What Stick does Connor Bedard Use? (Legend has it…)

If you've been watching Connor Bedard throughout his young career both in the CHL and for Team Canada, you probably knew that he consistently used Bauer hockey sticks.

But following the 2023 NHL Draft, it's confirmed that he signed a sponsorship deal with Sherwood. He's started the NHL 2023-24 season using the Sherwood Rekker Legend Pro.

While we wait for the official Sherwood stick release date, let's take a look at which twigs have been Bedard's go-to, so far.

I break down the features and stick score for each model further below.

Connor Bedard is regarded as the next phenom to begin his journey in the NHL. He's already being compared to Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby - which are mighty shoes to fill.

But with the talent he has, I expect Bedard not to disappoint.

That said, let's break down the details of the Sherwood Rekker Legend Pro and other sticks Bedard has known to use as well.

1. Sherwood Rekker Legend Pro stick (US | CAN)

Used also by Alex DeBrincat

As mentioned above, Connor Bedard has used other Bauer model sticks. Prior to the Sherwood Rekker Legend Pro, he was using the other popular low kick point model, the Bauer Vapor Hyperlite series (US | CAN).

The main difference between the two models are in the technology and weight. But note that the new Hyperlite comes in at an impressive 360g in weight.

As for the other alternate, Bedard used the Bauer Nexus series (US | CAN).

If you elect to go with any of these options, you'll need to better understand stick flex, kick point and blade curve.

Let's take a deeper look...

Stick Flex, Kick Point and Blade Curves Explained

Bedard's choice  described his choice in stick based on feel, his main reasons are likely is based on quick release and shot power. 

His preferred shot type is either wrist shots or snapshots. Matthews has pointed out that he rarely uses a slap shot for shot selection.

In fact, 67% of all NHL goals are scored both off wrist shots and snapshots combined. For a summary of how most NHL goals are scored, check out my blog post here.

To achieve both quick release and power on the shot, the main contribution from the stick comes from the stick flex and the kick point. 

Stick Flex

Generally, the ideal stick flex is related to each player's weight.

The most basic way to determine your stick flex is to take your weight in pounds (lbs) and divide by two. 

The resulting score will land on the exact stick flex required or between two available options. The lower the stick flex value, the more flexible your stick is.

Keep in mind that cutting your stick will increase the stick flex value, regardless of what is described on the stick.

Kick Point

The kickpoint is the area of the stick that absorbs the energy transfer on puck release. 

The lower the kickpoint, the more pop one gets off wrist shots and snapshots.

Meanwhile, the mid kickpoints experience less pop, but generate extra power off the slap shot.

Blade Curve

As for the blade curve, you’ll be looking at either the toe or mid curve options. 

That’s because the farther away the blade curve is from the shaft, the easier it is to lift the puck on the follow-through.

Furthermore, it allows for better stick handling and seamless passing.

While the CCM Ribcor is my choice, any model detailed above would be just as good a choice.

Once you determine the features that best suit your game type, you can always test out a similar brand or model for comparison.

For each stick in my list, I recommend my preferred blade curve.

But you can refer to the full list from the following link. It includes cross brand comparisons as well.

2. Bauer Vapor Hyperlite 2 (US | CAN)

Used also by Nikita Kucherov & Artemi Panarin

Final Thoughts

When I was growing up, the cool thing was to practice my slapshot.

Little did I know that it played a minimal role in scoring, especially for forwards.

And that was back then.

Today’s game is all about speed. Not just in skating, but in shot release.  

The fastest ways to shoot the puck is by wrist shots, snapshots and one-timers. Again, you can refer to my blog post here about How Most NHL Goals are Scored. 

The NHL stats show that wrist shots and snapshots make up the bulk of the goals.

The style of game Connor Bedard plays is no different than the other elites in the league. He's a dangerous shooter and will rely on that wrist and snap shots to accumulate points in his career.

It is up to you to mimic his tactics. 

And what better way than to do so by working with the same weapon (stick) of choice.