Things You'll Need:
- Goalie Skates
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Step 1
Make sure you know your individual league requirements about length and size of the goaltender's stick. Most adult leagues don't have specific stipulations on paddle width, so most any new, NHL-regulation stick will be just fine. Some kids leagues, high school teams and college teams do have requirements, so make sure you are familiar with them before making your purchase.
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Step 2
Put on your goalie skates before trying to choose a stick. This way you know your height on the ice, and can get into the full 'goalie stance' with the stick in your hand to figure out how long you like the paddle.
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Step 3
Choose several sticks of varying paddle length and materials to try. Some goalies favor wooden sticks, others like the composite material. You'll also want to take a look at the curve of the blade to make sure it's something you like. You want a blade that has a little bit of a curve to the toe of it, but not a lot of loft.
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Step 4
Assume the "goalie stance" and hold the stick in your blocker-side hand. When you are in the neutral "goalie stance", the stick blade should be completely flat against the ground. If the toe is down, but the heel is in the air, you need a longer paddle. If the heel is down, but the toe is in the air, you need a shorter paddle.
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Step 5
Once you find the correct paddle length for your height, decide what material you want to play with. Wooden sticks are heavier, composites are much lighter. It's completely up to the goalie which to choose. When you find a stick you really like, you might want to buy two of the same stick at the same time, so you have a backup in case one were to break during a game.
