My name is Jack Phelan, and I’m from Chicago, Illinois. I’m currently a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin, where I play Division I hockey and major in Finance. I started skating when I was five, and the next year I began playing travel hockey. Even though I have two brothers who also play, Danny (Wentworth D3) and Michael (Miami Ohio D1), no one in my family grew up playing played hockey.

My introduction to the sport really took off because of a family friend, Paul Phillips, who had a great hockey career. At the time, he was playing for the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders in the USHL, and we went to watch him play when they came to town to face the Chicago Steel. I only remember bits and pieces of the game, but my brothers and I were fascinated. The next day, my dad took us to buy street hockey sticks, and that kicked off a love for the game that has been with me ever since.

Youth Hockey: Where It Started

My first three years of travel hockey were with the Chicago Hawks in Darien, Illinois. My first year, I played on the Mite B4 team, and then I jumped up to Mite AA1 for the next two seasons. Even though most kids around that age are still figuring out their position, I was a natural defenseman and only wanted to play defense because my role model at the time, Paul Phillips, was a defenseman.

After another year at the Hawks, I moved on and made the jump to AAA hockey with the Chicago Mission. I ended up playing eight seasons there, coming in as a kid and leaving as a man. I played for a lot of great coaches and met tons of great people and teammates along the way.

Adversity From Setbacks

Growing up and playing at a prestigious program like the Mission, U14 through U16 was when players really started getting recruited, not only by colleges, but by junior teams and the National Development Program, too. Kids were getting advisors and getting all these looks, but nothing ever seemed to come my way.

I was a late bloomer, so I was on the smaller side back then, crazy enough that I am 6'3" now. I was always smart and understood the game well, but I remember getting pushed around a little bit during my U14 year.

I will never forget breaking down in front of my parents one night after practice. I was frustrated and honestly just felt a little behind physically with the kids my age. Looking back, that was a moment that really drove me because I knew how badly I wanted it, and it pushed me to start becoming the best version of myself. Thanks to my parents and the countless amounts of support, time, and sacrifice they have given me my whole life, I learned that I was going to have to do more. I had to start eating more, shooting pucks, and working out even harder if I wanted to catch up and give myself a real shot.

I started to grow a little and had a solid U15 season. I talked to a few USHL teams, and I will always remember them telling me they were going to take me in the draft the next day. I watched the whole draft and never saw my name get called.

I had another good summer and then had a great U16 year despite all the COVID regulations. I was certain I would at least get picked in the USHL Phase 2 Draft after speaking to more teams. The same thing happened again. I talked to teams that claimed they were taking me, and I came up short again.

That left me worried, because you always hear about the best players leaving after U15 or U16 to pursue junior hockey in the USHL or CHL. At the time, it felt like everyone else was moving forward and I was still waiting.

Looking back, that was one of the biggest lessons of my career. Young players worry way too much about when things are supposed to happen. I definitely had moments where I compared myself to other guys, but my path was never supposed to look like theirs.

I ended up making Sioux City’s 40-man camp and finally talked to my first college. I had a good summer, and even though I was a little worried about playing U18, it ended up being one of the best things that ever happened to me.

U18: The Jumpstart I Needed

It was my senior year of high school, and I was fortunate that a ton of my best friends were on that team too. More than anything, I still needed time to fill into my body and develop my game before going on to junior hockey. Something I always heard was that when you make the jump to another level, you want to be able to go in and make an impact right away. That stuck with me.

I ended up having an awesome season and earned a tender with the North Iowa Bulls in the NAHL, who were also going to let me play at the end of their season. With North Iowa, I was able to jump in right away and play solid minutes, which got me on the radar of a lot more colleges and USHL teams. It was refreshing to know that my hard work had started to pay off with schools reaching out and teams finally noticing me. I cannot thank Todd Sanden (my coach there) enough for bringing me in after the season and letting me play 12 NAHL games. That stretch was almost like a jump start for my career.

After years of coming up short in the USHL Draft, I finally got picked in the seventh round by the Sioux Falls Stampede.

USHL: Growing Up and Earning My Spot

The USHL was great. I had always been around older guys who played there, and I thought it was the coolest league to play in.

I came into training camp with a stool in the corner and the number 12, with my three choices for numbers were 8, 7, and 4. We had 11 defensemen there and only kept 8, so at the start I was definitely a little nervous. I knew nothing was going to be handed to me.

I ended up having a great training camp and preseason, earning a spot on the opening night roster and a commitment to Minnesota State, which I later flipped to Wisconsin. That year was a journey, starting at the bottom of the pack and earning my way into the top four of the defensive core.

Junior hockey can be tough at times, but I enjoyed it a ton. Junior hockey is a great time not only to work on your game but grow into an adult while away from home. I came back for a second year and was named captain before coming to Wisconsin.

That part of my career taught me a lot too. A lot of guys worry too much about getting to the next level as fast as possible, but once you get there, you have to be ready to earn your spot. For me, staying patient helped a lot. Playing U18 when I did, going to North Iowa when I did, going into Sioux Falls, and then going to Wisconsin when I was ready made a huge difference.

NHL Draft: The Breakthrough Moment

Throughout my first season in Sioux Falls, I started to get questionnaires from NHL teams, which was super surreal. In under a year, I had made the USHL, earned a college commitment, and now I was starting to talk to National Hockey League teams. It was a whirlwind, but I would not have changed it for the world. Some things were finally starting to click, and it was refreshing after years of hard work and not much coming from it.

I interviewed face to face with teams after games and had a lot of phone calls as the season started to wind down. I thought I had a good chance, but I did not want to get my hopes up because a draft can go a number of ways, like it did the previous years with the USHL. My trainer, Barry Brennan, had very good hopes for me at least getting a development camp invite if the draft did not go as planned. I trusted him, but I could barely sleep the night before the draft.

(Picture on the right is my first time playing against my brother Michael)

I woke up, got a workout in, and did not want to watch the draft. I went to grab lunch after my workout and was fighting the urge to check my phone, but I’m kind of superstitious, so I was not going to let that urge win. As I was putting Maps in to get home from lunch, my old teammate Maxim Strbak, who got picked in the second round by Buffalo, called me out of nowhere. Right away I thought, this could be it. He said, congrats man. I said, what? He goes, you just got picked. One of the best feelings ever rushed through my body. I asked by who and in what round which made him think I was crazy. I ended up getting taken by the Detroit Red Wings with the ninth pick in the fifth round, 137th overall.

That was one of the highest highs of my career, but what made it so special was everything that came before it. It was all the years of being overlooked, all the times I thought something was finally going to happen and it did not, and all the work that nobody really sees. Although this is a great accomplishment there is so much more work I need to put into my game to play at the pro level.

What Actually Moves the Needle

Some of the key things that I believe have helped me so far in my career are training, diet, and consistency. As a tall guy at 6'3", 195 pounds, and still growing into my body, training not only for strength, but speed and mobility too, is crucial. I have to thank Barry Brennan, who trains me back home in Chicago, for helping me get bigger, stronger, and faster every summer. I work out five days a week, with Monday, Wednesday, and Friday as lift days, and Tuesday and Thursday as conditioning, either on the bike or doing 300-yard shuttles. I have made a ton of growth over the last four years with him and actually tested number one among defensemen at development camp this past summer, which was a cool moment for me.

Because I have been working on putting on weight every summer, eating is just as important, if not more important, for a guy like me who struggles to put on weight. Eating is like a job for me. In the summer, I eat a minimum of four heavy meals a day, and I have a protein shake every night before bed.

Consistency has been another major factor in my game that I have been working on for a long time. I play a physical game, and making sure I have that edge before every game is one of the biggest parts of my preparation.

I like switching my mind after pregame warmups to block out the noise and focus on a few things I want to make sure I take care of while playing the game. Obviously, you want to play your perfect A+ game every night, but that is just not possible. Building a rock-solid B game that you can always fall back on is what some of the best in the world do, and that is something I really believe in.

If there is one thing I would tell younger players, it isn’t good to worry way too much about who is getting drafted, who is getting offers, who has an advisor, who is leaving first, and who is getting attention. I get it because I worried about some of that too. But what actually moved the needle for me was getting stronger, staying patient, staying consistent, and being ready when the opportunity finally came. My path has been nowhere near perfect and will continue to have bumps in the road, but you always have to trust the process.

The Future: What Comes Next, and What It Takes

Obviously, the NHL is such a competitive league, and with my goal of one day playing in it, there is still a lot of work to be done. Every year there are tons of great players trying to earn their spot, so one of the biggest ways I differentiate myself is by sticking to my game and knowing exactly what kind of player I am. I have never been known for huge point production, but I take a lot of pride in playing a strong two-way defensive game. I take pride in my skating, my stick, and my defensive instincts, and I try to be sharp on my first passes every night while beating my check up the ice after breaking the puck out.

I feel like this year I made a big step in closing quickly in the neutral zone and defensive zone by using my feet to take away time and space, then finishing plays with my stick and body. The biggest way I separate myself is by being as reliable as I can be, hard to play against, and someone coaches can trust late in games. I keep trying to chip away at becoming more steady, physical, and consistent every night. The biggest thing I work on every summer is my skating, because even though it is already a strength of mine, I know that to play at the highest level you need to be a world class skater. I am also big on watching a ton of NHL hockey to pick up small details that can help my game.

To give myself the best chance to play in this league, summer training is a huge part of it. This summer, my main goals are to get quicker, more explosive, and to keep adding strength. With three lifts a week, two conditioning days, and two skates a week, the summer can get hectic, but it is one of the most important times of the year for a hockey player. When I am home I workout with Barry Brennan. When I am at Wisconsin, we have a great strength coach, Tommy Inkrott, who does an unbelievable job at getting us bigger, stronger, and faster every summer. A lot of the work that shows up during the season gets built in the offseason.

In the gym, I do a lot of Olympic lifts along with eccentric and concentric work, squats, and agility training to put myself in the best shape possible. At my size, being strong is really important too. I play at 195 pounds right now, and my goal for next season is to play around 205 pounds. For a skinny kid, eating is honestly one of the hardest parts of my summer routine. Pushing myself to the limit on the ice and in the gym has never been a problem, but I have never been a great eater.

I make it a priority to eat four big meals a day. Some of my go to meals are eggs and rice, ground beef and rice, chicken and rice, steak and rice, and I try to add avocado whenever I can. I also take creatine to help with recovery and performance, and I finish every day with a peanut butter and banana protein shake right before bed. One of the biggest things I have learned is that I almost have to cut out snacking in the summer, so I do not ruin my appetite for the meals that matter most.

When I condition, I wear a heart rate monitor to manage both my aerobic and anaerobic work, making sure I am not just training my body and lungs, but my heart as well. On the ice, I skate with a few pros in the summer, and we work a lot on footwork, walking the blue line, deception on breakouts, two on ones, and picking up rims and pucks off the wall. I also try to limit myself to two skates a week, so my skating muscles stay as fresh as possible. For me, the gym and my diet are the biggest pieces of my summer because they give me the best chance to build myself into the player I want to be.

At the end of the day, everything comes back to preparation. The work you put in during the offseason shows up when it matters most.

My name is Matthew DiMarsico, and I am from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I am a junior at Penn State University, where I play Division 1 hockey and major in finance.

