Stick Length affecting Lie

[mgd150 0]

Hi all, quick question about an issue that Im having with my ability to catch passes and handle the puck.

I'm using a CCM Vector 02 woodie (Im new, figure I'd start with wood sticks) with an Ovechkin Retail Curve, I believe it is a 5.5 lie.

I'm having issues with the puck going under the toe of the blade, and the tape is ripping at the heel, where the tape starts.

I know its a lie problem, but Im wondering if getting the stick shortened would help at all. Im thinking if I held the stick closer to my body, there would be less of an angle, therefore more of the blade would be on the ice.

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

Thanks

[hamstercaster 2]

You can pretty much always fix the lie issue by cutting your stick or making it longer but will you be able to adjust to the new lenght though? Adjusting the lenght of the stick may get your blade straight on the ice and eliminate the puck going under the toe problem but it may create the same handling/catching passes problem because of the lenght. If the lenght of your stick is the lenght you are used to, you may want to try a different lie first.

[jsykes 35]

Short answer is yes, shorter stick will put more blade on the ice. As was said you'll need to adjust for the length so if its where you like it, you may not want to shorten it and just find a lower lie, though finding anything lower than 5 retail can be difficult.

Where does your stick come up on you when on skates now?

[SolarWind 23]

another short answer::)

the stick lenght is a personal preference & is something you need to figure out for yourself based on your skating stance, position you play & overall style. If you just starting out then it's the perfect time to experiment, just stay withing guidelines which is while on the skates the stick should be anywhere between your nose & upper chest, preferably between your lips & the colar bones. I'd stick to a bit longer stick for now to keep the puck away from the body (which would give you more margin for error before you get comfortable), and also it'll be just that much easier if/when you switch to a shorter stick.

once you've done that you'll need to find a lie that supports your desired stick length (and not the other way around) by placing the middle of the stick on the ice!

[skarbro 0]

Definitely cut it. You don't want to hold it closer to your body. You will end up bending your top elbow too much.

[mgd150 0]

Thanks for the quick replies. The stick is probably too long right now as it is, its a senior stick, Im 5'8''. It comes up around my mouth/nose in skates.

I havent been playing very long, so its not like I'm used to the stick or anything yet. I'll probably get it cut this week and see how it ends up feeling.

[Neo5370 132]

Great advice from the previous poster re: lie so I won't repeat it. However I've found that the "rules of thumb" re: length (i.e. up to your chin, mouth nose, etc.) are ok if you know what you like already. But try this, next time you need to cut a stick, take it w/ you to stick + puck or public skate/hockey or whatever UNCUT and screw around w/ the puck w/ your top hand at various heights until you find one that you like.

Make sure to stickhandle/shoot not only in a standing position but in your skating position too. Some skate w/ very bent legs while others do not.

P.S. I've tried doing the same thing barefoot then adding the height of the holders on my skates and for some reason it doesn't work. It always ends up longer than what I like this way.

[K9 Unit 1]

Great advice from the previous poster re: lie so I won't repeat it. However I've found that the "rules of thumb" re: length (i.e. up to your chin, mouth nose, etc.) are ok if you know what you like already. But try this, next time you need to cut a stick, take it w/ you to stick + puck or public skate/hockey or whatever UNCUT and screw around w/ the puck w/ your top hand at various heights until you find one that you like.

Make sure to stickhandle/shoot not only in a standing position but in your skating position too. Some skate w/ very bent legs while others do not.

P.S. I've tried doing the same thing barefoot then adding the height of the holders on my skates and for some reason it doesn't work. It always ends up longer than what I like this way.

different stance when running/jogging around and skating

[Neo5370 132]

Ahhh, that makes sense.

[frankie56 0]

Since you are using a wood blade, you can always shave the heel a bit to alter the lie and see if that helps.

[Chadd 916]

There already a number of length/lie topics that cover this very well