From wooden to composite and high flex to low flex, shopping for kid’s hockey sticks can be a confusing process. With so many options on the market, finding the right stick for your young player can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be! This list of the best youth hockey sticks has what you need to make things easy for you.
Whether you’re looking for the best stick on the market or just a good quality stick that won’t break the bank, this list has you covered. Keep reading to discover some of the best youth hockey sticks and what makes them great.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
CCM Ribcor Youth Stick
Premium Option
Bauer Vapor Hyperlite Grip Composite Hockey Stick
Budget Option
CCM Ultimate Abs Stick Youth
Best for Goalies
Bauer GSX Prodigy Composite Goalie Stick Youth
Best Overall
CCM Ribcor Youth Stick
The CCM Ribcor Youth Stick is perfect for young players just getting started with the game. The stick is comfortable and lightweight, making it easy to carry while out on the ice. It’s made from carbon which keeps the stick lightweight while also giving it increased durability.
The shaft has a low kick point which allows for quicker shots and improved accuracy. It’s great for wristers and shots close to the goal. One of the best things about this youth hockey stick is the reasonable price tag. When you consider the high quality of the stick, it’s a great value.
Pros
- Excellent value for the price
- Quick release when shooting
- Lightweight
Cons
- Shots don’t have as much power
- The blade doesn’t have much curve
Premium Option
Bauer Vapor Hyperlite Grip Composite Hockey Stick
The Bauer Vapor Hyperlite is one of the best youth hockey sticks on the market. It’s similar to the Vapor Youth Grip model but with even more great features.
This stick is lightweight and well-balanced which makes it easy and comfortable to carry. The construction of the stick makes stickhandling the puck a breeze. The curve of the blade holds the stick well and gives your player excellent control.
The flex combined with the low kick point allows your player to release their shots incredibly quickly and with a high level of accuracy. This stick is a great choice for a young player with experience who wants to level up their game.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Excellent for quick-release and close-up shots
- Gives your player good control of the puck
Cons
- Expensive
- Not as durable as other options
- Shots don’t have as much power
Budget Option
CCM Ultimate Abs Stick Youth
If you’re looking for an affordable kid’s hockey stick that still offers incredible value, take a look at the CCM Ultimate Abs youth hockey stick. This stick is made with a durable wooden shaft that can handle all kinds of play. It’s great for a kid who wants to practice at home in the driveway when they can’t get out on the ice.
The stick is heavier than composite sticks but feels lightweight for a wooden stick. The heavier blade makes it harder for opponents to lift up the stick, allowing the player to keep control of the puck. The mid-kick point gives shots a good balance between speed and power.
Pros
- Durable
- Works well on multiple surfaces
- Great price
Cons
- Heavier than composite sticks- but heavy sticks do have some advantages
- The blade is a bit long
- No flex
Best for Goalies
Bauer GSX Prodigy Composite Goalie Stick Youth
Goalies can’t use just any kid’s hockey stick. They need a specialized goalie stick to block all those shots. Goalie sticks are easy to recognize by their wide paddle and blade. This design helps goalies keep more shots out of the net.
When it comes to playing goal, durability is a high priority. The Bauer GSX Prodigy Composite Goalie stick is one of the best youth hockey sticks for goalies because it’s specially made to be both durable and lightweight. It’s easy for young goalies to hold and move around with and it’s durable enough to stand up to pucks flying at it all the time.
Pros
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Easy to hold
Cons
- When hit with the puck composite sticks vibrate more than wood, which can feel less comfortable
Sher-Wood 5000 Wood Stick Youth
The Sher-Wood 5000 Wood stick is constructed from multiple layers of birch wood topped with a laminate coating. The blade is specially designed for ice hockey and gives your player good control and an accurate shot.
The stick is extra durable which makes it a great option for young players. Wooden sticks like the Sher-Wood 5000 hold up well to all kinds of play. Whether out on the ice or in the street, this tough youth hockey stick can take a beating without wearing out.
Pros
- Durable
- Shots have a lot of power
- Good for accuracy
Cons
- The blade doesn’t have much curve
- No flex
STX Ice Hockey Surgeon RX3.1 Hockey Stick
The best hockey sticks for kids need a good balance between performance and comfort. The STX Ice Hockey Surgeon RX3.1 does both of those things. The ergonomic shaft of this stick makes it comfortable to hold while also increasing control.
The stick is sturdy and gives shots a good amount of power. The balance point is extra high, which makes the stick feel incredibly light. The blade comes in multiple curve options so you can pick just the right amount of curve for your player.
Pros
- Good for powerful shots
- Comfortable to hold
- Curve is customizable
Cons
- Not very flexible
- Not as durable as other options
RXW-3 ABS Wood Hockey Stick
Last but not least on the list of the best youth hockey sticks is the RXW-3 ABS Wood Hockey Stick. This basic wooden stick is ideal for a beginner. It’s strong and durable both for playing on the ice and practicing outside.
The sturdy construction of the blade holds up well to a lot of use and helps your player control the puck.