The Journey

I started my hockey journey at two years old when my parents introduced me to skating. I continued with the learn-to-skate program until I started playing organized hockey with local teams in Pittsburgh.

My brother, who is two years older than me, started playing hockey, and I attended all his practices and games. When I first started playing on these teams, I found myself not making the top teams but being on the lower teams. I remember this motivating me, and truly, it was when I fell in love with the game.

After playing locally in Pittsburgh for two years, I tried out for the Penguins Elite team. I was nervous about going up against the best players from my age group in the Pittsburgh area, but I made the team and played there for eight years.

When I was 15, I was selected in the USHL draft by the Green Bay Gamblers. I spent two years visiting Green Bay, practicing, and working out with the team for a week or two at a time while still playing for the Penguins Elite.

I was planning on going into the league during my senior year of high school, but in my last game with the Penguins Elite, I dislocated my shoulder and required surgery that would put me out for seven months. This was my first real setback in my hockey career. 

With the long recovery and rehab that I needed, I decided to push back going to the USHL for one more year and spent my senior year at Avon Old Farms in Connecticut. I made this decision not only because of the hockey program but also because Avon Old Farms provided a great academic environment to finish my high school education.

After my season at Avon Old Farms, I was planning on going to Green Bay in the USHL. The entire staff that drafted me was no longer there, so it was up to me to prove myself once again. I attended training camp, being on the 5th line during it. After a strong training camp and preseason, I cemented a role that I had worked hard to keep through that year.

After my year in Green Bay, I went to school at Penn State, where I am now. My time at Penn State has taught me a lot about myself both on and off the ice, especially how to persevere through challenges. College athletics, not just hockey, is truly a combination of the best players around the world in one league.

It took time to adjust, as I did not have the start I wanted to my freshman year. However, I worked hard and developed great relationships with the coaching staff, which helped me build confidence and eventually improve my play tremendously later that  year. Learning to have good communication with the coaching staff, being able to go over areas of improvement, and taking advantage of all of the off-ice resources Penn State provides has helped not only my on-ice game, but my off-ice habits as well.

More recently, I was named to the Hobey Baker watch list is a rewarding feeling. It is great knowing all the hard work I have put in has produced results.

What Helped Spark My Development

In my journey of development, there is one common theme: consistency. For me, consistency wasn't something that I had to force. My love for the sport naturally drove me to get better every day. 

In my younger years, that meant rollerblading in the driveway, shooting pucks outside, and watching NHL games on TV. I could see my development taking place early, as I rose to be one of the top players on my team.

When I reached middle school, I started getting into the gym. The strength coaches at the Penguins Elite really helped me create a plan to help my development in becoming stronger and more explosive.

The last major area of my development has been watching video. I started doing this in my senior year of high school, and it is something that has had a major impact on my current game. Hockey IQ is such a valuable skill, and being able to watch games back allowed me to better understand the mental side of the game.

Overall, it was not one day or even one year that made me into the player that I am today. The consistent habits and wanting to get a little bit better every day are the reasons I have been able to accomplish my goal of playing Division 1 hockey. 

Setbacks and Adversity

As I mentioned earlier, one of the major setbacks I faced was my shoulder surgery. This was the first time I missed a game due to injury in my entire hockey career.

Going through that process was difficult for me, especially at first. The injury really made me realize how much I enjoy hockey and motivated me to work much harder to be able to play as long as I can.

Another example came at the start of my sophomore year at Penn State. I started the year off really slow and was healthy scratched in a game versus Saint Lawrence. It made me question my process. I had a great summer and was working hard, but I just was not performing to the level that I needed to be during games. I used this experience as an opportunity for me to learn and grow.

Also, there are smaller battles of adversity that are important to overcome, whether that includes a smaller injury or a bad shift. Learning how to mentally focus throughout the course of a practice or game has really helped my development, and something I put a lot of time and energy into this year.

Developing mental strategies and working with mental coaches has helped me excel at this part of the game. This has helped my consistency from a game-to-game basis, which is a skill that becomes more and more important in the higher levels of hockey.

Experiences and Opportunities

Throughout my hockey journey, I have had amazing experiences, including playing in the Spengler Cup in Davos, Switzerland and playing in Beaver Stadium at Penn State.

The Spengler Cup is the oldest hockey tournament in the world, starting in 1923 in Davos, Switzerland. I represented the U.S. Collegiate Selects, a team full of college all-stars, and the other teams in the Spengler Cup feature professional European teams and Team Canada, which is a team of the best players from Canada not playing in the NHL.

Aside from the hockey, the experience of traveling to Switzerland was something extremely special that I will never forget. This is an example of how hockey can unlock experiences that I would have never had without the game, and I am extremely grateful that hockey was able to give me that opportunity. Secondly, playing in Beaver Stadium, the football stadium for Penn State, was amazing.

What Younger Players Focus on Too Much

I think when it comes to mistakes that I have seen in hockey, a lot of them come with player burnout and then not enjoying hockey as much as they once did.

The average age of an NHL debut is around 21 years old, and that number may only going to get older with the rule change allowing Canadian Hockey League (OHL, WHL, and QMJHL) players to enter college hockey.

One common mistake I have seen with this is guys who rush into the next level of hockey before they are ready. For example, some players jump from youth hockey straight into the junior level. From my personal experience, I could have gone to the USHL at 17, but I decided to finish out high school at Avon Old Farms. I realized where I was in my game, and that physically I was not ready to play junior hockey at that age.

That year in prep school, I put my main focus into putting myself in a position where I could step right into junior hockey and be successful. I worked really hard in the gym and put on a good 10-12 pounds, which I really noticed when I made the transition into the USHL.

In juniors, guys are older and more physical than in Triple-A hockey and having a stronger frame helps on the ice and with injury prevention.

Other guys I played with wanted to make the jump right away. While it worked out for some, others found themselves really struggling to adapt to the junior game, losing their confidence throughout the course of a season, and not living up to the expectations that were set for them. This is also true of the transition from juniors to college.

Another mistake I commonly see is player burnout. Growing up, I played many different sports including lacrosse, basketball, baseball, and golf, just to name a few. Not having hockey as a year-round sport until my senior year of college helped reduce burnout and helped me enjoy it more when I was in season. Playing other sports also leads to building overall athleticism, which is a big component of hockey.

Furthermore, hockey is a hard sport on your body, and taking some time off to enjoy other sports and activities is really important, especially when you are younger.

This leads me to my last point is that hockey is supposed to be fun. I have made friends and memories that will last me the rest of my life. Not stressing out about points and numbers and just enjoying the journey of hockey is important, because everyone truly has a different path and a different career. Controlling what you can control, working to improve every day, and enjoying the game are things that all players should strive to achieve. These things have helped me throughout my career to reach the position I am in now.

My Hockey Story

When I think about where my hockey life really began, it isn’t a draft day, a goal, or a contract. It’s a backyard rink in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, standing beside my dad, freezing cold, just happy to be on the ice. Hockey wasn’t a plan back then. It was play. It was imagination. It was freedom.

My father was a great athlete and one of the best players to come out of the Soo, so hockey was always around us. But there was never a blueprint handed to me. In those days, the only NHL game we watched was Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday nights. We’d sit there, wide-eyed, then head outside and pretend we were those players. No coaches, no systems, just kids copying what they saw and figuring it out together.

Unstructured Play Matters More Than You Think

Most of what I learned about hockey didn’t come from drills. It came from shinny games at schoolyard rinks, playing with anyone who showed up. Bigger kids, smaller kids, better kids, it didn’t matter. You learned quickly or you didn’t get the puck. That’s where my feel for the game came from. I grew up playing with Ron Francis, and even back then, you could see how those unstructured games built vision and awareness. We weren’t thinking about development; we were just having fun. That mattered more than we realized.

At eight years old, we played one organized game a week. Everything else was backyard time. If something didn’t feel right in my game, I didn’t talk about it. I went outside and worked on it. Shooting pucks. Stickhandling. Skating until it felt natural. Looking back, that was one of the best things I ever did: I learned to self-correct. What worked for me was owning my improvement. What didn’t work was waiting for someone else to fix things for me.

When Talent Meets Preparation

As I moved into travel hockey and eventually bantam and midget, the game became more competitive, but the foundation stayed the same. Confidence came from preparation. My breakout years didn’t happen by accident. They happened because I enjoyed the work. Scoring 86 goals in 32 games wasn’t about chasing numbers; it was the result of years of loving the process. Winning championships taught me that individual success means very little if it doesn’t serve the team.

Growing up in Sault Ste. Marie, you couldn’t escape the presence of Wayne Gretzky. Knowing he once played there made the dream feel real. After my second year of midget, I was drafted at 16 by the Toronto Marlboros of the OHL. That was the first time hockey started to feel serious. My advice to young players is simple: admire great players yes, but don’t copy their results. Copy their habits.

Junior Hockey: Growing Up Fast

Leaving home for junior hockey in Toronto was a shock. I was homesick, uncomfortable, and learning fast that talent alone doesn’t protect you. Those three years forced me to mature quickly. I learned how to manage pressure, how to compete every day, and how to keep going when things weren’t easy. What worked was resilience. What didn’t was thinking confidence comes automatically; it has to be rebuilt constantly.

The NHL Dream — And the Reality

At 18, I was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs. It felt like everything I’d worked for was finally happening. I signed with the Leafs and made my NHL debut at 19, playing alongside legends like Darryl Sittler and Börje Salming. In seven games, I had five points. One day still feels unreal: I played a junior game in the afternoon, scored a hat trick, got called up that night, and scored my first NHL goal against Tony Esposito. It’s a moment I’ll always carry with me. To this day, it remains in the Hockey Hall of Fame as the only player to achieve that task to this day.

But here’s the part people don’t talk about enough: success doesn’t protect you from reality. My professional career between the NHL and AHL taught me that hockey is a business. It’s a numbers game; especially in an era with only 12 to 14 NHL teams. I played well. I contributed. But opportunity isn’t always tied to performance. That was a hard lesson.

Rediscovering the Game

There came a point when I knew I could play, but I wasn’t getting the chance I wanted. Toronto wouldn’t trade me, and I had to decide whether to stay frustrated or find another path. At 26, I chose to leave North America and go to Europe. At the time, some people saw that as a step back. For me, it became a step forward.

Playing in the UK changed my relationship with hockey. The bigger ice suited my game, but more importantly, I rediscovered joy. I played free again. I scored. I led. I stayed in the moment. Over ten seasons, I set records, won championships, and built a life. I retired at 35 in Guildford, Surrey. When the club retired my number, it was an honor that meant more to me than I ever expected.

From Player to Coach

When I transitioned into coaching, my perspective shifted completely. Teaching the game showed me how much responsibility comes with leadership. I oversaw the minor hockey program for the Guildford Flames, hiring and mentoring coaches and working with players from 10Us to 19Us. Coaching reinforced something I wish I understood earlier: the game is bigger than you, and learning never stops.

Both of my sons grew up in that program and were eventually drafted into the NHL. Watching them reach that level wasn’t about pride, it was about gratitude. Gratitude for the journey, the lessons, and the people along the way.

