hockeystick

A hockeystick is a sports implement used to play hockey. It consists of a shaft and a blade at the end, and is used to strike or control a puck or ball. Sticks are produced for ice hockey and field hockey, with design differences reflecting each sport. Modern blades and shafts may be wooden or made from composite materials such as fiberglass, carbon fiber, and new polymers, offering improved strength, lightness, and durability. The blade curvature, length, and lie angle affect handling, shooting, and ball control.

In ice hockey, the blade is curved to help lift the puck and generate power on shots. Players select blade curves, lofts, and shaft stiffness to suit their playing style. In field hockey, sticks have a more pronounced hook-shaped head and are used for dribbling and precise ball control; the head’s curvature guides ball contact.

Historically, sticks were carved from wood. The transition to composites in the late 20th century reduced weight and allowed more consistent performance. Manufacturers vary in construction methods, with attention to weight distribution, kick characteristics, and the blade's curvature.

Regulatory bodies for the sport set equipment standards, including permissible dimensions, materials, and sometimes curvature limits for competition, to ensure safety and fair play.

Outside sports, the term hockey stick is used metaphorically to describe a data-visualization curve that shows a long period of little change followed by a sharp rise, indicative of rapid growth.