Choosing the right size paddle is extremely important in the selection of a goalie's stick.
When possible, the goalie should have his or her goal skates on when picking out a new stick.
This allows the goalie to handle the stick and best assess its size.
Have the goalie grab a stick that looks most likely to be the correct size and get into "the
stance."
The blade of the stick should be flush with the ground. If the toe of the blade is coming off
the ground the stick is too big.
When choosing a curve the goalie should consider: how often he or she is likely to "play the puck," whether a backhand or forehand shot is more commonly used, and what overall style of play is utilized.
If the goalie plays the puck quite often, a curve with more loft is recommended so that the goalie can get the puck into the air easier.
The goalie may, however, be better off with a straighter stick if he or she prefers to use a backhand shot because it will offer more blade to use.
Most goalie coaches suggest that a typical butterfly goalie have a stick with some loft. This will allow the puck to be deflected into the goalie's chest as well allow the goalie to deflect the puck over the glass to get a stoppage of play.
Take all of these suggestions into consideration when choosing a goalie stick and do not be afraid to change up the curve with every new stick until the curve that works best is found.