Getting There the Hard Way

Growing up, I was never one of the best players. At 8 years old, I got cut from a team for the first time and told I wasn’t good enough. It took a long time before I started to hear something different. I played AA hockey until I was 15, and I played four years of New York public high school hockey. My path to college hockey wasn’t a common one, but it goes to show there isn’t one path or one “right way” to get there.

Getting Cut and Closing the Gap

I spent the first seven years of my life living in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Between skating on the outdoor rink at my house and constantly being around the game of hockey, this is where my love of the game started. When I turned seven, I moved to Providence, Rhode Island, where I got my first taste of getting cut from teams. It was also my first taste of having to deal with adversity. My skating was the main reason why I got cut from teams early on.

In the three years I lived in Providence, I got better every single year and started closing the gap between myself and the players that made the team. This was largely because of the sacrifices my family and I made. One of the biggest things that made a difference in my development was the extra ice time. At 5:45 a.m., I would go and do power skating before school with my dad and two brothers, and my skating took a big step.

The Rink Became Home

When I was 10, I moved to Skaneateles, New York, where I played locally for seven years. It’s a small town of around 7,000 people but has two sheets of ice. The ability to be constantly on the ice was a key aspect in my development. I played for Mitch Major for seven seasons during this time, both on his youth teams and high school teams.

It was during these years that I believe I took the biggest jump in my development. I spent countless hours at the rink during these years, with two of my former teammates Charlie Major (Cornell) and Jack Henry (Northeastern). Whether it was at skate-and-shoot before school playing shinny, or during the structured practices, we were always on the ice. All three of us pushed each other to be better, and it made a big difference in all our hockey journeys.

When Production Wasn’t Enough

In my senior year of high school, I went to South Kent School in Connecticut and played for my dad. During this season I took another step in my game and produced offensively. I was one of the better players on that team (38 points in 25 games) but was healthy scratched for the first time in my career. It made for some interesting family dinners.

During the summer before I made the jump to junior hockey, I spent lots of time in the weight room and doing skill work with my dad on the ice. Without all these hours on the ice and in the gym over the summer, I don’t know if I could’ve successfully made the jump to junior hockey.

Choosing Development Over Attention

My first year of junior hockey was with the Bonnyville Pontiacs in the AJHL. When I was deciding on where to play, my family and I weighed several factors. I had an opportunity to play in the USHL that year, but I turned it down. I felt that I wasn’t ready to play in that league and thought it would be better for my development to go to a spot where I would play in all situations and compete for a championship. Looking back on it now, I think this was the right move as I developed a lot as a player and my confidence in myself grew.

Overall, I had a pretty good year and was expecting to get some attention from colleges. During the season, I got almost zero attention from any schools. I remember looking at line charts before the games and couldn’t wrap my head around some of the kids that had logos next to their name. I was unbelievably frustrated during that year seeing players that I thought I had finally gotten better than, getting interest from schools. I thought I was getting overlooked and it added fuel to the fire.

My big break was supposed to be the AJHL showcase, where almost every school in the country would be in attendance. Two shifts into the first game, I got a major penalty for contact to the head and was suspended for the entire showcase. Once again, I had to face adversity and find another way to be successful.

Forcing the Issue

After that season, I got drafted by the Fargo Force in the USHL and attended their main camp in the summer. At the camp, I knew I had a good chance to make the team but knew there was going to be some strong competition. It was a team who returned a lot from the year before and was going to be challenging to make.

My mindset for the main camp was to work my tail off and be the hardest player to play against, and that I’m going to force them to take me. I ended up making the team out of main camp and committed to Clarkson University right after. I had a good year overall, and Clarkson decided to bring me in the following year.

Betting on Myself — Again

After finally having success, I had a really difficult start to my college hockey career. I was out of the lineup constantly and it didn’t feel like a great fit. I felt that I wasn’t getting a great opportunity and decided to go back to junior hockey. This decision wasn’t easy.

It was at a time when college hockey had a logjam of players with all the extra Covid years. I was leaving a full scholarship at Clarkson with nothing promised once I decided to go back to junior hockey.

I bet on myself and ultimately found a home at the University of Maine after a good second half in the USHL.

Learning How Winning Works

When I got to Maine, I was blown away at how hard it was. The workouts, conditioning tests, and daily practices were at a different level than what I had been a part of previously. It is a highly intense and detailed environment where you are held accountable in everything you do. My first week of practice, I was sent a clip of every pass I gave that wasn’t on the tape and the coaches stressed the importance of each rep and each puck.

I learned a lot that year on what it takes to be successful and how the gap between the best teams and the worst teams isn’t very big in college hockey. My biggest take away from this year was how important the small habits and details are in playing winning hockey. The difference between stopping on a puck, or looping away can end up making the difference in a game and even a season.

Off the ice, I learned a ton from the leaders on that team on what it takes to be a pro. The preparation and detail they did everything with are big reasons why they had such an impact on the rebirth of Maine Hockey. I lived with two of the seniors on that team (Nolan Renwick and Harrison Scott) and saw every day their consistency and how they took care of their bodies.

Ultimately, I had a successful year individually and as a team we ended the season with a Hockey East championship and berth in the NCAA tournament.

What the Grind Teaches

Looking back on my career so far, I think all my successes have been preceded by failures. My skating was one of the biggest knocks on my game early on. I spent countless hours working on my edgework and stride. Once I got my skating technique down, I lacked lower body strength. This past summer, I spent almost the entire summer working with the strength coach at Maine to improve this. What started as one of my biggest detriments has turned into one of my greatest strengths as a player. Overall, I would give four main pieces of advice for those going through their own hockey journeys.

1. It’s a marathon not a sprint. A lot of the best players I played with growing up, no longer play hockey. It’s not about who is the best 12-year-old, it’s about who can be the best over their entire hockey career.
2. Don’t focus on what everybody else is doing, focus on your own development. Growing up, I was always so frustrated looking at the attention and praise all these other kids were getting. It did me no good and caused a lot of headaches and stress that accomplished nothing.
3. Have an uncompromised belief in yourself. There are going to be times where it is hard but always having that belief in yourself is incredibly important. If you don’t believe in yourself, it’s going to be hard to get others to.
4. I’ve always liked the phrase, “be elite at getting better.” I think this has summed up my development over the course of my career so far. Finding new ways to continue to grow no matter the level, will pay dividends during your career. If you improve your game faster and better than everybody else, you will win the race in the long run.

I grew up in Warroad, Minnesota. If you know Warroad, you know hockey. Hockey isn’t just something people do there, it's part of everyday life. In the winter especially, the rink is where everyone ends up. It’s where families spend their time, where kids grow up, and where friendships are made. For me, the rink has always felt like home.

I was on the ice as soon as I could walk. Skating and playing hockey was just normal. I didn’t grow up thinking about college hockey or the NHL. I wasn’t worried about where hockey might take me someday. I just liked playing. I liked skating, being competitive, and hanging out with my friends. Hockey was fun, and that’s all that mattered to me at the time.

More Than Just a Game

As I got older, that started to change. During my Peewee and Bantam years, I slowly realized that hockey was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Hockey had always been a big part of my life, but around the time I was about ten years old, it really hit me that this was more than just a game. This was something I loved and something I wanted to take seriously. Growing up in Warroad made that easy. Hockey was everywhere, and it was easy to dream big when everyone around you cared about the game as much as you did.

Playing for the Warroad High School team was always my dream. Ever since I was little, I wanted to wear that jersey and play with the guys I grew up with. That’s why I decided to stay my senior year and play high school hockey instead of leaving early. I wanted to play with my best friends and try to win a state championship for my school. Looking back, high school hockey was the most fun I’ve ever had playing the game. We had no real responsibilities other than school and hockey. We were just kids having fun, competing every day, and enjoying every moment. It really was the perfect life.

The Draft Was Just the Beginning

After my senior year, everything changed quickly. I was drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the fourth round of the 2023 NHL Draft. Getting drafted was a surreal experience, and something I had dreamed about for a long time. I am extremely grateful for my family, friends, teammates, and coaches who helped me get there. None of it happens without them. The season and that summer before the draft was stressful. There were a lot of meetings with NHL scouts and there were scouts at just about every game I played in, which you can imagine was always in the back of my head and definitely was a cool, but also scary, feeling. When it got to draft day, I was lucky enough to be at the draft in Nashville with a group of family and friends, which was an unreal experience in itself. The day after I got drafted they flew me and the other draft picks to Tampa Bay and it was so cool to meet some of the staff and be a part of an NHL organization. The coolest part of my first development camp was being around some of the NHL guys that were there, like Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point.

But getting drafted didn’t mean everything was easy from there. In a lot of ways, that’s when things got harder.

Pressure, Perspective, and Progress

My first full season in juniors with the Green Bay Gamblers was challenging. I felt a lot of pressure going into that year. I felt like I needed to prove myself right away. I felt like I needed to be just as good as I was in high school, even though the level was completely different. I compared myself to other players a lot and worried about where I stood. That mindset made things harder than they needed to be.

Mentally, it was tough. I wasn’t playing as well as I wanted to, and that bothered me. There were days where I didn’t feel confident, and it was hard to deal with that. But instead of letting it beat me, I tried to go back to why I started playing hockey in the first place. I reminded myself that I loved the game. I focused on enjoying being at the rink, working hard, and keeping a smile on my face. Over time, things started to turn around. My game came back, and I finished the season strong.

Even with the challenges, my time in Green Bay was an amazing experience. I had great teammates, a great coaching staff, and billet parents who made being away from home a lot easier. Living with billet families taught me responsibility and helped me grow as a person, not just as a hockey player. I learned how important it is to have good people around you.

Learning to Trust My Own Path

After my year in juniors, I went to the University of Minnesota Duluth to play college hockey. The move from juniors to college was a lot of fun. Actually, the teammates I have here at Duluth have made it very fun and a little easier to make the jump off and on the ice. The hardest part for me making the jump is balancing school and hockey at the same time can be mentally draining but it’s also a blessing that I get schooling while playing the best game in the world. I’m now in the middle of my sophomore year, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the path that brought me here. I’ve been lucky to have so many great people in my life, and I truly believe God has blessed me with the opportunities and support I’ve had along the way.

Looking back, one thing I would tell my younger self is to stop comparing myself to others. I spent too much time worrying about what other players were doing and how I measured up. That kind of thinking only brought me down. Everyone’s journey is different, and comparing yourself to others doesn’t help you grow. I wish I had learned that earlier.

Grateful for the Journey

What really helped my development wasn’t anything complicated. It was simply loving the game and working hard every day. I never felt like I was forcing myself to train or improve. I genuinely enjoyed it. I loved being on the ice, getting better, and competing. Because of that, it never felt like work. It just felt like what I was meant to be doing.

If there’s one thing I’d want younger players to understand, it’s that you don’t need to have everything figured out right away. Enjoy the game. Have fun with your teammates. Work hard because you love it, not because you feel pressured to be better than everyone else. If you keep your passion for the game, everything else has a way of working itself out.

Hockey has given me so many friendships, lessons, opportunities, and memories I’ll never forget. I’m grateful for where I came from, the people who helped me along the way, and the journey I’m still on. No matter where hockey takes me next, I’ll always be proud to say I grew up playing the game in Warroad, Minnesota.

At Pro Stock Hockey, we’ve evaluated trends, data, and real feedback to narrow down the best hockey sticks for the year ahead. Whether you’re upgrading your setup or helping a player choose the right tool for their game, this guide breaks down the strongest contenders.

