Goalie sticks are sized by paddle height, the length of the wide part above the blade. In the ready stance, the blade lies flat on the ice with the stick hand resting comfortably at the top of the paddle; too tall and the goalie stands up, too short and they hunch.
Composite goalie sticks are lighter and balance better for passing. Foam-core wooden sticks dampen shots and cost less, and a goalie goes through a lot of them.
Fit check
- Paddle height matches the ready stance: blade flat, hand at the top of the paddle.
- The curve is mild. Heavy curves make a backhand pass harder to control.
- Tape the blade and add a good knob at the top so the stick can be picked up with a glove on.