How to Find the Best Curve for Your Hockey Stick

Hockey Stick Curves: Finding the Right Blade for Your Game

The curve of a hockey stick blade may seem like a small detail, but it significantly impacts every aspect of puck control, passing, and shooting. From toe to heel, the curve pattern you choose influences how the puck leaves your stick, the accuracy of your shots, and even your stickhandling style. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the science behind hockey stick curves, the different types available, and how to select the perfect curve to complement your playing style.

What Is a Stick Curve and Why Does It Matter?

A hockey stick curve refers to the specific shape and pattern of the blade—how it deviates from a straight line when viewed from above. This curvature creates a pocket that cradles the puck and affects how it interacts with the ice and your stick during every aspect of play.

The curve of your blade determines:

• How the puck rolls off your stick during shots

• The natural trajectory of your shots (elevated or flat)

• Your ability to cradle the puck while stickhandling

• The ease of receiving and making passes

• The amount of spin you generate on the puck

While kick points affect the power and release of your shot, the curve pattern influences accuracy, puck control, and shot trajectory. Together, they form the complete shooting profile of your hockey stick.

Anatomy of a Hockey Stick Curve

To understand curves properly, you need to familiarize yourself with the terminology used to describe them:

Face: The side of the blade that contacts the puck (open face vs. closed face)

Toe: The end of the blade farthest from your body

Heel: The part of the blade closest to the shaft

Lie: The angle between the blade and the shaft

Depth: How pronounced the curve is (shallow, moderate, or deep)

Location: Where the main curve occurs on the blade (toe, mid, or heel)

Toe Shape: The profile of the blade's end (round, square, or pointed)

Each element combines to create a unique curve pattern that performs differently on the ice. Understanding these components helps you identify what works best for your particular style of play.

Types of Hockey Stick Curves

Toe Curves

Toe curves feature the most pronounced curve at the far end of the blade. These curves are popular among skilled forwards and players who prioritize stickhandling and wrist shots.

Advantages of toe curves include:

• Excellent for quick shots in tight

• Superior puck control during deking and stickhandling

• Easier to roof the puck in close quarters

• Able to cradle the puck close to your body easier

Players who prefer toe curves typically have strong hands and rely on creativity in the offensive zone. Snipers who pick corners with wrist shots often gravitate toward this type of curve.

Mid Curves

Mid curves place the deepest part of the curve in the center of the blade, offering a balanced performance profile. They represent the most versatile and common curve type in hockey.

Advantages of mid curves include:

• Well-balanced for all types of shots and passes

• Good puck control without sacrificing shot power

• Forgiving for beginners and intermediate players

• Effective for both forehand and backhand play

Mid curves are ideal for all-around players who want reliable performance across various aspects of the game. Centers and versatile wingers who need to excel at both playmaking and shooting often choose mid curves.

Heel Curves

Heel curves concentrate the curve nearest to the shaft. They're the preferred choice for players who take a lot of slap shots and value power in their shooting.

Advantages of heel curves include:

• Good power on slap shots and one-timers

• Excellent for hard and accurate passes

• Maximum accuracy and control on saucer passes and shots

• Superior control for poke checking and defensive plays

Defensemen frequently choose heel curves for their ability to deliver powerful shots from the blue line and make crisp, accurate breakout passes. Power forwards who rely on strength rather than finesse may also prefer this curve type.

Understanding Curve Depth

Beyond the location of the curve, its depth (how pronounced the curve is) significantly affects performance:

Shallow Curves: Minimal deviation from straight, offering:

• More accurate passing

• Better backhand control and shooting

• Easier to keep shots low

• Less spin on the puck

Moderate Curves: The most common depth, providing:

• Balanced performance for shooting and passing

• Good puck control without extreme characteristics

• Versatility across different playing situations

• Suitable for players at all positions

Deep Curves: Maximum curvature allowed by regulations, offering:

• Easier to lift the puck quickly

• Superior puck control for advanced stickhandling

• More spin on shots and passes

• Better puck protection during possession

The NHL and most leagues limit curve depth to ¾ inch (approximately 19mm). Curves exceeding this measurement are illegal in official play, though some recreational leagues may be less stringent about enforcement.

Open vs. Closed Face

Another crucial aspect of blade curves is whether they have an open or closed face:

Open Face: The blade angle tilts slightly upward, making it easier to:

• Get the puck off the ice quickly

• Elevate shots with less effort

• Perform saucer passes

• Add loft to clearing attempts

Closed Face: The blade angle tilts slightly downward, making it easier to:

• Keep shots low and powerful

• Make flat, hard passes

• Receive passes cleanly

• Maintain puck control during stickhandling

Many players don't consider face angle when selecting a curve, but it can significantly impact your natural shooting tendency. Players struggling with consistently high or low shots might benefit from switching to a different face angle.

How Curves Affect Different Hockey Skills

Shooting

Different curves produce distinctive shooting characteristics:

Wrist Shots: Mid and toe curves typically excel for wrist shots, creating a natural lifting action that helps get the puck off the ice. Deeper curves generate more spin, potentially improving shot accuracy.