What Makes a Great Hockey Stick

The best hockey sticks today merge cutting-edge materials with responsive engineering to maximize puck control and shot accuracy. Composite layering, carbon fiber blends, and even nano-level materials have transformed how energy transfers from player to puck.

While NHL pros influence design trends, the “perfect” stick depends on your skill level, position, and shot mechanics. A stick that’s too stiff or heavy can hurt accuracy, while the right flex and curve amplify every motion. Here’s what separates elite-level sticks in 2026:

• Kick Point: The energy-release zone of a stick. Low kick points boost speed and release, while mid-kick profiles deliver power.
• Balance: Centered weight distribution enhances puck feel, allowing smoother transitions from stickhandling to shooting.
• Blade Technology: Reinforced carbon layering, foam cores, and textured coatings improve shot consistency and dampen vibration.
• Flex & Durability: Advanced resins and lightweight weaves create sticks that feel livelier without losing strength or life span.

Modern players want a stick that complements — not compensates for — their playing style. This remains true whether you’re browsing hockey sticks for beginners or the most sophisticated models.

Top 10 Hockey Sticks for 2026

While some of these standouts were released in the last few years, they still remain top choices because their construction, responsiveness, and pro-level consistency continue to outperform the competition. Below are our top-rated hockey sticks for 2026:

1. Bauer AG5NT

Bauer’s AG5NT remains the lightest stick in hockey, thanks to its exclusive Boron Fiber construction. The stick’s ultra-reactive shaft and optimized blade stiffness help shooters generate elite shot speed with less fatigue.

Best for: Speed-focused forwards and quick-release shooters.

Shop Bauer Hockey Sticks

2. CCM Jetspeed FT7 Pro

The FT7 Pro uses a hybrid kick point to deliver energy across every type of shot, from wrist flicks to heavy slapshots. Its Sigma STp carbon layers reinforce the blade without extra weight, giving players superior balance and feel.

Best for: All-around players seeking versatility and comfort.

Shop CCM Hockey Sticks

3. Warrior Super Novium

The Super Novium showcases Warrior’s most advanced Minimus Carbon 25 weave yet. Engineered for ultimate stiffness and feedback, the FuelCore T blade provides crisp energy return and long-term durability.

Best for: Playmakers demanding pro-level touch and precision.

Shop Warrior Hockey Sticks

4. TRUE HZRDUS PX

One of the lightest mid-kick sticks on the market, the HZRDUS PX gives players exceptional release speed and shot stability. Its low-torque shaft helps defensemen keep control under pressure.

Best for: Two-way players who rely on balance, power, and durability.

5. Sherwood Rekker Legend Pro

The Rekker Legend Pro pairs FeatherLite XT construction with Sherwood’s refined low kick zone, delivering explosive release and enhanced puck control in tight spaces.

Best for: Skilled forwards prioritizing speed and quick puck handling.

6. Bauer Vapor HyperLite 2

An evolution of the original HyperLite, this stick’s XE Taper geometry reduces weight while boosting recoil. The optimized blade core provides clean, accurate releases.

Best for: Snipers and creative wingers who thrive on precision.

7. CCM Tacks AS-V Pro

CCM’s mid-kick masterpiece focuses on energy loading for pure shot power. Its reinforced shaft walls and dampened blade core increase control during long-range passes and slap shots.

Best for: Defensemen and power shooters who value stability.

8. Warrior Covert QR5 Pro

The QR5 Pro’s Edge Taper design channels energy directly into the blade, creating a lightning-fast release with minimal energy loss.

Best for: Forwards looking for fast hands and an aggressive shooting edge.

9. TRUE Catalyst PX

The Catalyst PX balances weight, strength, and response perfectly. TRUE’s precision molding maintains consistency from stick to stick, making it a top pick for competitive players.

Best for: Players who value superior control and tactile puck feel.

10. Sherwood Code TMP Pro

The Code TMP Pro’s hybrid kick point adapts to both quick snapshots and heavy slappers, while its layered carbon shaft offers elite stick durability.

Best for: Well-rounded players seeking performance and longevity.

Explore these models and more in our full hockey stick collection, including the best budget hockey sticks.

How to Choose the Right Stick for Your Game

Selecting the right stick is part science, part personal preference. At the end of the day, the best right choice comes down to your strength, playing position, and shooting technique. Even minor differences like shaft height or blade lie can influence how easily you control the puck and transfer energy into shots.

• Flex: As a rule of thumb, your flex should equal about half your body weight. Softer flex improves release speed for lighter players; stiffer shafts favor stronger shooters. Learn more about hockey stick flex.
• Curve: Curved blade designs help lift the puck and improve control, while straighter curves enhance accuracy for pass-heavy players. Explore hockey stick curves.
• Length: A stick that reaches between your chin and nose while in skates provides ideal balance. Learn how to measure a hockey stick.

A properly fitted stick not only improves shooting but also reduces fatigue and enhances puck feel, benefitting both beginners refining fundamentals and elite players fine-tuning their edge.

Best Hockey Sticks by Position and Play Style

Forwards: Low-kick sticks such as the Bauer Vapor or Sherwood Rekker improve quick releases and puck maneuverability around the crease. They’re ideal for agile skaters who rely on snap shots and deception.

Defensemen: Mid-kick models like the CCM Tacks or TRUE HZRDUS amplify shot velocity from the blue line. These sticks also provide stability for poke checks and long stretch passes.

All-Around Players: Hybrid-kick options such as the CCM Jetspeed or Bauer Nexus combine speed and control for those who play both ends of the ice. Their balanced energy transfer brings consistency to any situation.

For a deeper look at professional setups, browse the most popular NHL hockey sticks to see how leading hockey stick brands stack up under pressure.

Pro Stock vs. Retail Hockey Sticks: Key Differences

Pro stock sticks aren’t just replicas; they’re the real deal, made for NHL and AHL players. Built for higher impact and performance consistency, they often feature custom hockey stick options that you won’t find in regular retail models, such as specialized flex points, reinforced blades, and tailored shaft textures.

At Pro Stock Hockey, every stick comes straight from professional teams. This means you’re getting authentic, game-used or pro-issued models with unmatched craftsmanship and balance. Players notice the difference immediately: tighter shot response, reduced vibration, and enhanced puck control. Plus, every order includes free tape and the option for personalized name decals.

Check out our collections of NHL player sticks and used hockey sticks to explore authentic, affordable options trusted by the pros.

How Long Should a Hockey Stick Last?

Even the best gear eventually shows wear; the average lifespan of a composite stick ranges from a few months of heavy use to several seasons for casual players. Factors like shot power, frequency of play, and ice temperature all affect longevity.

Watch for these warning signs:

• Softened Flex: Indicates internal material fatigue, reducing shot pop.
• Cracks or Fraying: Early signs that the composite layers are separating.
• Blade Wear: Dulls puck responsiveness and shooting accuracy.

To extend performance, store sticks vertically in a cool, dry area and avoid leaning them against walls or heaters. Periodically check for small fractures, as catching damage early on can help prevent sudden breakage during play.

Find Your Next Stick with Pro Stock Hockey

Ultimately, the most elite models merge stick technology, fit, and feel into a tool that becomes an extension of the player. Whether you’re upgrading to a lighter model or checking out pro stock gear for the first time, a well-matched stick can elevate your confidence and control with every shift.

Explore our full lineup of sticks built for endurance, precision, and pro-level performance.

Shop Full Hockey Stick Collection

My name is Brett Perlini I was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, but I grew up in Guildford, England. I currently play for the Cardiff Devils in the Elite Ice Hockey League. I certainly took a different path to pro hockey, and I want to share that even though I grew up in a non-traditional hockey country, I was still able to get drafted to the NHL and have a 13+ year pro career.

I first started skating in a suburb of London called Streatham. My dad was playing there at the time, and once I had got my first pair of skates for Christmas (at 18 months old) that’s all I wanted to do was skate.

Finding Ice Time Where None Existed

A few years later, our family moved about 30 miles to a town called Guildford, and I joined the local junior program there at 4-years-old. The youngest age group at the time in the UK was under 10s, so I was hoping on the ice trying to learn the game with 9-year-olds who had been playing for years. Needless to say, I didn’t get much game time!

Even the regulars only managed 16-18 games per season, mix that in with one to two practices per week and it wasn’t much opportunity to improve. There are not many ice rinks in the UK compared to the amount of people, and the rinks that are available mainly cater the ice time to public skates or figure skating. Some of our teams, even at a young age, would be practicing at 10 p.m. or even 5 a.m. on a Sunday! Around then, my parents started a roller hockey business to try and grow the game in the local areas. They would travel to different schools to get the kids involved, provide equipment and have games in the school gymnasiums or outside on the gravel soccer rinks. At one point, they would be going to a different school every day of the week and I would tag along to all of them. It was a nice routine, I would get picked up from school, then we’d head to the next school to practice and play. My parents would use me as a demonstrator for a lot of drills as most of the kids had not played before. A couple years of this went by, and more and more kids were joining. The ones that were there from the start improved so much especially me, as I had been going to almost every session! I got back on the ice with the U10s team and instead of a 4/5-year-old that could barely keep up, I was head and shoulders above the rest at 8-years-old. What I learned is that even in circumstances that are not ideal, you can really improve if you enjoy what you are doing and keep showing up.

Learning to Compete and Belong

We still had the issue of only 18 games per season and one to two on ice practices per week. I was lucky enough to play up an age group for the next few seasons as well as my own age. Plus, we had these select teams in different regions called conference teams. When you combined all those there were definitely more games and ice available to make some real progress. I was fortunate to be on some good teams during this time. Our Guildford teams were always competing for national championships every year, and the only time we didn’t win was in my U12s year. The conference teams and tournaments were always special for me. That was the where the best players would come together and compete in one tournament. My first year at the tournament I was playing with the older kids and our Southwest team didn’t do too well. We lost in the semifinals and we got dominated by the favorites: the Midlands Conference. It was a real eye opener for me. They were bigger faster, stronger — and even had their own entrance song! Very intimidating. That was a huge motivation for me the following year I was going to make sure that never happened to us again.

(Some ODR time during the Quebec Pee-wee Tournament 2003)

A Moment That Changed Everything

Fast forward to the following year and guess who we meet in the finals? The Midlands. We had been playing great all tournament, but this particular game we couldn’t get much going we found ourselves down 2-0 late in the 3rd period. We call a timeout. My dad is one of our coaches and absolutely rips into me in front of the team. Then, he finishes off by giving us some positive inspiration. I was taken back. Was I doing enough to help the team? Was I blowing this opportunity? A switch flipped in my head. “Screw this,” I said to myself, “we are not losing this game.” Boom we go down and score. A minute later we score again. Tied 2-2, headed to overtime in the finals, about as big as it gets as a kid. I take the puck down the left side (I can still see this in slow motion in my head), danced around the defenseman and ripped a shot blocker side to beat the goalie. The whole team swarmed on the ice in excitement and as I dove on the ice for a celebration, they proceeded to jump on top of me. “Bundle” as we used to call it. A natural hat trick and a comeback win for the ages. My dad knew exactly how to get me going!

