How to Measure a Goalie Stick

Often an overlooked and underappreciated vital piece of goalie equipment is the goalie stick. The design has changed through the years, going from a particularly heavy piece of wood to a streamlined tool made from wood or composite materials in a one-piece unit. If you are in the market for a new stick, a proper measurement is required. There's three measurements involved: the paddle, the shaft and the overall length.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure or yardstick
  • Goalie stick
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lay the goalie stick out on a flat and level surface. Position the end of the measuring device at the top of the shaft (the handle) and measure to the top of the paddle. Write down the number you get.

    • 2

      Position the tape measure or yardstick at the top of the paddle and measure all the way down the paddle to the heel, or the curve of the blade that meets the ice. The paddle length is important: the shorter the paddle, the farther away your blocker hand must be from the body to maintain contact with the ice. Longer paddles bring the blocker closer. Paddle length is essentially a matter of preference.

    • 3

      Add the two numbers, paddle length and shaft length, to determine the actual length of the goalie stick. One way to see if a particular length is right for you: hold the stick parallel and close to your body while wearing your socks. The top of the shaft should come to just underneath your nose, or underneath your chin if you are wearing goalie skates.