How To Tape A Hockey Stick

How to Tape a Hockey Stick: From the Blade to the Handle and Butt https://www.hockeymonkey.com/guides/how-to-tape-hockey-stick?gcli...
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HOCKEY STICK TAPING GUIDE

Hockey Sticks
For hockey players, one of their most prized possessions is their hockey stick, especially
Composite Hockey
when it’s new. One of the best ways to take care of a hockey stick is to make sure you Sticks
have an effective hockey tape job on both the blade and the hockey shaft. This is a
Youth Composite
tedious process for some, but a properly taped hockey stick blade can also be the
Hockey Sticks
deciding factor to whether or not you snipe that overtime game-winning goal! In many
locker rooms, perfectly taped hockey sticks are considered a work of art. Wood Hockey Sticks
Within this article you can expect to learn: Hockey Shafts
Hockey Replacement
How to tape hockey sticks Blades
Why players tape their hockey sticks
Pictures of standard hockey stick tape jobs
How the pros tape their hockey sticks
Removing hockey tape from your stick
HOW TO TAPE A HOCKEY STICK
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After purchasing your hockey stick, you will want to make sure that it is the correct
length before taping. While on skates, sticks should stand between your chin and your
nose, depending on your preference. For more information regarding hockey stick
selection, please check our Hockey Stick Buying Guide.
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First things first, you will need a roll of 1.5-inch or 1-inch Renfrew Hockey Tape (white
or black, depending on preference), stick wax, and a pair of scissors, if needed.
There are three main sections of a hockey stick that can be taped: the handle, the shaft,
and the blade. With each section, it is important to remember the following tips. Use
cloth tape. Never use sock tape or any tape that has a non-grippy surface. Cloth tape
will give you control of the stick and puck while in action. Another tip is to try to be as
precise and consistent as possible. Take your time and make sure you are getting even
spacing between each wrap and ensure there are no bumps or spaces.
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HOW TO TAPE A HOCKEY STICK HANDLE OR

BUTT END
Taping the top of the stick is important, as this is from where almost all control of your
stick will be generated. It will have a direct effect on your shooting, passing,
stickhandling, and so on. With that said, there are many variations and it will take some
time to figure out which method you like best. Some players like a big knob at the top
with a lot of tape wrapped around, some prefer little to no knob, some like the “candy
cane” grip, some prefer a stick grip like the Buttendz Twirl 88 grip, and some prefer a
completely different style. The most universal style is a simple mid-size knob. You will
want to start at the top of the stick and wrap the tape around the top of it until it gets
to your desired size. Simply cut the tape when the knob gets to your desired size. Most
players stop when their pinky finger comfortably wraps around the knob while holding
the stick with a pair of gloves on. From there, starting just below the knob, you will
firmly wrap the tape around the stick, moving down diagonally, until you reach your
desired length. The common lengths for tape handles are between 4 and 10 inches.
Once you get to your desired length, do one last lap at the bottom that is horizontal and
overlapping a bit, and then cut it. At this point, some players like to add grip tape
around the handle, which adds a different texture, helping preserve the palms of your
gloves.
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HOW TO WRAP A HOCKEY STICK OR TAPING THE

SHAFT
Because some sticks have grip and others do not, another option for added grip and
control is to tape the shaft of the stick. One name that comes to mind when discussing
taping the shaft is that of Phil Kessel. The setup here is the traditional candy cane
method. With 1-inch tape, start right below the buttend and wrap around the stick with
your 1.5 to 2 inches in between each wrap. Proceed down the stick until you reach your
desired length, and then finish it off just like you did with the grip at the top. This
method is not commonly utilized, as most players prefer to have the ability to remove
and slide their bottom hand when necessary on the ice.
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HOW TO TAPE A HOCKEY STICK BLADE
Lastly, we arrive at the blade of the stick, which is arguably a hockey player’s most
important part of their stick. Much like the grip of the stick, there are many variations
when it comes to taping the blade of the stick. One of the most commonly asked
questions is whether the tape job should be done toe-to-heel or heel-to-toe. Some say
the heel-to-toe method, while slightly decreasing their shot speed, adds spin to the puck
that makes it difficult for goalies to control. Wrapping your blade toe-to-heel is said to
slightly shorten the time it takes for the puck to get off your blade during shots.
Starting off, you need to decide what color tape you want to use. The most common
colors are black and white. While this may not seem like it plays a significant role, there
is more to the decision than you would think. Using black tape on your blade is said to
make it harder for goalies to locate the puck during shooting. The downside to that is it
is a little bit harder for players to track the puck during stickhandling. A black puck
against a black blade may be difficult to see. The exact opposite is said about white
tape. Although it is a little bit easier for goalies to track the puck when there is white
tape on your blade, it is easier for the stickhandler to track the puck using their
peripheral vision, due to the contrast of the black puck against a white blade.
After choosing what color tape you want to go with, you can then start taping the blade.
Whichever end of the blade you choose to start from, proceed from there to the
opposite side. As mentioned before, it is important to make sure that your spacing is
consistent with each wrap. Doing this will give you that consistency you are looking for
in your passes and shots. After picking a starting point, wrap the tape vertically across
the blade, overlapping each previous wrap a little bit less than halfway. Once you get to
your desired length, cut the end and overlap the previous wrap, as shown in the photo
below. Generally speaking, you do not want to extend the tape job up to the shaft,
although it does come down to preference. Upon completion, rub your hand along the
tape area in the direction your tape faces to ensure that the tape is completely secured
and smooth.
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You can add stick wax to your newly taped blade as well. There are multiple brands of
stick wax, but you will want to make sure that it specifically states it is stick wax and
not just general wax. Stick wax gives you added control of the puck on your blade,
helps wick away ice and water, and helps increase the longevity of your tape job. Simply
take the wax and make 4-6 passes horizontally across the front of the blade. Repeat this
process 2-4 times to the backside of the blade, as well. Another alternative to wax is to
use friction tape, which has an adhesive finish on both sides of the tape.
After following these three main steps, you are now ready to try out your new tape job
and score some epic snipes!
Taping a hockey stick for roller hockey is slightly different. Players typically place precut
strips of tape horizontally from the toe to the heel. If you were to use traditional stick
taping, the tape will create resistance when making contact with either tile or concrete.
WHY DO HOCKEY PLAYERS TAPE THEIR