Leaving Home for a Bigger Test

At 14, I went for a new challenge: a move back to Canada. I had really done well developing in England and I had many good friends there, but it was time for a change. This would mean I would move in with my Great Uncle and Aunt in Sault Ste. Marie, while my parents and brother still lived in the UK. I was trying out for the AAA Bantam team, and we would skate in the summer a couple times a week. The tryouts were in September. After one of the first sessions, my dad spoke with the coach about my chances of being of the team. He was on the fence saying I was a little undersized and not used to the physical play. Coming from Guildford, I learned how to play on big wide ice Olympic style while most of the rinks in Ontario were significantly smaller making the game more physical. Not to mention hockey in Canada is THE sport and all the top athletes want to play it. I was in for another big test. After a hardworking summer, during which I worked with a personal trainer — unheard of for a 14-year-old in those days. Not only did I make the team, but I excelled. It was tough being away from my parents especially before things like FaceTime. We would talk on a landline, and we made the best of it. Our team did well that season, and we won our league in Northern Ontario which qualified us for the All-Ontario Championships in Thunder Bay.

Proving It Against the Best

There were some great teams there including the London Knights, Toronto Jr. Canadiens, but the best team was the Markham Waxers. Their roster was loaded with many guys going on to play in the NHL, and their best player was Steven Stamkos who was lighting up the tournament. Many of our players were intimidated playing Markham and rightly so, but we were going to give it our best and have fun with it. Halfway through the game we were down 5-1. Timeout. “Boys relax, get it together, lets settle down and play” echoed our coach. Not as intense as my dad’s timeout, but the message was the same. I went into absolute beast mode. That “screw it” mentality where you stop thinking and caring what others think and find your flow state. If I could just bottle that up, life would be a lot easier! However, at that moment I found it. Another hat trick and epic comeback had us leave the best team in Ontario and possibly North America in shock with a 7-5 victory. That game meant a lot to me and my teammates. I proved to myself I can compete with the best, and that I could go somewhere with hockey.

Choosing a Different Path

I spent another two years in the Soo, eventually getting drafted to the hometown Soo Greyhounds in the OHL. For a lot of my buddies there, that was the dream. I however chose a different path. Shocking right?! I opted to play NCAA hockey at Michigan State University.

Something about the college route spoke to me. I don’t know if it’s because I wanted to be different, or the amazing facilities, getting an education, or the exciting atmosphere at Munn Ice Arena, but it just felt right. Before I stepped on campus though I had to finish high school and decide where I was going to play junior. I had just had a really good year with the Soo Thunderbirds Jr. A Tier II team playing with my cousin Matt. I tied for the league lead in goals and won rookie of the year. I could return and play there another year, but it was my NHL Draft year, and I wanted to go to a league more recognized.

A Draft Year That Didn’t Go as Planned

The summer before I had gone to a camp for a new team in the USHL called the Ohio Jr. Blue Jackets. I did well, and they wanted me to play on the team as a 16-year-old. but we decided to wait another year. The team were living and practicing in Cleveland and would play their home games in Columbus, and it seemed a little tricky logistically. The following year they came calling again, but this time the team was based in Columbus and seemed more stable. I was excited for the season, I was living with another player in a fantastic billet home in the luxurious Dublin, Ohio, playing in the top junior league in the U.S. Things seemed promising. As is life, things don’t always work out as planned. My first exhibition game I took a hard hit and felt a little shaken. I carried on playing and even managed an assist before the end of the first period. After that, I got examined by our doctor and I could barely lift my arm. It was a shoulder injury, but we needed a scan to be sure how severe it was. The next week was the fall classic where there are tons of scouts and the perfect chance to make a name for yourself. Our coach asked if I could play and said the Florida Panthers were coming to watch me. The injury was worse than we thought though and I was out six to eight weeks. That was really tough to take. I had never dealt with anything like that before. From then on, the team struggled on the ice and coming back I never found my groove with them. In January, we decided it was best for me to return to the Thunderbirds for the rest of the season. I was really hesitant to go back, as I wanted to stay and make thing right in Columbus. It just wasn’t in the cards. This really hurt my stock as well as far as scouts were concerned. Not what I envisioned my draft year, but there’s always a silver lining and this gave me a great life lesson and prepared me for what I might face next. The good thing about returning home is that I got to play with a lot of my buddies again and finish high school where I started. I also got my swagger back quickly averaging two points per game for the rest of the season and even got my name on the NHL Draft final rankings list — an impressive feat from where I was.

Learning the Hard Way at Michigan State

If you’re going to be a hockey player, you might as well get used to the ups and downs ASAP. Draft day 2008 was another tough one. You think there must be some mistake when you keep hitting refresh and don’t see your name, but then reality hits and it’s another tough pill to swallow. There are only really two things you can do in these situations, let them get you down, or use them to make you better. We find fuel and move on! Stepping onto campus that fall as a true freshman I had a lot to learn. The coaches were firm and demanded the best from you every single day. It’s all about compete. On the ice, in the weight room, on the track, in the classroom, it didn’t matter you were fighting for your spot every single day. We had a big freshman class of 10 guys, but by the end of the season it was down to six. Three transfers and one sent back to junior. I didn’t get off the fourth line at all that season, and for a skill guy that’s not what you want. At the same time, I was grateful to be playing and worked hard in practice to improve. Do I think if I was given a chance I could have produced? Almost certainly, but opportunity is earned and I would have to wait. That season was not up to team expectations, and a lot of the guys from my class paid the price including me. Another big freshman class came in, and these guys were given the opportunities instead of us. At least my first year I was in the lineup, now I wasn’t even dressing or traveling to away games! Now what? Do I have to transfer? Will I ever play here again? This was very stressful on our whole family at the time, but they showed amazing support. I remember when they came to visit. They took me to the bookstore, and we picked put two sports psychology books. Then, I started getting to work on my mental game. I wasn’t going to go down without a fight that was for sure. I had to use practices as games and bring maximum intensity just to even get a consideration. I worked harder than ever, and I knew if and when I got a chance I’d be more than ready.

Earning the Opportunity

The chance came in late December during a holiday tournament known as the Great Lakes Invitational, a yearly event featuring our team, University of Michigan, Michigan Tech, and one invitee this year was RPI. This took place at Joe Louis Arena, home of the Detroit Red Wings. We were playing Michigan Tech in the first game, and the winners would advance to the finals the next day. It was a huge win to capture the “GLI”, and after years of defeats we wanted badly to win it again. I remember using some of the mental edge techniques I had learned from my psychology books before the game, and I was more dialed in than I've ever felt. Early in the game, we got the puck behind the opposition net. I planned my route perfectly and screamed for a pass and caught it right where I wanted. Boom! 1-0. That was so huge for me. But it didn’t stop there. We ended up with the biggest win of my college career: 10-1 win, and I had two goals and an assist. After the game, I felt this sense of joy and relief. I knew I could do this all along, but it was so nice to prove that to myself and to show everyone else how I had been working. The next game we played RPI in the final, and it was more of the same for me. Another goal and assist in a 6-1 victory, and we took home the title! Why has this kid not been playing, people ask in disbelief?! Luckily, they wouldn’t have to ask it anymore. I was named to the All-Tournament Team and named Most Valuable Player. It was the turning point in my college career! I finished the season with seven goals and 12 points in 20 games — very respectable for D1 college numbers. What was even more impressive is that I did it with zero power play time and on the fourth line still! And that didn’t go unnoticed.

When the Call Finally Came

That summer I got to return home to Soo, Ontario, at the end of June. I was training hard in the gym and looking forward to the future, but I always think it’s important to get away from the game as well. My favorite getaway being on the golf course. Golf is very much a family affair for the Perlini’s, right up there with hockey. And the particular course we were playing that day had some special memories to it for us. The Oaks at Kincheloe is just across the border in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. This golf course saw my mom get a hole-in-one in a tournament that her team went on to win. Even more bizarre was when my parents were playing a round while my mom was pregnant with me. Her water broke during the round and as you do my dad said to the group in front an all-time quote, “Can we play through? My wife has just gone into labour.” Needless to say, something special seems to happen when we play this course. I was a beautiful summer’s day with the sun shining and slowly setting when we’d finished the 18th, but when we’d got back to the clubhouse something was up. At this time iPhones were just coming out, and we only had the LG phone with a sliding keyboard with a Canadian phone plan that didn’t really work in the U.S. Somehow a text came through from a friend that said, “congrats to Brett. You guys must be so proud”. Proud of what, we thought? What is he even talking about. There was another few missed calls from unusual numbers. Finally, we asked the pro shop if we could use the computer behind the desk. Sure enough, once I logged on I could see selected by the Anaheim Ducks with the 192nd pick in the 2010 NHL draft was Brett Perlini! I proceed to call back my agent from the pro shop phone. What an amazing surprise! Two years earlier I was expected to get picked followed the whole two-day-long draft and was heartbroken. Now I’d almost forgot it was taking place, played a relaxed golf game with my family and end up getting picked! Such is hockey and life!

Still Showing Up

That was the turning point in my hockey career. I went into the next season with a ton of confidence, and you know how that goes! Ten goals by Christmas break, I was on fire. I finished my college career close to a point per game pace and was off to pro hockey. It didn’t work out with Anaheim the way I’d hoped: an NHL lockout and broken jaw my first year didn’t help. You certainly need a bit of luck and timing to make it all the way to the top, but I’m proud of what I’ve achieved especially since coming to Europe. I’ve played seven world champions, four times in Pool A against Canada, United States, Sweden, and Russia, and that’s been special. That’s what drives me well into my thirties.

It’s a game of ups and downs. Staying even keel will give you your best chance, regardless of your current situation. Keep showing up!

(Game vs Team Canada at the 2024 IIHF World Championship in Prague)

What Drives the Price of NHL-Grade Hockey Sticks

The main reason why NHL hockey stick prices climb so high is the cost of advanced materials and how they’re assembled. Modern composite hockey sticks use multiple layers of high-grade carbon fiber that are laid up in precise patterns. Higher grades, such as T800 and T1000, are lighter and stiffer than basic fibers, which means faster shots (and a greater cost).

On top of that, manufacturers invest heavily in research and development to fine-tune kick points, blade construction, and balance. Small production runs for pro models and testing with NHL players both rack up costs compared to mass-market sticks.

Primary cost drivers:

• Carbon fiber grade and layup: Ultra-light, high-modulus carbon fiber raises the price because it’s more expensive and trickier to work with.
• Kick point and shaft tech: Engineered mid or low kick point zones, rounded corners, and variable wall thickness add performance and manufacturing steps.
• Blade and core design: Foam cores, carbon bridges, and dampening layers improve puck feel and shot control, which again adds materials and complexity.
• Labor and limited runs: Small batches for specific NHL players or teams require more hands-on work and do not spread costs over huge volumes.

Pro Stock vs. Retail: How Prices and Specs Compare

Pro stock hockey sticks are specially made for players in the NHL and other top-tier leagues. Though they often share the same graphics as retail sticks, you’re likely to find different carbon fiber layups, flex profiles, and balance points inside the shaft and blade. As these sticks are crafted for a specific player, position, and style of play, they can be stiffer, more durable, or slightly heavier than retail models.

