.

7. Storing. If you want your hockey stick to last longer, then you will have to store it properly. Hockey sticks are stored on a rack. Mounting it on a rack will help your stick dry naturally. Using heaters and dryers are not recommended because this can damage your stick. In addition, before you store your stick, wipe it dry and wipe it clean.