STICKS?
Almost all hockey players use some form of tape on their sticks, and for good reason.
Taping your handle and blade both have multiple benefits. As briefly mentioned earlier,
the biggest benefit of taping your stick is control. Composite sticks in today’s game have
a little bit of tactile grip on the blade, but the surfaces do not offer the control and feel
that tape provides. Taping the blade also provides a small cushion when receiving
passes, allowing you to catch and release the puck off your stick that much quicker. This
will also give the blade a stronger, more durable feel.
Another benefit of taping the blade, specifically, is that it helps with surface protection.
During games, your stick is susceptible to stick checks, skates, the ice itself, and so on.
Taping your blade can help protect against these types of issues. It can also help to
prolong your blade structure against small hairline cracks.
Taping the handle of the stick gives you full control with your top hand during
stickhandling, passing, and shooting. It is especially crucial for defensemen, who control
their stick with their top hand for most of the game, allowing them to poke check and
defend against opposing players.
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layer of grip, providing you with a more controlled feel.
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Regarding the blade, other popular options include taping the toe and ending at the
halfway point of the blade. This style is considered to be more advanced and caters
towards players who take powerful, quick snapshots with the puck launching
predominantly from the toe of the blade. While this option is great for players taking
quick snapshots and utilizing toe drags, it leaves the back half of the blade unprotected,
making it susceptible to damage.
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Another popular option for taping the blade is taping the part of the blade where it
makes initial contact with the ice. This is known as the mid-blade wrap and caters
Save players taking mainly wrist shots. Jamie Benn of the Dallas Stars and Phil
towards
Kessel are both known for variants of this tape job. While it does work for them, it is
important to note that not only does it leave the heel of the blade exposed, but it leaves
the toe exposed as well.
PICTURES OF HOCKEY STICK TAPE JOBS
THE CLASSIC HOCKEY STICK TAPE JOB
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Description: This standard tape job has been around forever. It consists of a heel-to-
toe style that leaves just a sliver of the heel and toe exposed. This tape job excels in
protecting the entirety of the blade and gives players full control of the puck during
stickhandling and shooting. The downside would be that it does use more hockey tape in
comparison to some of the other methods. If you are ever looking for a quick and easy
tape job to help get your scoring touch back, this style might be your best bet!
THE TOE TAPE JOB
Description: Starting at the center of the blade, continue up to the toe of the blade,
and completely wrap it. Some pros of this tape job are that it uses significantly less tape
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THE FIVE STRAND TAPE JOB
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Description: Starting just past the midpoint of the blade and complete five wraps
around the blade, moving forward towards the toe. This should mean that the middle
point of your tape job will be at the center of the blade. Of the styles mentioned, the
Five Strand is the quickest and easiest to complete and does not require a lot of tape.
The downside to that is that it leaves the most of the blade unprotected as well, both on
the toe and heel.
THE SOCK TAPE JOB
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Description: This style is another hockey classic. Much like the ‘The Classic”, The Sock
starts at the heel, and proceeds heel-to-toe all the way to the toe, covering it
completely. The good thing about ‘The Sock’ is that your blade will stay fully protected
from heel to toe. Additionally, you will have consistent control of the puck anywhere on
your blade. A downside to this method is that is uses the most tape out of any on this
list and can potentially take the longest to complete as well.
HOW THE PROS TAPE THEIR HOCKEY