Retail hockey sticks try to capture that high-end feel in a design that works for a broad range of players. Big brands like Bauer, CCM, Warrior, and TRUE offer multiple price tiers, from entry composite models to flagship sticks at the very top. Senior top-end sticks from these brands often land between about $300 and $380 at major retailers.

How specs and pricing compare in practice:

• Construction and feel: Pro stock sticks can use slightly different carbon schedules or a thicker blade for extra durability in pro games, while flagship retail models aim for the lightest possible build to fit the average buyer.
• Durability: Because pros lean hard into their shots, their sticks are intended for intense use but may still break more often due to the professional level of play. Rec and beer-league players usually get more life from the same or similar model.
• Price expectations: New flagship retail sticks often sit around the $300–$400 mark, while pro stock models can be sold to the public at a bargain once teams move on to a new batch.

If you’d like to compare options, reading a detailed hockey stick buying guide or hockey stick reviews can help you unpack the specs.

Typical Price Ranges by Major Brands

Different hockey stick brands group their sticks into different tiers. Although the prices vary by retailer, the common ranges for senior composite models look something like this:

• Bauer hockey sticks: Entry-level composite sticks often start around $120–$150, mid-tier runs from roughly $180–$260, and elite models like Vapor and Nexus flagships can reach $320–$380.
• CCM hockey sticks: Lines such as Jetspeed and Ribcor follow similar tiers, with top sticks often in the $320–$370 range for current-year models.
• Warrior hockey sticks: Popular lines like Alpha and Novium typically place their highest-end sticks near the $320–$360 mark, with more affordable models starting closer to $140.
• TRUE hockey sticks: TRUE focuses on lightweight hockey sticks built with premium carbon fiber; their senior flagships often sit in the neighborhood of $280–$350, with value options below that.

Prices can drop sharply when a new model year arrives or when retailers run sales. Prior-year pro-level sticks become some of the most affordable hockey sticks on the market, especially if you’re comfortable buying online after reviewing a hockey stick size chart and using a hockey stick length guide.

How Custom Specs Influence What You Pay

Customization is another big component behind NHL hockey stick prices. Advanced players often seek specific hockey stick materials, flex, and curves that match their hand position, shot style, and role on the ice. Small-batch builds end up costing more than mass-produced models since factories change patterns and tooling for a shorter run.

Common customizations that change price:

• Flex and kick profile: Custom hockey stick flex ratings or hybrid profiles change how the shaft loads, which in turn shapes shot power and release. Pros test out several setups to find the one that fits their style and shots.
• Curve, lie, and blade feel: Custom blade patterns and lies help a player control the puck in tight spaces. What is the lie of a hockey stick? Our guide explains how it can change your game.
• Length, grip, and finish: Pro-length shafts, special textures, and tailored hockey stick grip options add comfort and control but can raise costs, especially in one-off or limited runs.

If you need help dialing in, our hockey stick flex guide walks you through how body weight, position, and level of play all factor into your final choice.

Weight, Durability, and Replacement Frequency

The trend toward lightweight hockey sticks comes from carbon fiber’s high strength-to-weight ratio. Top-end carbon fiber hockey sticks can feel nearly effortless to swing while still delivering a stiff, responsive shaft. And compared to wood, modern composite sticks usually offer more power, custom kick points, and better energy transfer on shots.

There’s a tradeoff, though: extreme weight reduction can also reduce lifespan. NHL players, who play heavy minutes and lean into every shot, can go through 60–150 sticks per season, depending on their role and schedule. But serious amateurs using the same stick a few times per week will often get many months out of a modern composite.

What this means for the total cost of ownership:

• Lighter sticks usually cost more and can break sooner if you take the ice daily, so you need to budget for replacement along with upfront price.
• Basic hockey stick maintenance helps: wipe the shaft, dry the blade after ice time, and retape worn areas to aid in preventing hockey stick damage.
• Storage matters: keeping sticks out of hot cars, damp garages, or sharp temperature swings is one of the simplest hockey stick storage solutions for safeguarding your investment.

Are you wondering, “What are NHL hockey sticks made of?” Most high-end models use layered carbon fiber, fiberglass, and sometimes Kevlar around a lightweight foam or hollow core.

How to Spend Smarter: Clearance and Used Pro Stock

You don’t necessarily need the newest release to play good hockey. Smart shoppers count on model-year timing, careful hockey stick comparisons, and a close look at their own level of play to find the sticks that fit both budget and performance.

Popular clearance sticks like prior-year flagship options still provide high-end hockey stick technology; buying these after a new line drops lets you get almost the same performance at a much lower price point. Browse between player hockey sticks, used hockey sticks, and clearance sticks to see how prices shift by model year and condition.

Top tips for stretching your dollar:

• Shop used pro stock carefully: Check handedness, flex, and pattern against your hockey stick curve chart. Look closely for cracks near the blade or lower shaft and consider basic hockey stick repair kits only for minor cosmetic issues.
• Match the stick level to your play level: Recreational and beginner hockey players can often use mid-tier sticks or bargain hockey sticks for beginners, while elite juniors or pros might want fresh pro stock hockey sticks for maximum performance.
• Think about the whole setup: Budget for hockey stick accessories like butt-end plugs and the best tape for hockey sticks, since proper taping and grip help with control and feel.

Parents and youth coaches on the hunt for the best hockey sticks for kids often lean on hockey stick reviews and clear charts for length and flex. For growing kids, it can be smarter to buy a solid mid-tier stick that fits now instead of an ultra-expensive model they might outgrow in one season.

Bringing Price, Performance, and Fit Together

So, how much are NHL hockey sticks, really? Most NHL-grade composite sticks sit in a broad range from about $120 up to $400, with price shaped primarily by carbon fiber quality, brands and lines, and how customized the specs are. If you match your flex, curve, and length to your position and playing style, you’ll end up getting far more value than you would from simply choosing the most expensive hockey stick on the wall.

Ready to compare your options? Shop Our Full Hockey Stick Collection

What’s up guys? This is Brendan Perlini here, current professional hockey player having played six years in NHL with Detroit, Chicago, Arizona and Edmonton. Currently I’m in my 10th year pro now playing over in Europe with Lugano Hockey Club in Switzerland. I’m pretty happy to be writing this just because I feel like it comes at a great time of reflection for me in my life of the last 10 years pro, but also before that and my path to get not only where I am currently as a hockey player but mainly as a human in general. My story here will be very interesting probably to many out there. And I just want to let you know that yes this is me writing and typing not ChatGPT or some AI that will take my words and write for me, so if things seem all over the place that is why haha! I also want to say I’ll probably jump sometimes back and forth between timelines or different stories so don’t worry about it just try to read and understand the best you can. Hopefully you can take away something from this and try to either do it yourself or not do it. Always an opportunity to learn!

Before we jump into the usual run around of “my life was like this and this” sorta thing, I wanna talk equipment and style! Besides, this is Pro Stock hockey, so I figured it was a good omen to start there. I’ve always loved equipment my whole life, even to this present day of writing. This morning December 5, 2025, I just tried three pairs of different skates during my skate today?. Wild right? I know … or is it? I grew up watching and really idolizing players with flair and style in hockey but also golf, soccer, tennis you name it. If there was a guy that was different plus unique and stood out a bit, chances are I liked him. People sometimes confuse “style” with cockiness or something along those lines, but I just always seen it as “that person being themselves” and expressing what they like. Let’s run through some guys names that you may or may not know across different sports that for me I always loved!

HOCKEY

MARIÁN HOSSA

(tinted curved visor, white skates, always cool gloves, 81 great number, cool curve, spray paint)

ILYA KOVALCHUK

(same cool visor, cool skates, yellow laces, HUGE curve, awesome style)

SERGEI FEDOROV

Arguably the GOAT of ‘90s style (white skates, cool visor, just looked so dam cool, 91 number) He needs two pics.

ALEX KOVALEV

(One of my FAVES, just so sick, silky smooth, AK27 stick, no visor, flow out the helmet, white skates, tongues out)

In fact quick funny story I just thought of for the first time in years! I used to get my sticks through my brother when I was young. He’s six years older, so he would break one and my dad would chop it where it broke and put a “Easton Z Air Focus Flex” blade in the shaft. Then, boom I’d have a new stick! (If you don’t know that blade look it up, I LOVED those. It had this weird like little indent thing where it went in and out near where you put it in the shaft … funny to think about). So one time my brother broke this “AK27”— Kovalev’s custom cool stick! So I’m licking my chops at this one. I’m so cool … I got the Kovalev stick … blah blah blah my dad makes it for me. I spray paint the blade black to make it look all black at the bottom like Kovy’s (yes you read that right at 11 years old I was already spray painting sticks) and I play a few games with it feeling good. Then my dad comes to watch me play next game, and I absolutely SHIT the bed out there. When I get back in the car for the 10 minute ride on the way home my dad talked for 10 minutes about how that “wasn’t the stick for me, its way too heavy and your not using that anymore yada yada.” Safe to say I was crushed about the stick, but I also knew that my dad was 100% right.

Also, I’m going to link in this goal. If you haven’t seen it, it’s one of my favorites of all time. Kovy loses his helmet, then grabs the puck and literally takes over ending up scoring with NO HELMET and his flow just flapping in the wind. THAT’S STYLE.

I’m pissed when I look back at my time in the NHL, and I never got a shift with no helmet. That seems hilarious to say, but growing up watching this goal all the time it was always in my head like one day it’ll happen and my helmet will get knocked off, and I’ll be flying around like Kovy too with no bucket during the game. Now they have since changed the rule and you can no longer do it.

MARIAN GABORIK

(Great visor, number 10, sick back tuck on skates, fastest guy in the league)

MY DAD: FRED PERLINI

So just like any kid out there I think you see your dad when you’re young as some type of superhero. My dad almost came off as celebrity like in the area we lived in England where a lot of people knew him and what he accomplished over there, and they knew we were Canadian. So I grew up really being wide-eyed to my dad and respecting him A LOT. Sounds weird for me to be saying a young kid respected his father but I did. I just felt like he really knew everything he was talking about and he played in the NHL, so to me I wanted to get there and tried my best to listen to whatever he would say to accomplish that same dream.

Look at my dad here: No bucket in warmups, black tape, tongues out on his skates, beautiful head of hair flowing. I just knew when I got to the NHL I had to not recreate this picture, but I just wanted a no bucket warmup. And boy, in my third season when I was with the Blackhawks did I take advantage of it haha! Like father, like son.

Golf

TIGER WOODS

The basics of Tiger (fist pumps, unbelievable shots, aura like crazyyyy, red shirt, GAME OVER)

But just look at this picture. I chose this for a reason. He flushes one then twirls that club with so much style it makes every single blade of grass stand up and applaud. You just know that thing is a dart right at the flag. RIP to everyone who had to play Tiger in his prime.

SERGIO GARCÍA

García was my favorite golfer growing up! I went through a lot of heartache being a big fan of Sergio watching him get so close so many times and unfortunately losing at the end. It was all worth it tho as the 2017 Masters was easily one of the top days in front of the TV in my life and when that putt went in in the playoff to beat Justin Rose, almost similar to Rory winning this year I couldn’t help but get teary eyed and feel the energy almost oozing through the TV through me. I was truly so happy for him.

One of my favorite outfits, I actually had this hat when I was young, he just had so much flair and played the game like a Spanish matador!

