No two hockey players are the same - not even the Sedin brothers. Different styles of play call for gear that fits players like they were born with it, and that means a lot of trial and error and careful consideration. When it comes to finding the ideal stick, knowing how to choose one made with the proper level of flex and curve is certainly critical, but that's not the whole story. Taping your stick enables you to customize the feel and performance of your twig so you can feel as comfortable and confident on the ice as possible.
Made from durable fabric with strong adhesive, hockey tape helps protect your equipment as well as boosting your game. Not only does it keep ice and moisture from building up and harming the stick, but it also gives you more control of the puck along with other benefits. As any hockey player knows, hockey tape is a vital part of their equipment.
It's the magic wand of the rink: with a wave of hockey tape, you can fix just about anything. Every player needs hockey tape! To a player, it is one of the most valuable things. It can be found in every dressing room and in every player’s bag, from stick blades and shin pads to balled up on a dressing room floor. Hockey tape has many purposes.
There are almost as many ways to tape your stick as there are players, so it's a good idea to play around with different taping styles to find the one that feels right for you. If you're new to the sport, our guide on the basic method of taping a hockey stick should be your starting point. Because how you tape your stick depends on how you want it to affect your play, there's no “right” way to tape.
However, you should be aware of how taping influences how your stick feels and how it interacts with the puck if you want to get the best results. Taping the blade and the shaft can have different effects, depending on how you do it.
Read also: Features of Custom Hockey Gloves
Here is why players tape their hockey sticks:
- Control: Having tape in the right places along the handle and shaft of your stick can change the way it feels in your hands, as well as its responsiveness.
- Feel: Taping the blade can influence how it feels when you're handling the puck.
- Accuracy: When you're able to tape your blade without overlaps or gaps, it creates a smooth, consistent surface for delivering shots.
Although most sticks manufactured today come equipped with grips already installed at the handle, a lot of players still prefer to customize theirs with a bit of tape. For many players, the best way to add some additional grip to their sticks is what's known as the “candy cane” tape job in hockey. This involves using a long piece of rolled tape and wrapping it around the shaft, ensuring there are gaps a gloved finger's width between each wrap.
Of course, you may not want a lot of extra stickiness on your stick because you prefer to be able to move your hands quickly during play. Where taping becomes really interesting is when you move down to the blade of your stick. There are a number of different styles some players swear by, and in general there are four main techniques.
How to tape your hockey stick like george
Techniques of Taping Hockey Sticks
Just like tying skates, there is no “correct” way to tape a hockey stick. Whether your tape job looks like Patrick Sharp’s, David Pastrnak’s, or anyone’s in between, ultimately it comes down to whichever style and method works best for you.
Read also: The story of Craig Needham
After purchasing your hockey stick, you will want to make sure that it is the correct length before taping. While on skates, sticks should stand between your chin and your nose, depending on your preference. For more information regarding hockey stick selection, please check our Hockey Stick Buying Guide.
First things first, you will need a roll of 1.5-inch or 1-inch Renfrew Hockey Tape (white or black, depending on preference), stick wax, and a pair of scissors, if needed.
There are three main sections of a hockey stick that can be taped: the handle, the shaft, and the blade. With each section, it is important to remember the following tips. Use cloth tape. Never use sock tape or any tape that has a non-grippy surface. Cloth tape will give you control of the stick and puck while in action. Another tip is to try to be as precise and consistent as possible. Take your time and make sure you are getting even spacing between each wrap and ensure there are no bumps or spaces.
How to Tape a Hockey Stick Handle or Butt End
Taping the top of the stick is important, as this is from where almost all control of your stick will be generated. It will have a direct effect on your shooting, passing, stickhandling, and so on. With that said, there are many variations and it will take some time to figure out which method you like best. Some players like a big knob at the top with a lot of tape wrapped around, some prefer little to no knob, some like the “candy cane” grip, some prefer a stick grip like the Buttendz Twirl 88 grip, and some prefer a completely different style.
Read also: Inside Aaron Ness's Career
The most universal style is a simple mid-size knob. You will want to start at the top of the stick and wrap the tape around the top of it until it gets to your desired size. Simply cut the tape when the knob gets to your desired size. Most players stop when their pinky finger comfortably wraps around the knob while holding the stick with a pair of gloves on. From there, starting just below the knob, you will firmly wrap the tape around the stick, moving down diagonally, until you reach your desired length. The common lengths for tape handles are between 4 and 10 inches. Once you get to your desired length, do one last lap at the bottom that is horizontal and overlapping a bit, and then cut it.
