Can You Use Ice Hockey Sticks For Street Hockey?
Street hockey can be the perfect outlet for ice hockey players who want to continue working on their fundamental skills in the off-season, or for those who just can’t get enough hockey (we don’t blame you).
While street hockey requires a lot less equipment, one question we hear quite often from ice hockey players is: Can I use my ice hockey stick in street hockey?
The short answer is, yes. You can use your ice hockey stick for street hockey.
But of course, we have a long answer, too. There are a few factors to consider when deciding whether or not you want to use your ice hockey stick for street hockey. And the first part of that answer is knowing the difference between the two.
The difference between street hockey sticks and ice hockey sticks
Street hockey is played on a smooth flat surface, like an outdoor rink, parking lot, tennis court, etc. So naturally the material used to make a street hockey stick is different compared to an ice hockey stick. Typically, you’ll find that street hockey sticks are made of wood and are a bit heavier than ice hockey sticks. They have a specific type of blade called ABS, which is essentially a hard piece of plastic designed to outlast any unforgiving surfaces, like concrete or asphalt. Generally, street hockey sticks are less expensive than ice hockey sticks.
On the other hand, composite sticks are most commonly used for ice hockey. They’re lighter in weight, with blades made of mostly foam that give a nice springy feeling on the ice. They offer the same flex as a wooden stick without being as heavy. And players can customize the composite hockey sticks to their personal preference, from curve to shape. They’re usually more expensive than street hockey sticks.
Now that you know the difference, let’s factor in how you’d use your hockey stick.
Should I use my ice hockey stick for street hockey?
Deciding whether or not you want to use your ice hockey stick for street hockey really depends on your playing surface and competitive level of play. For example, if you’re playing recreational hockey, we recommend using the same stick. You’ll get familiar with the feel and continue to build your passing and shooting skills.
But if you’re planning to play competitive ice hockey, you probably don’t want to risk damaging your blade, especially with ice hockey sticks being more expensive than street hockey sticks.
Consider the playing surface as well. If you’re competing in an indoor gym with a smooth floor or on a tennis court, you probably won’t see any damage. But if your entire street hockey season takes place on a rougher surface, like asphalt or concrete, your composite blade will experience more wear and tear.
Can I tape my ice hockey stick blade for street hockey?
You might have heard of taping your ice hockey blade to protect it from damage when playing street hockey. From our experience, this is more of a pain than anything. The surface quickly destroys the tape on the bottom of the blade, leaving you with a straggly mess of strings flapping around when you play. Therefore, we suggest skipping the tape so you can always get your best shots in.
NHL STREET provides street hockey sticks for you
If you’re still on the fence about using your ice hockey stick, give a street hockey stick a test spin during your game—NHL STREET leagues always have extra street hockey sticks on site for players to use.
In fact, we’ve partnered with Franklin Sports to offer all of our teams high-quality, durable street hockey sticks for every game. Give it a whirl and decide which you’d prefer to use!
