Alexander Ovechkin uses a deep and open curve on his sticks. His curve begins at the heel, and gradually opens more as it gets to the toe of the stick. This curve helps him raise the puck easily and quickly, and is great for wrist shots and one timers.
For the last decade-plus, Alex Ovechkin has been one of the best goal scorers in the NHL. But while his natural abilities and game sense help, the equipment he chooses to use certainly helps him play at his best.
The stick itself is important, but it is crucial to never forget the curve. With that in mind, in this guide I am going to take a closer look at the curve that Alex Ovechkin uses, why it has been so good for him, and how you can choose the right curve for your stick.
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Key Takeaways
- Alexander Ovechkin prefers a curve that is very deep and open. The curve is a mix of a heel and toe curve, and helps him shoot wrist shots and one timers incredibly quickly, and helps with raising the puck.
- To choose the right curve for your stick, you need to think about your position, how you play, and be sure to try out a few if you’re not sure what you like.
- When it comes to his stick, Ovechkin currently uses a CCM, and has for most of his career. His stick is generally standard size or a little longer, and is quite flexible.
The Alexander Ovechkin Curve
The Alex Ovechkin curve is one of the most distinct in the NHL, as his curve is very noticeable and a lot more extreme than most players. He uses a very deep and open curve that begins at the heel and opens up more towards the toe of the blade.
This type of curve is best for shooters, as it is perfect for shooting quickly and effectively. It is good for all types of shots, but especially one timers and wrist shots, which are some of Oveckin’s favorites. It also helps players to raise the puck, in order to beat goalies high.
I think this curve is absolutely perfect for him. While he can play a well rounded game, he is primarily a goal scorer, so having a curve that is suited for scoring goals off of one timers and wrist shots makes a lot of sense.
Choosing the Right Curve
While getting the right curve is very important for pro hockey players like Alex Ovechkin, it is also a good idea for junior players and those just playing for fun to play with the right curve. It will improve how you play and make the things you do just a little bit better and easier.
The first thing to think about is the position you play. If you play defense, you will generally go with a heel curve as it aids in shot power, and forwards will often opt for a toe curve, as it provides better puck control and a quicker release.
If players play all over the ice and are versatile in their skillset, a mid curve is a nice balance between power and speed. How you like to play, and your strong suits on the ice, are also important to think about when choosing the right curve.
If you do a lot of stickhandling, a toe curve will be a good choice, whereas centers who park in front of the net looking for deflections would benefit from a heel curve as it provides a larger surface area.
While the position of the curve is crucial, so is the depth of the curve. If you use your backhand a lot for passing or shooting, having a minimal curve can help. These slight curves also give you a lot of control over the puck and accuracy.
On the other hand, a deeper curve gives you optimal blade control, and lets you deliver quick shots from any angle. Deep curves are great for skilled players who want full control over their blade and to be able to really cup the puck, but aren’t great for beginners.
Also, an important part of finding the right curve for you is to try a few out. If you simply stick with the first one you try, you might be missing out on a curve that is better suited for your style of play or preferences.
Don’t rush the process either. I have known several players that have had to play multiple games with different types of curves before they got a true feel for which one they prefer. It took a while, but they were ultimately happy that they waited it out and discovered the perfect curve.
FAQs
Here are a few frequently asked questions about this topic, as well as their answers.
What kind of stick does Alexander Ovechkin Use?
Ovechkin currently uses a CCM stick, but he often switches from model to model. He briefly used Bauer in the middle of his career, but began his NHL career using a CCM, and will likely end his career with the same.
In general, he likes his sticks a standard length (sometimes even a little longer), and prefers a flexible stick over a stiff one.
How important is it to find the right curve?
The importance of finding the right curve to use cannot be overstated. The curve on your stick will impact everything from how you pass, your shooting, your ability to control the puck while stickhandling, and more.
Speaking from experience, even a slight change in the curve of the blade can make it feel like a whole new stick. As a result, take some time to find the right curve, and you’ll be glad that you did.
Final Thoughts
A lot goes into Alex Ovechkin being one of the best goalscorers and players of all time, and the curve and stick he uses certainly helps his shot be one of the best in the history of the game. I hope this guide helped you learn more about his curve, and hockey stick curves in general.
Is there anything else you would have liked me to mention or cover in this article? If so, let me know in a comment below.
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