How to Wrap a Hockey Stick or Taping the Shaft
Because some sticks have grip and others do not, another option for added grip and control is to tape the shaft of the stick. One name that comes to mind when discussing taping the shaft is that of Phil Kessel. The setup here is the traditional candy cane method. With 1-inch tape, start right below the buttend and wrap around the stick with your 1.5 to 2 inches in between each wrap. Proceed down the stick until you reach your desired length, and then finish it off just like you did with the grip at the top. This method is not commonly utilized, as most players prefer to have the ability to remove and slide their bottom hand when necessary on the ice.
How to Tape a Hockey Stick Blade
Lastly, we arrive at the blade of the stick, which is arguably a hockey player’s most important part of their stick. Much like the grip of the stick, there are many variations when it comes to taping the blade of the stick. One of the most commonly asked questions is whether the tape job should be done toe-to-heel or heel-to-toe. Some say the heel-to-toe method, while slightly decreasing their shot speed, adds spin to the puck that makes it difficult for goalies to control. Wrapping your blade toe-to-heel is said to slightly shorten the time it takes for the puck to get off your blade during shots.
Starting off, you need to decide what color tape you want to use. The most common colors are black and white. While this may not seem like it plays a significant role, there is more to the decision than you would think. Using black tape on your blade is said to make it harder for goalies to locate the puck during shooting. The downside to that is it is a little bit harder for players to track the puck during stickhandling. A black puck against a black blade may be difficult to see. The exact opposite is said about white tape. Although it is a little bit easier for goalies to track the puck when there is white tape on your blade, it is easier for the stickhandler to track the puck using their peripheral vision, due to the contrast of the black puck against a white blade.
After choosing what color tape you want to go with, you can then start taping the blade. Whichever end of the blade you choose to start from, proceed from there to the opposite side. As mentioned before, it is important to make sure that your spacing is consistent with each wrap. Doing this will give you that consistency you are looking for in your passes and shots. After picking a starting point, wrap the tape vertically across the blade, overlapping each previous wrap a little bit less than halfway. Once you get to your desired length, cut the end and overlap the previous wrap, as shown in the photo below. Generally speaking, you do not want to extend the tape job up to the shaft, although it does come down to preference.
Upon completion, rub your hand along the tape area in the direction your tape faces to ensure that the tape is completely secured and smooth.
You can add stick wax to your newly taped blade as well. There are multiple brands of stick wax, but you will want to make sure that it specifically states it is stick wax and not just general wax. Stick wax gives you added control of the puck on your blade, helps wick away ice and water, and helps increase the longevity of your tape job. Simply take the wax and make 4-6 passes horizontally across the front of the blade. Repeat this process 2-4 times to the backside of the blade, as well. Another alternative to wax is to use friction tape, which has an adhesive finish on both sides of the tape.
After following these three main steps, you are now ready to try out your new tape job and score some epic snipes!
Taping a hockey stick for roller hockey is slightly different. Players typically place precut strips of tape horizontally from the toe to the heel. If you were to use traditional stick taping, the tape will create resistance when making contact with either tile or concrete.
Common Styles of Taping Hockey Sticks:
- Classic: Starting at the heel and ending at the toe, this method tapes most of the blade, leaving only a small amount uncovered at each end.
- Toe: Players who don't want to cover their entire blade usually start at the midpoint of the blade and tape down to the end of the toe.
