Most Popular Hockey Sticks used by NHL Players

The most popular sticks featured in this post consist of the following models. The majority of NHL players use one of these in game.

They are the best hockey sticks available in the market today. For convenience, here's a quick view of the top 3 twigs. 

The production of hockey sticks has come a long way. 

Since I was a kid, I’ve seen everything from wood sticks and aluminum two-pieces all the way to today’s one-piece composites.

The one-piece composite sticks were introduced in the early 2000s and continue to dominate the industry until today.

When competitors started catching up to the technology, the manufacturers found innovative ways to set themselves apart from the competition. 

Features of Composite Hockey Sticks

The main qualities of composites are its robustness and being lightweight. But they’ve also added an outer grip coating, various shaft flexes, kick point for shot release and lie for stick angle.

The one feature that has recently caught the attention of most amateur players and pros alike is the kick point.

In a game that is dominated mostly by wrist shots and snapshots (67% of all NHL goals scored), the kick point determines how quickly a shot can be released.

We’re looking at players such as Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews and Nathan MacKinnon who deceive goalies with a quick snipe.

And just before we cover the list of most popular sticks, keep in mind to check out some of my other popular titles covering hockey sticks.

Most Popular Hockey Sticks

Below is a list of the best hockey sticks used by NHL players today.

Most sticks have been updated to the lastest available models on the market for 2023 such as the FT6 Pro, Hyperlite 2 and the Alpha LX2.

For example, the Jetspeed FT6 Pro was used by Auston Matthews during the latter half of the season, which I reviewed here. 

1. Bauer Vapor Hyperlite 2 (US | CAN)

Successor to the most used stick in the NHL 2022-23 Season

2. CCM Jetspeed FT6 Pro (US | CAN)

Used also by Auston Matthews & Mika Zibanejad

3. Bauer Nexus Sync (US | CAN)

Used by 105 NHL Players in 2022-23

4. Warrior Alpha LX2 Pro (US | CAN)

Previous Model used by 69 NHL Players in 2022-23

Why are these sticks popular?

As mentioned earlier, the most common shot types in the NHL are wrist shots (52%) and snap shots (15%).

The sticks featured in this blog are either Low or Hybrid Kickpoints. They are also amongst the lightest sticks made by each brand.

Furthermore, they come in a variety of stick flexes, so players can choose their preferred stick flexibility (i.e 75, 85, 95 etc).

Essentially, most forwards will opt for a stick that delivers the most powerful shot and quickest release.

And with the amount of force players unleash off a shot, they’ll need the stick to be equally robust.

Just check how much arc can be produced prior to the release. 

Not only must the stick withstand the immense stress along the arc, but the shaft must return to its original form after each shot.

Let’s give credit to all the brand manufacturers for contributing to the evolution of the stick.

The bottom line is that these are the best ice hockey sticks available due to their light weight, durability and power generated off the shot.

Best Hockey Sticks for Forwards

If you’re on offense, you should look at sticks with lower flex, low or hybrid kickpoint and a toe- or mid-blade curve.

For instance, as a Centerman, I use the CCM Ribcor Trigger Pro Series (Canada Here) with 75 Flex and P29 Blade Curve.

So, let’s break down each characteristic below.

Stick Flex

The stick flex is easy to figure out. 

Simply, take your current weight in pounds (lbs) and divide it by 2.

For example, I’m 160 lbs and I fall right in between two flex options with a score of 80 (160/2).

My choices are either 75 or 85 flex, but the ideal choice lower value option (75). That’s because it would create a better arc prior to unleashing a wrist shot or snapshot.

The arc helps generate greater power on the shot, more so than a stiffer stick options. 

Kickpoint

The kickpoint is the softest point along the shaft closest to the blade of the stick. 

Similar to the stick flex, it generates power for a quick and harder shot release.

The lower the kickpoint, the quicker the blade experiences a sling shot effect.

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.

Best Hockey Sticks for Defensemen

As a defenseman, your stick options are much broader depending on your style of play and size.

If you’re a tall, bulky, stay-at-home defenseman, you’ll be looking at a stick with a higher stick flex rating, high kick point and a mid or heel curve. 

The high stick flex and high kickpoint is ideal for shooting from the point – such as a slapshot or one-timer.

If you don’t want to compromise on shot power, the stiffer shaft is the best way to go.

Shorter (under 6 feet), more mobile defensemen may want to opt with a high stick flex, hybrid or low kickpoint and a mid or toe curve.

I even wrote a blog post dedicated to stick recommendations for defensemen. As a note, the top performing stick in this category is the Bauer Vapor Hyperlite 2 (Canada Here).

Stick Flex

When I say high stick flex, I mean for you to opt for the upper option based on your weight.

To calculate which stick flex is best, take your weight in pounds (lbs) and divide by 2 for your score.

For example, if you weigh 160 lbs, your flex score is 160/2 or 80. 

If a stick brand has an option of 75 or 85 flex, you’ll might want to try the 85 flex. 

Keep in mind that the actually flex value increases if you need to cut the stick and decreases if you need to add an extension (plug). 

The advertised flex value is typically measured for a stick cut at 60 inches or five feet high. 

Lastly, don’t feel automatically compelled to buy a stiffer stick just because you are a defenseman.

Most NHL defensemen nowadays are cutting down on slapshots and focusing on wrist and snapshots too.

For example, players like Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche) and Josh Morrissey (Winnipeg Jets) use the Bauer Nexus Sync (Canada Here).

Meanwhile, Roman Josi (Nashville Predators) has opted for the CCM Jetspeed Pro (Canada Here) this year.

All three of these sticks are listed as low or hybrid kickpoint models.

Final Thoughts

The stick models listed above are all high-end editions of each brand.

For a more comprehensive list that includes more budgetary and heavier sticks, make sure to check out the following table for both low and mide kick points.

You can always drop a comment below letting me know which is your favorite stick.

Include your position and height so that others can mirror your choices.