Are broken sticks a problem in the modern NHL?

[TheDawnOfANewTage]

I wouldn’t think so, ya? Players use the best tools available, those are the best tools and they just come with a certain downside- they explode if touched wrong, but they’re good 99% of the time.

But- sticks are $200+ these days, right?

And for players- they get ‘em for free, or they’re actively getting paid, so it doesn’t matter at all.

But for the consumer, the market- bro, I need a stick that’ll last at least one season. I can’t have the whole stick market aimed towards whatever McDavid’s habits are.

There’s also the issue of sticks failing at key moments, but I kinda assume pros use what they use because they’re still best, but it makes me wonder- should the nhl arguably regulate sticks a bit more? Have some kinda break test, at least?

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[Hazy Little Thing]

Top of the line are $400+

Just get a Sherwood 5030 for $35 if you’re looking for bang for your buck.

 

[tarheelhockey]

Anecdotally, I feel like they’re breaking less often than they were 10 years ago?

 

[PlayersLtd]

Anecdotally, I feel like they’re breaking less often than they were 10 years ago?

Came here to say this.

 

[Magic 8 Ball]

I still use a wooden stick. Much more durable.

 

[Summer Rose]

I still use a wooden stick. Much more durable.

I used a wooden stick for my entire playing career. I finally shelled out for a composite stick that I got on clearance in about 2018 or so, but injuries ended my ability to play and I never got to use it on ice.

 

[Flukeshot]

Obviously it would be impossible to tell, but I am curious how many goals or at least quality chances are lost each year from broken sticks. Or turnovers caused by them.

Then conversely how many goals are scored because of them, as in increased velocity.

I really would guess they've been an overall negative impact.

 

[Norwegianoiler]

Jarret Stoll and Marc-Andre Bergeron broke more sticks in a single game than I've seen a whole team do in a season during recent years. Completely anecdotal and fully down availability heuristic lane, but there it is.

 

[Number8]

I wouldn’t think so, ya? Players use the best tools available, those are the best tools and they just come with a certain downside- they explode if touched wrong, but they’re good 99% of the time.

But- sticks are $200+ these days, right?

And for players- they get ‘em for free, or they’re actively getting paid, so it doesn’t matter at all.

But for the consumer, the market- bro, I need a stick that’ll last at least one season. I can’t have the whole stick market aimed towards whatever McDavid’s habits are.

There’s also the issue of sticks failing at key moments, but I kinda assume pros use what they use because they’re still best, but it makes me wonder- should the nhl arguably regulate sticks a bit more? Have some kinda break test, at least?

Not sure what the NHL should do (except with FOUR officials on the ice - clear the f***ing broken sticks out of the way). But as far as kids go, it's insane.

I think kids leagues should put a cap on what kids can play with. Never going to happen, I know. But it's more the point.

Little chubby Johnny isn't going to be a better hockey player because his parent's drop $250 on a stick -- anymore than he's going to bat .400 and smoke homers every game because he has a $500 baseball bat.

I'm learning to play the guitar. I suck. Need to practice and learn over and over and even then will probably be just so so. If I go out and buy a $2,000 Taylor guitar I suspect the same result.