Pictures of Hockey Stick Tape Jobs
| Tape Job | Description |
|---|---|
| The Classic Hockey Stick Tape Job | This standard tape job has been around forever. It consists of a heel-to-toe style that leaves just a sliver of the heel and toe exposed. This tape job excels in protecting the entirety of the blade and gives players full control of the puck during stickhandling and shooting. The downside would be that it does use more hockey tape in comparison to some of the other methods. If you are ever looking for a quick and easy tape job to help get your scoring touch back, this style might be your best bet! |
| The Toe Tape Job | Starting at the center of the blade, continue up to the toe of the blade, and completely wrap it. Some pros of this tape job are that it uses significantly less tape than other options. On top of that, it can greatly benefit players who take mostly quick wrist shots from the toe of their blade. A downside would be that while it does use less tape, it can take some time to perfect this method. Additionally, this tape job leaves the back half of the blade unprotected, leaving it susceptible to potential damage. |
| The Five Strand Tape Job | Starting just past the midpoint of the blade and complete five wraps around the blade, moving forward towards the toe. This should mean that the middle point of your tape job will be at the center of the blade. Of the styles mentioned, the Five Strand is the quickest and easiest to complete and does not require a lot of tape. The downside to that is that it leaves the most of the blade unprotected as well, both on the toe and heel. |
| The Sock Tape Job | This style is another hockey classic. Much like the ‘The Classic”, The Sock starts at the heel, and proceeds heel-to-toe all the way to the toe, covering it completely. The good thing about ‘The Sock’ is that your blade will stay fully protected from heel to toe. Additionally, you will have consistent control of the puck anywhere on your blade. A downside to this method is that is uses the most tape out of any on this list and can potentially take the longest to complete as well. |
How the Pros Tape Their Hockey Sticks
Hockey players can impress not only with their goals, assists or hits on the ice, but also with their tape jobs. Some of them are really interesting or even weird. In the early 1900s, cloth adhesive tape was invented, and this had long lasting impact on hockey. It offered a good hold, making it ideal for securing pads, socks, and skates. But it wasn't until the 1950s that adhesive tape was used to wrap hockey sticks. Over time, hockey tape jobs in the NHL evolved into an individual style. Some players were able to surprise the others with their tape jobs.
There are several NHL players who have been known for their unique tape jobs, for example David Pastrňák of the Boston Bruins is well-known for his distinctive tape job. Another interesting case is Tyler Bertuzzi of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Tyler is obviously no fan of tape. For the knob - he does not even use it. For the blade, he uses Rezztek® - a performance enhancing grip that replaces hockey tape. As we mentioned at the beginning, some of the NHL tape jobs are really weird.
Here are some examples of NHL players and their tapejobs:
- Sidney Crosby: Throughout his career, Sidney Crosby has been known for his unparalleled stickhandling and puck control in tight areas. Assisting him with this is his ‘Classic’ tape job, as he has been seen using for the majority of his NHL career. Additionally, he is almost always seen using black hockey tape on the blade. Since his junior hockey days, he has followed his same taping style. Crosby utilizes the aforementioned “candy cane” handle, giving him added control of his stick in tight spaces when stickhandling. Crosby generally uses white tape for his handle, but lately has been seen taking advantage of grip tape, which helps to preserve glove palms.
- Alex Ovechkin: Ovechkin is known for the wicked toe curve on his stick, and he knows how to use it to his advantage. He tapes his stick around the toe to just past the halfway point of the blade, using 1.5 inch white cloth tape. Since Ovechkin takes mostly quick one-timers and heavy snap shots, it is important for him to have that extra grip and protection right at the toe of his blade. Ovechkin almost always goes with the same handle: white tape with red grip tape over top, about 8 inches down.
- Connor McDavid: For the handle of his stick, McDavid’s prefers his to be much shorter than what is considered “standard.” Starting from the top of the stick, his tape only goes down about two or three inches, with a medium sized knob at the top. McDavid opts to go with the full tape job on the blade. He covers the toe of his blade and then continues the taping process all the way to the end of the blade, just at the end of the flat part of the blade. This provides McDavid with ultimate grip and control of the puck.
- Auston Matthews: One of the best forwards in the National Hockey League tapes his hockey stick in an unique way. You can compare him with Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers.
- Patrick Kane: The tape job of superstar Patrick Kane is a general sock - type tape job. What makes it weird is his tradition of running a puck over his tape once it is applied in different and weird patterns.
- Jakub Voráček: As light as possible, only covering the bottom portion of the blade, where Jakub handles the puck.
Mistakes to Avoid:
- Using too much tape: Usually there's no need to wrap the entire shaft of your stick with tape.
- Not using hockey tape: Hockey tape is made specifically for improving the grip of your stick.
- Being sloppy: If you overlap the tape or apply it with wrinkles, it can create an uneven surface that results in wonky shots or passes.
Maybe the best advice you could get about finding the right hockey tape styles for you is this: Hit the ice! The more you play, the more you'll learn about what's fun for you and what feels most natural. Once you have that figured out, the right way to tape your stick will come to you as naturally as lacing up your skates.
Beyond the Rink: 10 Creative Uses for Hockey Tape
But did you know there are a multitude of other uses for hockey tape that go beyond the rink? We'll explore 10 creative uses for hockey tape that you may have never known existed.
- DIY Grip for Sports Equipment: If your hands are slipping off your baseball bat or tennis racket, wrap them up with hockey tape to create a textured grip.