The stick is a bit heavy, but that does have some advantages. It can help young players keep their stick on the ice and prevent opponents from moving the stick. It also helps kids give more power to their shots.
Pros
- Good for both ice hockey and street hockey
- Durable
- Simple construction is well suited to beginners
Cons
- Heavy
- No flex
- The blade doesn’t have much curve
Best Youth Hockey Sticks Buyer’s Guide
Tips for Choosing the Right Type of Stick for Your Young Player
For young players, how they feel holding the stick is one of the most important factors. Go with a stick that feels comfortable to hold and is the right size for your player.
How to Find the Right Stick Length
The right length for a hockey stick is right under a player’s chin when they’re standing in skates. Measure your player while they’re wearing their skates to see how long the stick should be. In stores, you can have your player stand up and hold the stick in front of them to check its height.
Even if a stick doesn’t come in your preferred length, most sticks can be cut to size. Remember that cutting your stick may void its warranty, so check the fine print before having a stick cut down.
Choosing the Right Blade Curve
The curve in a stick’s blade helps players control the puck. It also makes lifting the puck into the air easier for passes and shots.
Youth hockey sticks come in three main blade types: right, left, or straight. Within that, the amount of curve can vary greatly.
If your player is a beginner who hasn’t figured out which hand they prefer or if they like to switch back and forth, a straight blade can be a good choice. For more experienced players, a moderate curve can help improve performance.
What are Flex and Kick Point and Does it Matter?
Flex is how much a stick bends when you shoot the puck. The kick point is where the stick bends. Young players may not care too much about flex and kick point, but if they keep playing they’ll start to develop a preference.
A good rule of thumb is choosing a flex that is 50% of the player’s body weight. So for example, a 60-pound player could start with a 30 flex rating.
Kick point really comes down to preference. A mid-kick point is the most versatile. It’s good for shooting from a variety of positions and gives shots more power. A low kick point is ideal for quick shots and increased accuracy.
Helping your Player Practice
Once you pick out a new stick, your player will be ready to hit the ice! The best way to get comfortable with a new stick is to use it.
Get out there and Play
Most kids don’t have to be told twice to get out there and play. Especially when they get new equipment! Unstructured practice time is fun for kids and they can gain plenty of skills while doing it.
If you want to level up their game even more, you may want to consider getting some training tools.
Synthetic Ice
Synthetic ice like Polyglide is one of the best ways to practice ice hockey skills when ice isn’t available. Synthetic ice works anywhere, in any weather. Your kids can even practice their skills in the backyard during summer. Use code lifeinminnesota for a 15% discount.
Training Tools
Training tools like the Edge Defender or Shooting Targets from Hockey Shot are a great way to help your kids improve their skills and level up their play. And if you’re interested in digital resources, check out online hockey training.
Youth Hockey Sticks Frequently Asked Questions
What age are youth hockey sticks best for?
Typically youth hockey sticks are meant for kids between the ages of 3-8. Some models work for kids slightly older or younger. When picking out the best hockey sticks for kids, height matters more than age.
What’s the difference between youth and junior hockey sticks?
The two main differences are the size and the flex. Youth hockey sticks are meant for younger players so they’re shorter and have a lower flex than Junior hockey sticks.
What’s the difference between wooden and composite sticks?
Composite sticks are made out of lightweight, flexible material while wooden sticks are made out of, you guessed it, wood.
Composite sticks are much lighter, more flexible, and in many cases more durable than wood. Even with the advantages of composite, many people still enjoy using wooden sticks because of the feel. Wooden sticks also tend to be much cheaper than composite sticks.
Should I get a heavy or lightweight hockey stick?
Each has its advantages so it really comes down to preference. Lightweight sticks are easier to carry and shoot with. Heavier sticks give more power to your shot and are harder for an opponent to lift off of the ice.
Heavier sticks can also help train young players to keep their sticks down on the ice because they’re harder to lift up.
Should I tape my kid’s hockey stick?
Yes, it’s a good idea. Taping helps your blade last longer by protecting it from damage like chips and breakage. It also helps the puck grab onto the stick and so improves the player’s control of the puck.
Time to Get One of the Best Youth Hockey Sticks
Shopping for the best youth hockey sticks doesn’t have to feel like taking a penalty! With this guide, you’re well on your way to finding the right stick for your young player.
You can’t go wrong with the CCM Ribcor Youth Stick for the perfect balance between price and performance. It’s a great choice for both beginners and experienced players.
For more hockey gear recommendations, check out The Best Hockey Skates for Beginners.
Still want more hockey content? Then check out our hockey page for training guides, equipment rankings, and fun facts about our favorite sport!
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Born in Madelia, MN, to a now 5-generation Minnesota family, Ryan’s MN roots go deep.
A painter by day, Ryan founded Life in Minnesota in 2013 with his wife Kelly to chronicle their musings on everything Minnesota. Ryan and Kelly are raising their 7 kiddos in Maple Grove, MN.
When he’s not shuttling his kids around to hockey practice, you might find him in the shop working on his leatherwork. Undoubtedly, there will be a family trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area every summer, and of course weekends at Grandpa’s cabin up north in the summer.