Slap Shots: Heel curves often perform best for slap shots, providing better contact with the puck and transferring more energy during the explosive moment of contact. The flatter portion near the toe helps control the puck's trajectory.

One-Timers: Heel and mid curves generally work better for one-timers, offering a larger sweet spot for making clean contact with a moving puck. The curve helps cradle the puck momentarily before release.

Backhand Shots: Shallower curves perform better for backhand shots, as deep curves make it difficult to control the puck on the backhand side. Players who rely heavily on backhand shots should consider curve depth carefully.

Snap Shots: Toe and mid curves generally excel for snap shots, which combine elements of both wrist shots and slap shots. The curve pocket helps cradle the puck momentarily during the quick dragging motion before release, allowing for better accuracy. Deeper curves provide more lift on snap shots with minimal effort, making them ideal for quick scoring chances in the slot area. Players who rely heavily on snap shots as their primary shooting technique often prefer a moderate to deep toe curve with a slightly open face, as this combination allows for rapid puck elevation while maintaining good control during the quick pulling motion that characterizes a good snap shot. The slight toe curve also helps players quickly rotate their wrists through the shooting motion, adding power without sacrificing release speed.

Passing

Curve patterns significantly influence passing technique:

Flat Passes: Heel curves with moderate depth excel at delivering hard, accurate passes that stay on the ice—ideal for creating tape-to-tape connections through traffic.

Saucer Passes: Toe curves with an open face make it easier to execute saucer passes that lift over sticks and skates before landing flat for teammates.

Backhand Passes: Shallower curves allow for more accurate and powerful backhand passes, while deep curves can make consistent backhand passing challenging.

Stickhandling

Your curve choice affects how you handle the puck:

Close Stickhandling: Mid and heel curves allow for better control when keeping the puck close to your body, offering a larger surface area for quick movements.

Deking: Toe curves create a deeper pocket at the end of the blade, making it easier to cradle the puck during dekes and quick directional changes.

Puck Protection: Deeper curves help secure the puck during board battles and when protecting against poke checks, while also making it easier to receive hard passes without the puck bouncing away.

Finding Your Ideal Curve

Selecting the right curve requires honest self-assessment about your playing style:

• Are you more of a playmaker or a shooter? 

• Do you prioritize shooting, passing, or stickhandling?

• What position do you play?

• Do you tend to naturally shoot high or low?

• How strong is your backhand?

Position-specific considerations include:

Forwards: Wingers who shoot frequently may prefer toe or mid curves with moderate to deep pockets. Playmaking centers might opt for milder curves with good backhand capability.

Defensemen: Often benefit from heel or mid curves that facilitate powerful point shots and clean breakout passes while providing good poke-checking capability.

Before purchasing, try to test different curves through:

• Demo sticks at hockey shops

• Borrowing teammates' sticks for a few shots in practice

• Attending manufacturer demo days

• Starting with a versatile mid curve, if you're unsure

Remember that adapting to a new curve takes time. Give yourself several ice sessions before deciding if a curve works for your game.

Popular Curve Patterns

While each manufacturer has their own naming conventions, several curve profiles have become standard references in the hockey world:

P92/P29 (McDavid/Matthews): A mid-toe curve with moderate depth and an open face. Good balance between puck control and shooting power with versatile performance. Popular among all positions.

P28 (Eichel): A toe curve with moderate depth. Good balance between puck control and shooting power with versatile performance. Excellent for quick release wrist shots and elevating the puck in tight. 

P88 (Kane): A mid curve with moderate depth and a slightly open face. Extremely versatile with good backhand capability. Suitable for players at all positions.

P02 (Lidstrom): A heel curve with moderate depth. Traditional defenseman's curve great for slap shots and crisp passing.

Many major manufacturers have equivalents to these curve patterns, though they may use different nomenclature. It's worth researching the specific characteristics of each manufacturer's offerings.

Curve Regulations and Legality

Hockey governing bodies regulate the maximum curve depth allowed in official play:

• NHL, IIHF, and most North American leagues: ¾ inch (approximately 19mm)

• Some junior and youth leagues: ½ inch (approximately 13mm)

Referees can measure curve depth during games using a simple curve gauge. Illegal curves result in minor penalties (in professional play) or equipment disqualification (in amateur play). While some recreational leagues may not actively enforce curve regulations, it's good practice to use legal equipment at all levels.

Conclusion

The curve of your hockey stick blade is a deeply personal choice that should align with your playing style, position, and on-ice tendencies. There's no objectively "best" curve—only the best one for your particular game. Taking the time to understand different curve patterns and experiment with various options can lead to noticeable improvements in your shooting, passing, and puck control.

At Pulse Hockey, we understand the importance of blade curve in maximizing player performance. Our sticks come in a variety of curve options designed to complement different playing styles and preferences. Whether you're a sniper looking for the perfect toe curve, a defenseman seeking a reliable heel curve, or a versatile player needing a balanced mid curve, finding the right pattern is crucial for elevating your game.

Remember that the perfect hockey stick combines the right kick point, flex rating, and curve pattern working in harmony. When these elements align with your playing style, you'll experience a level of performance and confidence that truly enhances your game on the ice.