- Labeling: Use different colors of hockey tape to label your gear bag. You can even add some pizzazz to your boring, old bag with a colorful stripe of tape. Just make sure you don't get caught putting tape over someone else's name.
- Fix a Leaky Hose: Don't let a leaky garden hose dampen your spirits. Wrap a layer of hockey tape around the hole to seal it up. No more water spraying in your face. Just make sure you don't use your lucky game tape.
- DIY Phone Case: Create a unique and protective phone case by wrapping a few layers of hockey tape around the edges and back of your phone. It'll be like having a mini hockey stick in your pocket. Plus, it's a great conversation starter. Just don't tell anyone you're using hockey tape to protect your iPhone.
- Seal Packages: Use hockey tape to seal up packages for shipping. It's strong and durable, making it a great alternative to regular packing tape.
- Marking Off-Limits Areas: If you have an area in your home that you want to keep off-limits, use bright-colored hockey tape to mark it off. It's like creating your own personal penalty box. Just make sure you don't forget where it is and accidentally step inside.
- Emergency Bandage: If you're out and about and need a quick bandage, wrap a layer of hockey tape around the wound. It may not be pretty, but it will do the trick in a pinch! Just make sure you don't try to use your hockey stick as a crutch.
- Decorating: Use hockey tape to create unique and colorful decorations for your locker room or sports-themed party. Create patterns or designs using different colors of tape to add a personal touch to your space. Who needs streamers and balloons when you have hockey tape? Just make sure you don't go overboard and create a whole room covered in tape.
- Labeling Food: Tired of your roommates eating your food? Use hockey tape to label your food packages in the fridge with your name. They won't be able to miss the bright colored tape, and you'll be able to enjoy your food without any unwanted surprises.
- Slip-Proof Door Knobs: Have you ever struggled to turn a slippery doorknob? Well, worry no more! Wrap it with some hockey tape to create a textured grip that will make it easier to open. It's so effective, you'll wonder why there isn't a roll of hockey tape attached to every doorknob in the world.
Hockey tape is more than just a tool for hockey players. It's a multi-purpose wonder that can fix just about anything. By trying out some of these unexpected uses, you'll be able to put your hockey tape to good use beyond the ice, and maybe even save the day in some unexpected situations. Who knows, you might even become known as the tape wizard amongst your friends and family. So go ahead, grab your roll of hockey tape and get creative with all the unconventional ways you can use it.
Hockey tape is essential to getting a player out on the ice. But we aren’t always on the ice and hockey tape (at least in my home is always around).
- Lint Roller: You’re running out of the house and look down to see your black pants covered in lint, fuzz, hair and the lint roller is nowhere to be found.
- Floor Grip: That one stubborn piece of furniture that slides across the wood floor after the slightest touch. Hockey tape is designed to help with grip on sticks, it helps with grip on the floor too.
- Book Binding: Some of us have that beloved book that has seen better days. You know, the one that’s cover is hanging on by a thread. Hockey tape is flexible, run a long piece vertically down the spine and a few smaller, thinner ones horizontally.
- Mend a bag: It could be your hockey bag, a purse or a gym bag or even your child’s backpack. It’s bound to happen sooner or later, the moment when a hole breaks through and you don’t have a) a needle and thread handy or b) the time to whip stitch a bag back together. Using 3 pieces of hockey tape slightly longer in length than the hole, make an X and place the last piece through the middle of the X to make an Astrix over the hole.
- Slippery Clothes Hangers: A closest isn’t a closet unless it’s filled with clothes, many of which slide right off the hangers they are supposed to live on. Pretend you’re taping the handle of your stick and make small grips on the ends of stubborn hangers.
Clear tape is great and has purposes that a lot of hockey players need it for. However, the one kind of tape every hockey player will recognize is cloth tape! Cloth tape, like clear tape, can be found in every dressing room and on every player’s stick.
Cloth hockey tape can help protect a player’s blade. It helps avoid some minor blade chipping and absorb moisture (which helped from keeping it going into the wood in the days of wood sticks). The tape also provides grip on the puck (combine it with a wax coat and get even more grip!). The tape provides a bit more friction than just the hard carbon fiber blade.
In addition to the blade benefits, most players use tape to provide a grip up top. Some players put a knob at the top of the shaft to help provide a grip. It also gives an easy way to pick up the stick if dropped. You might also see some players “candy cane” their sticks and give themselves a bit of extra grip.
As you can see, there is a reason for every hockey player to have tape. We have started stocking the most popular kind of tape white, black and of course clear!