Goalie stick length

[madmutter]

I have an 18" no curve goalie stick for a tom thumb team (5-6 year olds). The kids all share the stick because we rotate "goalies" at this age. I've never played goal, how long do I cut this thing? Same as an out player stick? Also is there anything special about the tape job other than an XL knob?

 

[Giroux tha Damaja]

I have an 18" no curve goalie stick for a tom thumb team (5-6 year olds). The kids all share the stick because we rotate "goalies" at this age. I've never played goal, how long do I cut this thing? Same as an out player stick? Also is there anything special about the tape job other than an XL knob?

The stick length isn't going to make too much of a difference since they're handling it with a single hand, unlike a player stick. I like a longer stick for poke checks (with the shaft straight up and down, my knob is at my forehead), but kids probably won't give a hoot. As far as tape jobs, there's nothing a 6 year old is really going to appreciate or notice. Amongst adult goalies it's all personal preference anyway as well, same as with players I would think.

 

[Khabby]

Ive heard that its not the greatest idea to cut goalie sticks, Because it messes with the balance of the stick.

 

[Harv]

Ive heard that its not the greatest idea to cut goalie sticks, Because it messes with the balance of the stick.

I sure the hell cut all my goal sticks. If the stick is too long I'll never be able to get a decent shot off with it.

 

[DevsFan84]

I've never heard of people cutting goalie sticks. Some adult players use an int. stick though, because they like them smaller. I don't see why you couldn't cut it though. At that age stick balance doesn't mean a whole lot

As for the tape, yes...you tape the end thicker then you would a player stick. You may want to consider putting a little tape where the thin part of the stick meets the paddle as well- the different texture there sometimes helps kids (and adults, I had to do this when I first started) hold the stick where it is supposed to be held.

 

[RedK]

Goal stick length is based on the length of the paddle and does not include the shaft. For children of that age, they should all be able to use roughly the same size stick.

I don't know why goalies aren't supposed to cut their sticks, but they aren't. Supposedly it's for balance - but I don't spend a lot of time with my stick balanced on the end of my nose.

Depending on how you grip the butt end when playing it, it might be reasonable to shorten the shaft. But kids of that age are not playing the puck so it shouldn't be necessary. For adults, if you have to shorten the paddle, you bought the wrong stick and should take it back.

 

[Getaway]

do not cut the goalie stick at all it throughs off the balance of the sticks are balanced when there made.

p.s. trust me i'm a goalie.

 

[DaneJohnsonLaw]

A paddle that is too big or small is likely to dramatically affect a younger goalie's performance. The longer the paddle, the more difficult the stick will be for the younger player to control. I agree with the comments on not altering the balance of a goalie stick by cutting it down. If possible, buy a stick with a paddle height that suits the individual kid, rather than let the wrong equipment discourage him or her from sticking with the position.

Dane J