Would hockey be better off without composite sticks?

Question

Between breaking at the worst times and being horrendously expensive, are composite sticks really an asset to hockey? I realize NHL etc., players don't have to pay for their sticks, but hockey is expensive enough without parents having to pay big bucks for sticks.

The AAA midget teams in my area already require that all players be equipped with composite sticks, so there's about $1000 the parents have to shell out in addition to everything else. It's things like that which keeps talented kids into house league where they just demoralize the average kids. And all the average kids probably want composite sticks too, because that's what they use in the NHL.

Answer 1

Below NHL it would probably be better to not have composite sticks. It doesn't teach children to shoot properly and also they break far more than they are supposed to and these companies that make them only replace the original. They do not replace the replacement. The composite sticks are ridiculously priced, Mario Lemieux used all wood as did Al MacInnis and I would bet Gretzky did for most of his career, and many of the NHLers are going to back to them partly because the composites are breaking frequently.

Answer 2

Ronnie's actually right. Wood sticks do break more often than composite, the difference is they don't shatter, fly through the air and make a big spectacle of the fact that they've broken. They just quietly break. When they do break people don't make such a big deal about it because they are relatively cheap to replace.

From what I've seen a lot of NHL players are going back to the wooden stick, they are just sick of the composites. I also know some minor hockey leagues are not allowing composites. Players need to learn how to stick handle, shoot etc with their own strength before they start relying on a slingshot. Do you think Sakic would have the wrist shot he has if in minor hockey his stick had done all the work?

That's my rant on composites so I guess to answer your question Yes I think hockey would be a better, more true form of the sport and we would develop better players if their were no composite sticks.

Answer 3

No wood sticks break way too much so in the long run it is cheaper just to buy a composite.

Answer 4

yes they should take them out but the reason why NHL players love them cause there so light. but it pisses me off when its your player that takes a slap shot and his stick breaks or it just breaks from receiving a pass that's what kills me. go back to wooden sticks more reliable.


GO HABS GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Answer 5

wood sticks break alot more than composite sticks. wood sticks also lose their shape, ie the curve on the blade will change with wear and tear. they also lose flex.