SEVE BALLESTEROS

Seve was before my time, but really he started the whole flair in golf and I’m not just talking his outfits but the way he played the game hitting shots from his knees and out of crazy wild situations! Although I never really grew up watching Seve on the TV, I would hear the stories through my dad almost like they were mythical stories and just be so wide-eyed and like “WOW”.

CAMILO VILLEGAS

The spider! Man this guy is cool, all white outfit, made that flat top hat cool in golf and the era of like ‘07–‘09 when he was playing well me and my brother really liked him. Quick funny story for you. So Camilo used to be sponsored by this company J Lindeberg, which at the time was fresh on the golf scene and was SICK! It was like an upper echelon clothing brand that was more sleek and cooler than just Nike or Adidas. You always stood out if you wore it, it was like “OOOOOOO he’s got a Lindeberg shirt on). So I don’t even know how we got them I think it was a gift to my brother. And then we both kinda share stuff anyway, so they kinda became mine. But they were two Lindeberg wristbands like a sweatband basically around your wrist, and we just thought we were so damn cool wearing these things playing golf. But the weird thing was you would wear them for 4 hours golfing and then when you took them off your whole wrist was blue — like for a day— almost like someone colored you in marker or something. So we used to just wear them all the time and “look cool” to deal with the fact afterwards that our wrists were so discolored. It’s hilarious looking back on it, and we never did figure out why they did that. I think we still have one in my parent’s house in the basement somewhere. Might have to bring those babies back!

FOOTBALL (SOCCER)

CRISTIANO RONALDO

My fave player growing up, just had it all. I always liked him over Messi purely for the fact of just the style and flair he had in his game with the step overs and cool moves he would do. Up to that point nobody really had ever seen done at the top level with the finishing ability of him scoring record amount of goals like 50-60-70 goals in a calendar year!

One of my favorite seasons of his was when Real Madrid wore this first kit below, which he wore the popped collar all season. Thats style!

DAVID BECKHAM

Becks! This guy revolutionized style. I loved him growing up, he just did whatever style and made it SUPER popular. I love his carefree attitude for that stuff of just being himself and rocking whatever and in the process making everybody else want to do it. Growing up in the UK, when he did a certain haircut I’m not joking like 90% of men then did that same haircut. It’s actually crazy to imagine someone having that reach and reaction from people, from really him just being himself.

AND FINALLY

RONALDINHO

Man this guy was good. In my eyes, he is probably my all time favorite just because again he played the game like he was on the streets playing with his friends. (White and gold Nike boots were absolutely ICONIC for the time.)

OK well I could keep going on and on about my favorite guys growing up (there will be a reason for why I shared all this I promise), but let’s get back to the main story now.

Growing up I had quite a unique childhood of living in England, Canada and the United States. Let’s start in the UK first with my childhood there quickly. I always felt different living there. At school I was looked at like “he’s the Canadian kid”, which at times made me feel really special and sometimes it made me feel like an outcast. But I knew that once that bell rung and I was free to go home and then eventually go play hockey, that I could totally be myself. It was almost as if I was two different people with the one at school just trying to sort of fit in and then the hockey player being wild and trying crazy things and being the trendsetter. Think à la Superman being Clark Kent during the day and then throwing the cape on and becoming Superman after work. I’m not gonna sugarcoat it. When I was in the UK, I was the best around my age and even the ages older than me, and same with my brother as well. It was almost as if I felt this feeling that everyone else looked at me and Brett (my brother) like “they’re gonna make it”. I always felt that energy towards us and it gave me a lot of confidence, which is the one thing in sports that I don’t care what league or team or division your playing in, if a kids got confidence then everything else will follow! Our time eventually closed in England with us moving back to Canada to be back home with family when I was 11 years old. In my head now transitioning to Canadian style hockey it was different: smaller ice, a little different style, small town mentality. This was my first real test I would say in hockey where I was the number one guy coming over and now there were some pretty good players I was playing with. In my head, I was still the best and I believed that but now the situation had changed. In the environment where before everyone was praising me and Brett saying, “Look how good these guys are. They will make it” to now In Canada receiving a lot of jealousy, envy, side-eye. Basically to sum it up negative energy towards me trying to cut me up and tear me down, and I felt it . I’m not gonna lie, how could I not? I mean I was 11 years old for god’s sake … haha!

This is your first lesson though in the process, and it’s one that actually I still deal with today in the world but in different cases of life! “IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT ANYONE ELSE THINKS”… Read that again: IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT ANYONE ELSE THINKS.

So let me explain quickly: I’ve already told you the scenario. Living in a small town there’s a lot of negativity, gossip, and basically seems like sometimes there’s nothing to do but bitch and complain. So one way I dealt with this with the help of my parents. They always encouraged me to be active and go out and do things. Find friends that make you feel good and go play hockey on the outdoor rink with them, go golfing with them, surround yourself with the friends who are genuine and truly you just enjoy time being around them. That’s one. Then, next I said the words “it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks.” Because the older I’ve gotten, I now realize most people actually aren’t bad people, there could just be a multitude of things that are going on in their life that make them act out a certain way. So I recently got into surfing and now I revert back to the phrase “I’m going to stay surfing on my wave” in reference to you don’t have to go over there and surf on the negative wave with someone, you can surf your own waves and thats perfectly fine! Just to circle back on most people not actually being bad just think of this: Have you ever had a bad day? Have your parents or coach or someone ever yelled at you and then you brought it to hockey or somewhere else? Stuff happens and unfortunately a lot of kids just project their parents or environments feelings on to others. So, for example, Timmy is not actually jealous of you. It could be the fact his father is still upset about his own career and he now raises him in a hostile environment and things are negative and stressed and so on so really it’s got nothing to even do with you. You know what I mean? Sometimes we take things so personal because were each living in our own movie being played out in our eyes but relax, take a step back, and be like ok maybe that person just had a bad day, maybe he’s just grouchy all the time. Whatever it is, I now know like 99% of the time it’s not personal it’s just someone doing something for their own benefit.

So I’m going to skip forward a few years to now my next lesson. I do well in Canada and then we move to Detroit where I really found a home and life. I played on Belle Tire, which was the number 1 team in the USA and arguably North America when you include Canada. We had four first-round NHL draft picks from that team that included the likes of Zach Werenski, Dylan Larkin, Kyle Connor, and myself being the other. We had a multitude of others from the team drafted and played pro. So to say I leveled up was an understatement moving to this team. After two really fun years of Bantam and Midget hockey, I was drafted first round to the Barrie Colts in the OHL entry draft. Now this is where the lesson comes in. So quick backstory: being a Canadian playing in USA, I was very on the fence of what direction I wanted to play the next level at NCAA or OHL. It’s not like now where you could do both, it was one or the other back then and it was a crucial decision at 14 to 15 years old. My brother Brett was at the time playing NCAA at Michigan State University, so naturally I was fielding lots of scholarship opportunities from schools. In fact, Michigan State had offered me a full-ride scholarship when I was still only 14 years old, which one person said the last guy they did that with was hall of famer Joe Thornton. I loved watching my brother at Michigan State but I knew in my heart that college hockey wasn’t for me. Something kept drawing me back to the OHL, and the style of hockey, slowing it down, making plays and so on. So we turn down a multitude of full ride scholarships to take my talents to the beautiful Barrie Ontario (Lebron reference). Everything seemed like it was set up to be a great fit. A coach who was a great player in the NHL for a long time in Dale Howerchuck. Multiple guys moving on to pro, which opened spots. The area wasn’t really that far from home as well and also the team just seemed like they really liked me. Boy when I say we were wrong on this one that is an understatement, because we were wayyyy off. The NHL lockout happened, so we got Mark Scheiffele back as well as a couple other players who should have moved on. Coaching wise, development of players was sold to me and that turned out to be the complete opposite mindset with a dog-eat-dog mentality of players cutting players down to get their own egos ahead. Everything just wasn’t what we thought it was gonna be. AND … that turned out to be the best thing to ever happen to me. Let me explain. So when I played, it was 4th line, terrible minutes, or not even being in the lineup. Actually now that I think about it, I’d love to know a stat on this cause I might be the only ever first-round OHL draft pick to be scratched the first game of the season ? —hilarious looking back. So why did it turn out so well for me? 1. First time being away from home and dealing with an uncomfortable situation. You have to look at your problems big picture. This is so hard to do, but the more you can separate yourself from the solution and learn to be grateful for the little things, it’s truly life changing. So my dad gave my brother this “list of 10 commandments” in college he had on his wall in his room that basically said 10 ways to be grateful and make use out of every situation. So naturally I felt like one day “oh that helped Brett, so let me put that on my wall,” and I would look at these and study them everyday just changing my outlook on where I was at. 2. Next, you have to know the circle of life for this one. All bad things come to an end, just like all good things come to an end. It’s just facts of life. You’ll never be on top of the clouds your whole life, everybody deals with adversities. Don’t believe me? Just think of your favorite athletes. Michael Jordan was CUT from his high school basketball team. The GREATEST player of all time didn’t make his high school basketball team one season. Nuts right? Sidney Crosby missed YEARS off his career dealing with concussion problems in fact at one point almost retired I remember.

So everybody deals with things both bad and good. You have to understand that right now might be a bad day, but tomorrow who knows! That could be the day things totally change.

(In the two pictures above: 1. We have when I was 15 playing for Belle Tire. 2. When Michigan State brought me on my visit there, they rolled out the red carpet bringing us [pictured here with my brother Brett&91; to the football game.)

So we get to Christmas break, and I actually come back from the break and am ready to go and rejuvenated that I’m going to have a great second half of the season, when I get a call in school in the middle of class from my agent. This is hilarious cause it would happen only in Canada! I put my hand up and told the teacher “I’m getting a call from my agent I have to take this” ???. So I went outside and answered, and that’s when I heard the news the team wanted to trade me. Part of me was angry. Part of me was crushed. I turned down all these scholarships to come specifically here to play, and you guys are giving up on me half way through the season? It went on a few days and I ended up getting traded to the Niagara Icedogs. Who would have thought that was the turning point? Not me. But man did it work out. I went from barely playing 5-6 minutes a game to my first game playing with Ryan Strome (1st round New York Islanders) and Brett Ritchie (2nd round Dallas Stars). Two Icedogs legends already in their last seasons Jr before going pro who told me, “Don’t worry dude we got you. Just go to the net with your stick on the Ice and we’ll find you.” It was a total opposite situation that I played a ton and had a great finish to the season with those guys. And I actually owe a lot of gratitude to the coach Marty Williamson at the time just giving me the opportunity, but also the owners (the Burke family) for creating the best environment with all the guys. It was a total 180 from players all cutting each other up in Barrie to a real family atmosphere where the guys were all great friends. And the crazy bit thinking of it now? I mentioned Ryan Strome, but I hadn't mentioned what he did. He, just like me, was also drafted at the same age to Barrie and traded at the exact same time as me to Niagara only three years prior, which then the next season knocked it outta the park and got drafted 1st round in the NHL. So everybody in Niagara was saying “he’s the next Ryan Strome for sure”, which for me almost felt like England again where everyone else confidence in building me up really made me believe it more than ever too. And what did I do? The exact same thing as Stromer the next season, and got myself drafted first round in the NHL! Sometimes things happen for a reason. Here’s a good quote I like: “These things aren’t happening to me, they’re happening for me.” I try to keep that in mind a lot.