STICKS
SIDNEY CROSBY TAPE JOB
Throughout his career, Sidney Crosby has been known for his unparalleled stickhandling
and puck control in tight areas. Assisting him with this is his ‘Classic’ tape job, as he has
been seen using for the majority of his NHL career. Additionally, he is almost always
seen using black hockey tape on the blade.
Since drafted, it was quickly apparent that Sidney Crosby had the potential to become
one of the best all-around hockey players ever with his unmatched hockey sense, deadly
precise edge work, and deceptively quick hands. Since his junior hockey days, he has
followed his same taping style. Crosby utilizes the aforementioned “candy cane” handle,
giving him added control of his stick in tight spaces when stickhandling. Crosby
generally uses white tape for his handle, but lately has been seen taking advantage of
grip tape, which helps to preserve glove palms.
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As for the blade, Crosby tapes most of his blade, leaving just a sliver of the heel and toe
exposed, predominantly in black tape.
ALEX OVECHKIN TAPE JOB
A year prior to that, one of the best goal scorers of all time entered the league. His
name is Alex Ovechkin. Not only does he have one of the deadliest snapshots and one-
timers the league has ever seen, but he can lay a decent hit as well. So, to what does a
guy with nearly 650 career goals, and climbing, attribute his success? Part of that must
be the way he tapes his stick, right? Ovechkin is known for the wicked toe curve on his
stick, and he knows how to use it to his advantage. He tapes his stick around the toe to
just past the halfway point of the blade, using 1.5 inch white cloth tape. Since Ovechkin
takes mostly quick one-timers and heavy snap shots, it is important for him to have that
extra grip and protection right at the toe of his blade. Ovechkin almost always goes with
the same handle: white tape with red grip tape over top, about 8 inches down.
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CONNOR MCDAVID TAPE JOB
The name Connor McDavid is probably one you have heard of as well. During his junior
hockey days, it was apparent that this kid was a generational-type player. Since going
first overall in the 2015 NHL Draft, McDavid is already closing in on 350 points. It seems
like every week we see him on a highlight video making an unthinkable play. For the
handle of his stick, McDavid’s prefers his to be much shorter than what is considered
“standard.” Starting from the top of the stick, his tape only goes down about two or
three inches, with a medium sized knob at the top. McDavid opts to go with the full tape
job on the blade. He covers the toe of his blade and then continues the taping process
all the way to the end of the blade, just at the end of the flat part of the blade. This
provides McDavid with ultimate grip and control of the puck.
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HOW TO REMOVE HOCKEY STICK TAPE

At some point, the entire taping process will need to be redone. Again, how often you do
it comes down to your personal preference. Some players will retape their blades before
each game, yet some will do it only every few months. The rule of thumb is that if there
is any significant part of your blade showing due to the tape getting cut by a skate, you
will want to retape it. Another indication that you need to retape is if the tape on the
bottom of the blade is worn down enough to where you can start to see the blade
through it. Upon removal of the tape, there will inevitably be some tape residue left over
on the stick. If you run into this issue, there are two common ways to get rid of it. First,
get a bucket and fill it with warm water. Next, pour a little bit of dish soap into it. Let the
area of the stick with the residue on it sit there for around a minute, take it out, and
firmly but carefully rub off the residue with a scrubber and cloth. Another popular
method is to heat the residue using a blow dryer and then scrape it off. If you do not
want to scrape the residue off, you can also use the blow-drying method and wipe the
residue off with a cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol or natural oil.
TIME TO HIT THE ICE...

After reading and following along with this guide, you are now ready to get out on the
ice and snipe some corners with your new tape job! With all of the different taping
options for the handle, shaft, and blade, it is just a matter of trying out new methods
and deciding which one works best for you! Shop the vast selection of composite
composite hockey sticks, hockey shafts, replacement blades and hockey tape at
HockeyMonkey today.
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How To Tape A Hockey Stick

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How to Tape a Hockey Stick: From the Blade to the Handle and Butt https://www.hockeymonkey.com/guides/how-to-tape-hockey-stick?gcli...

Hockey Skates (All)

Men's Hockey Skates

Junior Hockey Skate

Youth Hockey Skate

HOCKEY STICK TAPING GUIDE

Within this article you can expect to learn: Hockey Shafts

Why players tape their hockey sticks

Pictures of standard hockey stick tape jobs

How the pros tape their hockey sticks

Removing hockey tape from your stick

HOW TO TAPE A HOCKEY STICK

HOW TO TAPE A HOCKEY STICK HANDLE OR

HOW TO WRAP A HOCKEY STICK OR TAPING THE

HOW TO TAPE A HOCKEY STICK BLADE

WHY DO HOCKEY PLAYERS TAPE THEIR

layer of grip, providing you with a more controlled feel.

PICTURES OF HOCKEY STICK TAPE JOBS

THE CLASSIC HOCKEY STICK TAPE JOB

THE TOE TAPE JOB

THE FIVE STRAND TAPE JOB

THE SOCK TAPE JOB

HOW THE PROS TAPE THEIR HOCKEY

SIDNEY CROSBY TAPE JOB

ALEX OVECHKIN TAPE JOB

CONNOR MCDAVID TAPE JOB

HOW TO REMOVE HOCKEY STICK TAPE

TIME TO HIT THE ICE...

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