Whether it’s a booming slapshot from the point or a slick deke on a breakaway, the hockey stick is at the heart of the game and its construction is more complex than it may seem.
Modern hockey organizations, from NHL teams to junior clubs, often rely on partnerships with major stick manufacturers like CCM, Bauer and TRUE Hockey. These companies produce customized sticks designed to match each player’s unique preferences from flex and kick point to blade curve and grip texture.
“Each stick is basically an extension of the player’s body,” said Craig Desjardins, vice-president of product innovation at Bauer Hockey. “The wrong stick can throw off everything, shot accuracy, release time, even comfort on the ice.”
While wooden sticks still have a nostalgic place in hockey history, they’ve largely been replaced by composite models. Most sticks today are made from layers of carbon fibre and resin, built for strength, flexibility and lightness.
The process starts with sheets of carbon fibre laid in specific patterns to control flex. These sheets are wrapped around a mould, forming the shaft, before being combined with the blade and cured in a high-temperature oven. Bauer applies its signature finishes: tactile grips, blade textures, and graphics that vary by model and player preference.
“Depending on the stick’s flex rating, we’ll adjust how many layers of carbon go into the shaft and how tightly they’re woven,” said Riaz Miller, an employee at Bauer Hockey. “That controls the energy transfer during a shot.”
The Stickmaking Process
Step 1
Creating the shaft with sheets of carbon fibre. These sheets are wrapped around a mould, forming the shaft.
Step 2
Building the blade the shape of the blade is wrapped in layers of carbon fiber. Then placed into a two-part mold.
Step 3
Assembling the Shaft and Blade the hardened shaft and blade are bonded together using glue then smoothing the edges.
Step 4
Painting and Graphics the stick is painted, and logos are added.
A clear coat is applied to protect the graphics and surface.
Step 5
The sticks get a grip coating or textured surface on the shaft.
Step 6
A final inspection ensures the sticks meet quality standards before getting shipped.
After curing, each stick is cut to size, painted, and finished with details like grip coating and decals. For professionals, the customization goes even further.
While NHL stars like Connor Bedard and Auston Matthews use highly customized Bauer sticks, the same technology is available to young players and weekend warriors.
“When a player like Matthews wants a certain flex profile or blade stiffness, we build that to spec,” said Miller. “But then we take that feedback and apply it to our retail sticks so that players everywhere can benefit from elite-level performance.”
Bauer also offers MyBauer a custom program that lets amateur players personalize everything from blade curve to flex to grip finish.
“Players are more educated than ever,” Miller added. “They know what they like, and we’re giving them the tools to build their perfect stick.”
Bauer tests the durability and performance of its sticks under extreme conditions, using advanced materials like boron fibre and a range of lab simulations. “We put our sticks through rigorous testing using specialized machines,” said Desjardins. “Then we validate that with real-world performance data from professional players.”
The company also monitors specific metrics, such as flex ratings, a number that indicates how much weight is needed to bend a stick one inch from its neutral position. “Understanding flex helps us matchsticks to playing styles and physical strength,” he said.
To keep sticks in top shape, Bauer recommends players take care of them off the ice too. “Store your stick in a cool, dry place to prevent warping or damage,” Desjardins advised. “Keep it clean, dry, and replace the tape regularly. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or near heat sources.”
As the pace of the game continues to rise, several manufacturers remain committed to crafting the perfect stick, one flex point, one curve, and one goal at a time.