(First picture was January 2013 at 16 years old after being traded, going from what I thought to be a disaster situation to lining up with three NHL draft picks on the opening draw in the picture.)

(Second is a month and a half later in early March 2013 scoring the winning shootout goal. Confidence is amazing thing!)

So the third lesson of today I want to share with you comes in the form of a word called “PERSPECTIVE”. This sometimes has troubled me and sometimes saved me big time! Perspective I think is key in what we do as hockey players and athletes, but I think even more in general life. The act of looking at a situation without bias or an outside look per se. So let me break it down to you like this:

My first season pro was an awesome season, it didn’t really start out in my head as planned. But as you read earlier, what plans actually go 100% how you thought anyway right? I was sent down from the Arizona Coyotes to the AHL in Tucson. Now it totally wasn’t the place I wanted to be. I wanted to be up with the big club, but thats where I really leaned into the perspective shift and it all kind of clicked one day very early on when I was at the rink. I was listening to some guys complain at the arena that “this isn’t right and why are they doing this and this?” And I just sat there listening to these teammates of mine who were all around a similar age (young 20s) just moaning and complaining basically about nothing. I told myself right then and there, “I’m not getting sucked into this. I noticed most of the things they ended up complaining about I actually really liked. And I began every time flipping the scenario whenever they would say something in my head such as “OMG I’m so bored at home I wish I could go back to jr with my friends.” And I would think in my head “I’m having so much great free time to do extra workouts and lay by the pool and wow I’m actually getting PAID here thats incredible!” I developed like this inner positive voice that would always just flip every scenario that did wonders for me. Try that next time you get in an environment you don’t really like being around, it definitely helps!

So the perspective shift of:
Always complaining.
Never good enough.
This is a joke.

To:
Wow I have so much great free time!
I feel like a billionaire cause its the first time I’m ever being paid!
Playing pro is the best!

(First picture I’m in Tucson with the Roadrunners and the second Celebrating a goal with the Legend Shane Doan in my rookie season a few months later being called up.)

And trust me, I wrestle with perspective to THIS VERY DAY. It’s an ongoing battle every season but also in life, being able to look at the situation and say, “Hey, this is actually great!” I think of it like Star Wars where someone is always trying to get you to go over to the dark side because it’s so easy to be negative. But you’ll find the more you fight it and be grateful, add positive value to a situation or conversation, and every now and then take a step back and be like “wow I’m really doing this right now”, you’ll find your life and hockey to be amazing! Give yourself a pat on the back!

So to finish off here you’re probably thinking “What the hell man ? You didn’t loop us in on the pictures at the beginning!” Well here ya go … the reason I put those pictures there talking about equipment and styles and everyone having different style is a reminder to always be YOU. Always!!! Listen to your heart and what’s inside you and be courageous to be different and take chances along the way. The world has a lot of people who are the same and who do the same things and live their whole life always following the crowd never having the courage to step a pinky toe over the line. Life is meant to be lived, and the only way to do that is to be 100% nothing but YOU! So go out there and be grateful for each day as it comes, and enjoy every single moment because it goes quick! Thanks for reading my story guys. If you want to hear more stories or are interested, check out my YouTube channel at the link below.

https://www.youtube.com/@Bubzp11

-Bubz

-Brendan Perlini

Understanding Hockey Stick Materials

The modern hockey stick has come a long way from the straight wooden blades of the sport’s early days. When we look back on the rich history of hockey sticks, we can better grasp how innovation has shaped the game we know and love now.

Today’s sticks are designed with precision-engineered materials that enhance feel, control, and shot power. Choosing the right material starts with understanding how each type performs under pressure:

Wood Hockey Sticks

• Made from layers of ash, birch, or maple
• Offer a heavier, more traditional feel
• Provide excellent puck feedback and stiffness
• Cost less, making them great for beginners or casual players

Composite Hockey Sticks

• Constructed from lightweight materials such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, and resin
• Offer more consistent flex and improved energy transfer
• More durable than wood, resisting chips and warping
• Provide balance, precision, and speed favored by competitive players

The shift from wood to composite completely changed the game; composite sticks help players shoot harder, pass more accurately, and react faster. Many elite athletes now rely on carbon fiber blends for superior control. The right material also depends on age, strength, and playing frequency, as younger players or those on a budget might start with wood, while older or more competitive players generally benefit from the advanced performance of composites. Learn more in our full guide to hockey stick materials.

Composite Hockey Sticks: Lightweight Power and Precision

Composite sticks are so commonplace in hockey today because they combine lightness and power. Made by layering carbon fiber sheets with epoxy resin, these sticks are carefully tuned for optimal strength and flexibility. Manufacturers adjust the carbon weave, resin content, and kick point placement to create sticks suited to different styles and positions.

Key Advantages of Composite Sticks

• Reduced overall weight for quicker reaction time
• More consistent flex, resulting in better shot accuracy
• Enhanced energy transfer for powerful slap and wrist shots
• Greater durability, even under high-impact play
• Available in multiple kick point designs for different shooting preferences

Players who rely on quick releases—such as forwards taking snap shots in tight spaces—often choose low kick point sticks, which bend closer to the blade. Defensemen, who need longer wind-ups and harder shots, prefer mid or high kick points for stability. Because composite sticks are so customizable, it’s easier to match them to specific roles and abilities.

Even though composite sticks tend to cost more than wood, their longevity, weight advantage, and shooting consistency make them a worthwhile investment for players prioritizing performance. Many players also explore hockey stick customization options—tweaking blade patterns, shaft shapes, or flex points—to create a stick tailored to their personal preferences.

Wood Hockey Sticks: Classic Feel and Durability

Wood sticks might be the oldest design in hockey, but they still have a loyal following to this day. Many players appreciate the solid, natural feel they provide on the ice; wooden sticks are crafted from durable hardwoods or layered laminates, creating a stiffer profile that provides better feedback when handling the puck.

Benefits of Wood Sticks

• Strong, sturdy build that gives players better puck awareness
• Inexpensive compared to composite alternatives
• Ideal for training sessions, pond hockey, or beginners learning technique

While heavier than composite models, the extra weight of wood can help players build strength and improve stickhandling control. For youth players, they’re an affordable way to develop solid fundamentals before transitioning to advanced materials. The main drawback is durability—wood sticks are more likely to chip, warp, or break—but their simplicity and low cost make them a practical option for recreational use or backup play.

One-Piece vs. Two-Piece Hockey Sticks

Another crucial factor to consider when shopping types of hockey sticks is their construction. Sticks come in two formats: one-piece and two-piece. Both serve the same purpose, but they cater to different preferences and performance goals:

One-Piece Sticks

• The shaft and blade are molded together for uniform flex and strength
• Provide superior energy transfer from hands to puck
• Offer consistent balance and a lightweight feel
• Preferred by most professionals and advanced players

Two-Piece Sticks

• Feature a separate blade and shaft that can be mixed and matched
• Allow players to replace the blade without buying a new shaft
• Slightly heavier but provide versatility for customization

One-piece sticks maximize shooting efficiency and are ideal for players seeking speed and responsiveness. Two-piece sticks, however, are great for players experimenting with hockey stick blade types, since blades can be swapped to test different patterns and lies. For example, players transitioning from defense to forward might change blade curves to adjust their puck lift and control. Each design offers a balance between flexibility and performance, so the right choice depends on how much customization and feedback you want.

Matching the Right Stick to Your Play Style

Finding the right stick isn’t only about the material in question. More specifically, it’s about matching your gear to how you play; position, strength, and technique all determine the best hockey stick for your position and playing style.

Forwards

• Prefer shorter sticks for agility and close puck handling
• Often select lower flex ratings (70–85) for quick wrist and snap shots
• Choose open curves like the P28 for faster lifts and precise control

Defensemen

• Use longer sticks for reach, poke checks, and blocking shots
• Favor stiffer flex (90–110) for powerful slap shots and long passes
• Opt for moderate blade patterns that balance accuracy and puck protection

Goalies

• Need specialized sticks with shorter shafts and wide paddles
• Prioritize stiffness and control for rebound management and durability

Flex and curve are two of the most important factors when choosing a stick. Flex refers to how much a stick bends when pressure is applied. A lower flex allows easier loading for quick-release shots, while a higher flex produces more power but requires greater strength. Learn more about hockey stick flex and kick point. Curves, on the other hand, influence control and shot style. A deeper curve makes it easier to lift the puck but may reduce backhand accuracy, while a shallower curve improves passing precision. Explore different hockey stick curve types here.

Finally, stick size can’t be ignored. The proper length ensures balance between control and reach. Too long, and you’ll lose handling precision; too short, and you’ll compromise defensive reach. For detailed sizing recommendations, check out Pro Stock Hockey’s hockey stick sizes chart. The perfect combination of length, flex, and curve allows each player to feel confident and consistent on the ice.

Why Pro Stock Sticks Offer the Best of Every Type

When you want professional-grade performance, pro stock hockey sticks deliver the best blend of quality, value, and technology. Built to NHL player specifications, these sticks are designed for maximum responsiveness and balance. Every model is crafted from high-end carbon fiber and undergoes additional testing for durability and flex consistency.

Advantages of Pro Stock Sticks

• Manufactured to meet exact NHL player preferences
• Feature unique shaft shapes, custom flex points, and special blade patterns
• Offer better weight distribution and balance than retail models

Pro Stock Hockey carries models from leading hockey stick brands such as Bauer, CCM, Warrior, and True—each known for engineering innovation and consistency trusted by professionals worldwide. These sticks aren’t reserved for the pros; serious players at any level can benefit from the feel and reliability of a pro stock design. Because each stick is tailored for professional performance, players often find a better combination of stiffness, grip, and energy return.

Pro Stock Hockey provides a wide range of authentic options directly from professional locker rooms. You can shop NHL Player Sticks or browse affordable used hockey sticks. Many players appreciate the authenticity of pro stock models because they reflect the small but meaningful tweaks NHL athletes request—adjustments that often improve the balance, shot response, or durability of the stick.

FAQs About Hockey Stick Types

How many types of hockey sticks are there?

There are two main types: wood and composite. Each offers unique benefits in terms of feel, performance, and cost. Within these categories, you’ll also find variations in construction (one-piece vs. two-piece) and materials.

How many types of hockey are there?

There are several, including ice hockey, field hockey, roller hockey, and ball hockey. Each requires sticks suited to the playing surface and rules.

What are the differences between hockey sticks?

The biggest differences come from materials, construction, flex rating, and curve. These all influence how the stick handles, shoots, and feels during gameplay.

What is better, P28 or P92?

It depends on your shooting style. The P28 has a more open face and helps players lift the puck quickly for wrist and snap shots. The P92 offers a deeper pocket for better puck control and passing.

Find Your Perfect Hockey Stick Today

Your hockey stick is your most important tool—an extension of your hands, your balance, and your skill. From the sturdy reliability of wooden models to the high-performance engineering of carbon fiber composites, every type offers something different for every player.

Pro Stock Hockey makes it easy to compare features, understand specifications, and find professional-quality sticks for all budgets and experience levels. Browse our full collection to find the ideal match for your play style, position, and goals.

Shop All Hockey Sticks