Stick length changes puck control, reach, posture and how the shaft flexes. There is no single correct height for every player, but there is a reliable way to find your starting point.
The quick sizing check
Stand in skates with the stick upright and the toe of the blade on the floor. A common starting range is between your chin and nose. Without skates, that same stick usually reaches closer to the nose or eyebrows.
Shorter sticks
A shorter stick keeps the puck closer to the body and can make quick hands, tight turns and low-position puck control feel easier. The tradeoff is less reach and a lower shaft angle. Cutting the shaft also makes the stick feel stiffer.
Longer sticks
A longer stick increases reach for poke checks, pass interceptions and wide puck protection. It can also support a more upright stance. Too much length may push the puck away from your body, slow close handling and make the shaft play softer.
Start by position—then adjust for style
- Centres and puck handlers: often start around the chin for tighter control.
- Wingers: commonly land between chin and nose for a balance of reach and handling.
- Defencemen: may prefer nose height or slightly longer for reach, but should still be able to handle the puck comfortably.
These are tendencies, not rules. Your skating posture and mechanics matter more than the position label.
Blade lie is part of the fit
Watch the blade on the ice in your normal stance. If only the heel contacts the ice, the stick may be too long or the lie may not match. If only the toe contacts the ice, it may be too short or the lie may be too upright. Aim for stable blade contact through normal puck movement.
A simple on-ice test
- Set the stick near chin-to-nose height in skates.
- Stickhandle close to your feet, then at full reach.
- Receive hard passes on both forehand and backhand.
- Take snapshots and wrist shots from your normal stance.
- Adjust in small increments. It is easy to cut more; it is difficult to add length back without an extension.
Do not forget flex
Every length change alters effective flex. If you cut several inches, the stick will play stiffer. If you add an extension, it will generally play softer. Choose length first, then evaluate whether the flex still matches your release.
SGS recommendation
Begin in the chin-to-nose range while wearing skates. Test reach, handling, blade contact and shooting posture at game speed. Keep the length that lets you move naturally without forcing your hands or back into position.