The Ultimate Guide to Hockey Blade Curves

It may come as a surprise to some players that hockey stick blades offer more options than just a bigger curve vs. a smaller curve. There are actually six different major variables among stick blades that can make a big difference in the way a player handles and shoots the puck. 

There are so many different stick blade options that it can be tough for hockey shops to keep up with a full stock of all the different stick brands, models, and blade variations. 

In this article, we’ll talk about these different aspects of a stick blade and how they can affect your game.

1. Curve Depth

This is the first thing most players notice. You can think of this as the distance from a ruler held up against the open side of a blade and the deepest part of the blade curve. Big hooks look more like boomerangs, and flatter, shallow curves look more like paddles.

Shallow Curve

Shallow curves are mostly used by defensemen, but are also preferred by forwards who rely on their backhand shots a lot. These flatter curves allow players to put more into backhands, which can be helpful when clearing the puck from the defensive zone, making crisp backhand passes, or getting more juice on backhand shots.

Moderate Curve

These offer a nice balance for two-way players. You get a little more zip on your shots while keeping some benefits on the backhand.

Deep Curve

These big ‘ol hooks are the choice for many pure snipers. The puck comes off the stick with a wicked spin and velocity, making it easier to execute top-shelf shots. You’ll give up some power and accuracy on backhands, but if wrist shots and snap shots are your money-makers, this could be the curve for you.
This is an example of a deep curve:

2. Curve Type

Who says an interactive hockey target is only useful to practice shooting? Set Snipe Lights on Gopher Hunt mode and shoot for whichever target lights up while stickhandling… either in place or moving your feet. This trains players to keep their heads up and get comfortable stickhandling without staring at the puck.

Test New Sticks and Blade Patterns More Efficiently

Another curve variable is the curve type. This is where the stick blade makes its biggest change in depth. Basically, where the curve is deepest on the blade. 

Toe Curve

Toe curves remain pretty straight until the toe of the stick, when they curve more drastically. This is ideal for players who prefer quick wrist shots and toe drags. It provides better puck control at the toe of the blade.

Mid Curve

This curve type offers a balanced approach for both shooting and stickhandling, with the main curve point centered in the blade. It’s a versatile curve suitable for various types of shots.

Heel Curve

Heel curves are popular with players who take a lot of slap shots. They provide great stability and control when shooting from the heel.

3. Face Angle

Hockey blade face angles get into a nuance that is usually reserved for more advanced players who have years of experience and have honed their shooting skills into a specialty. Face angle controls the amount of natural lift that the blade provides on the release of a shot.

Open Face

Open face blades are angled upwards, so the puck is easier to lift. Couple an open face with a deep curve for players who score most of their goals on forehand wristers or snappers in the top corners.  

Of course, an open face blade has the opposite effect on a backhand, making it more difficult to lift the puck. 

Here’s an open face curve:

Neutral Face

This tends to be the most popular face angle for blades. They are versatile and balanced for stickhandling, passing, and shooting.

Closed Face

Closed face blades are used almost exclusively by defensemen. They provide better control for passes and low shots. They are also good for any player who takes a ton of slap shots and has a hard time keeping the puck from drifting over the net. 

4. Blade Length

Blade length mostly affects stick handling, receiving passes, and slap shots. 

Short Blade

The shorter the blade, the easier it is for stickhandling and maneuvering quickly in tight spaces. They are especially effective for players who use a toe drag a lot, as it’s easier to dangle the puck far away from your body and then quickly pull it in tight to your body for a deceptive deke or shot. 

Standard Blade

Standard blade lengths offer a good balance between control and surface area. These are suitable for the majority of players.  

Long Blade

Long blades offer an increased surface area for receiving passes and shooting. These are usually best for defensive players and those who rely on slap shots.

This is an example of a long blade:

5. Blade Lie

The blade lie is the least-known hockey blade variable. This is the angle of the blade in relation to the stick. Having the proper lie ensures that the center of your blade is touching the playing surface as much as possible. This helps keep the blade on your stick and gives you the most power on your shots..

Low Lie

The angle between the blade and the shaft is shallower on lower lies. This is best for players who skate in a low stance or play with a stick that’s on the long side for their height. 

High Lie

High lies have a steeper angle between the blade and the stick shaft. This helps players who skate more upright or use a stick that is short compared to their height keep the blade flat on the ice or floor.

6. Toe Shape

There are two basic toe shapes on stick blades, and their benefits are pretty straightforward. 

Rounded Toe

Rounded toes simply have a rounder toe shape. These give players better puck control while stick handling by keeping more surface area on the playing surface while changing the stick angle. Most forwards use rounded toe stick blades. 

Here is a rounded toe blade:

Square Toe

A blade with a square toe has advantages when poke checking or blocking passes. These are usually used by defensemen.

Conclusion

The bottom line when choosing which stick blade is best for you is how it feels and how it affects your stick handling and shot. There is no right or wrong choice, as long as it fits your game style and feels right. 

Snipe lights are a perfect way for players to test blade patterns. Snipe Lights never gets tired and simulates a goalie without having to tie one up for hours at a time. Because, after all,  goalies are people, too.

Please share your own experiences when searching for the right stick blade type in the comments below!

Related articles:

The Guide to Hockey Shots for Aspiring Snipers

Master Goal Scoring: 5 Essential Tips

Snipe Lights Game Modes Explained