Taping a hockey stick isn’t just about function — it’s a ritual, a personal signature, a battle-ready preparation that separates the casual skater from the true warriors of the rink. Some guys slap on tape like they’re patching up a leaky pipe, while others spend 20 minutes in deep meditation, ensuring every wrap is flawless.
And let’s be real — every hockey player has their own way of doing it, and most think their way is the best. White tape or black tape? Full blade or just the toe? How about that candy-cane grip up top? There are endless ways to do it, but if you want maximum puck control, durability, and pure style points, you gotta do it right.
Why Tape a Hockey Stick at All?
Before we dive into the fine art of stick taping, let’s get one thing straight: this isn’t just for looks (even though looking good never hurts). Tape plays a crucial role in performance, durability, and even the psychological edge of a player. Without it, your stick might as well be a broomstick on ice.
The main reason players tape their sticks is puck control. The smooth composite material of modern sticks doesn’t grip the puck well enough on its own, so the tape adds texture, giving players better handling, improved passing accuracy, and a more reliable shot. Another key benefit is protection — tape prevents the blade from chipping on faceoffs, blocking shots, and digging into the ice. Lastly, there’s comfort and grip — a well-taped handle provides better control, reducing the chance of your stick slipping at the worst possible moment.
Of course, there’s also superstition. Some guys are convinced that the wrong tape job will throw their game off completely, while others religiously re-tape before every match. You don’t mess with a hockey player’s tape routine — it’s practically sacred.
Types of Hockey Sticks and How They Affect Taping
Not all sticks are created equal, and your taping strategy depends on what kind of twig you’re using. A well-taped stick should complement its materials and design, not work against them.
Wood vs. Composite Sticks
Hockey sticks have come a long way from the heavy wooden clubs of the past. Now, most players use composite sticks, but the material makes a difference in how you tape. Wood sticks, while rare these days, soak up moisture like a sponge, making a full tape job almost mandatory to prevent water damage and maintain integrity. Composite sticks, on the other hand, don’t need as much protection, so taping is more about enhancing performance than preserving the blade.
Some old-school players still swear by the feel of a wooden blade and will tape it meticulously, layer by layer, ensuring every inch is covered. Meanwhile, composite users tend to experiment more with different styles, knowing the blade itself is durable enough to handle a few battles on the ice.
Blade Curves and Their Impact on Taping
Your stick’s curve also influences your tape job. A toe curve is great for quick snapshots and close control, so many players wrap extra tape around the toe to reinforce it. A mid or heel curve, favoured by playmakers, benefits more from a full-blade tape job that enhances passing and puck reception. Some players leave a section of the blade untaped to reduce friction, while others go for full coverage for added grip.
How to Tape a Hockey Stick Blade Like a Pro
This is where the real magic happens. A well-taped blade gives you a better puck feel, longer-lasting durability, and the confidence to snipe the top corner like a beauty. There are many ways to do it, but here’s a foolproof method.
Choosing the Right Tape
Not all tape is created equal, and yes, colour matters (if only to mess with goalies).
- Black tape – Some players believe it hides the puck from goalies. Whether that’s true or not, it looks intimidating as hell.
- White tape – Playmakers love it because it makes the puck position more visible for passing.
- Coloured tape – If you show up with neon green tape, expect chirps from the opposing bench all night.
Well, let’s just say if you show up with neon green tape, expect chirps from the opposing bench all night.
The Right Taping Technique
There are two main ways to tape the blade — heel-to-toe and toe-to-heel. The traditional heel-to-toe method is the most popular, as it helps create more spin on shots and improves puck handling. Toe-to-heel is less common but can be useful for players who prefer a quicker release. Regardless of direction, the key is consistent overlap — each strip of tape should cover about half of the previous one, ensuring even coverage without adding unnecessary bulk.
The final touch? Some players finish their blade with a solid tape cap over the toe, reinforcing it for extra durability during drag moves and quick dekes. Others prefer to leave it open, allowing for a lighter feel and more direct contact with the ice.
To Wax or Not to Wax?
This is one of the great debates in hockey. Some players rub hockey wax on their tape job to increase durability and keep snow buildup off the blade. Others believe wax reduces their feel for the puck, making their stickhandling less precise. It’s a matter of personal preference — some love the tacky grip wax provides, while others think it’s unnecessary.
How to Tape the Handle for Maximum Grip
The blade gets all the attention, but if your top hand slips off mid-shot, it’s game over. The right grip taping makes a difference in control, comfort, and how much punishment your gloves take over time.
The Standard Grip
Most players go for a simple, solid wrap on the top five to seven inches of the stick shaft. This provides a secure hold while allowing for quick movement when stickhandling or winding up for a shot. A lot of players also roll a small knob at the very top for extra grip, preventing the stick from flying out of their hands during a hard slapshot.
The Candy Cane Grip
For those who like a little more texture, a candy-cane wrap spiralling down the shaft provides extra grip without making the stick feel too bulky. This method is popular among defensemen who need more control when blocking shots and making hard passes.
Legendary Stick Taping Superstitions
Hockey players are superstitious creatures and stick taping is sacred. Wayne Gretzky was notorious for taping his stick fresh before every game—no reusing, no second chances. Sidney Crosby, on the other hand, only tapes half his blade, leaving the heel completely exposed. Then there’s Patrick Kane, who uses thin strips of tape instead of a full wrap, an unusual approach that somehow works wonders for his puck control.
If there’s one rule in hockey, it’s this: never mess with another player’s tape job. If you do, be prepared for consequences, and they won’t be pretty.
Your Stick, Your Style
At the end of the day, there’s no “perfect” way to tape a hockey stick. It all comes down to feelings, preferences, and a little superstition. But if you’re gonna do it, do it right—because nothing says “rookie” like sloppy tape that unravels after one period.