Why Do Hockey Players Tape Their Sticks?

A lot of gear goes into the hockey player's equipment bag, all of it necessary to play the game. Of vital importance is the player's stick, which many players tape in preparation of game time.

  1. Grip

    • One reason many players tape their sticks is the tape creates a grip surface so the player can hold onto their stick easier with their bulky hockey gloves. Some players create a knob using tape on the butt ends of the stick to easier stick pickup.

    Blade Life

    • Taping the stick blade helps prolong the life of the blade by protecting it against impact from the puck. Many players change their tape from game to game for this purpose.

    Deception

    • Taping the blade with black tape helps mask the puck, which is also black, from the opposing goalie, making it harder to read the shot as it comes off the player's stick blade.

    Style

    • For some, taping their sticks in different colors adds a little bit of personalization to their gear. Some may use their team colors or their favorite colors; some tape in patterns using two different colors, although this is against the rules in many leagues.

    Puckhandling

    • Hockey tape has a textured, tacky surface which aids in keeping the puck from sliding around too much while the player's in possession of the puck. This aids in stick handling the puck through the opposing players.