This guide is going to go over some of the best youth/junior hockey sticks for those younger players looking to hit the ice with success. While there are many solid options, my top choice is the Warrior Alpha DX Pro Grip Junior.
Even as a young player, I quickly realized the importance of a good stick in how well I could pass, shoot and even stickhandle. Whether you are a new player or have been playing for a while, you can immediately tell the difference between a high and low-quality hockey stick.
The Warrior Alpha DX Pro Grip is a versatile stick that offers many great features, for a fair price. The stick is very light, yet strong, and has the technology to not only make the stick durable but also increase puck feel. The design is also shaped to comfortably fit in the hands.
This is a good choice for all different kinds of junior players but it is far from the only one. There are sticks made for power, for those who value speed and agility, and also some for those who prefer traditional wooden sticks.
Choosing the right stick can help you perform your best on ice, and help younger players build proper skills. Continue reading to learn more about some of the best choices on the market.
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Top Youth/Junior Hockey Sticks
Here are my recommendations for the best youth hockey sticks, as well as a review of what each brings to the table.
1. Warrior Alpha DX Pro Grip Junior
- Best for: A high-quality overall stick.
- Material: The strong and light Minimus Carbon 1000.
- Kick Point: Mid
- Flex: 40 or 50
This is simply a solid overall stick for any type of youth player. It offers good power, speed, and control, all rolled into one. It has different flex options and can be both right or left-handed, with different pattern options, too.
This stick also allows for a very quick release, while not compromising power or accuracy. The shaft is strong, and the added grip gives you lots of control with the puck on the stick. The lightweight design makes movement effortless and ensures the stick is balanced and responsive.
The included Fuelcore technology not only gives you a little more pop on your shots but can also help the materials remain in good condition for longer, thus boosting the durability this hockey stick offers.
A drawback to know about this stick is that, while versatile, players who have a particular playstyle may find that it resides too much in the middle for them. While it is good at everything, it struggles to shoot as hard as a high kick point or as quick as a low kick point.
==> You can also get it on PureHockey.com or HockeyMonkey.ca (Canada).
2. Bauer Vapor X900 Lite Grip Junior
- Best for: Players who value speed and agility.
- Material: 3K carbon fiber.
- Kick Point: Low
- Flex: 50
With its low kick point, this stick is great for the youth player who wants to remain agile on ice and make quick passes or shots in the slot. It has a very thin taper, and the blade profile is great both for the stability and accuracy of your passes, shots, and dekes.
The durability of the stick is incredible for the value, and the carbon fiber construction helps the stick be very comfortable to use. The carbon fiber also provides a great puck feel which helps the player get a lively response from the stick during use.
The X900 will help you get shots off effortlessly and quickly, and it’s among the most efficient sticks you can find. The stick was also designed in a way to ensure that it can provide a contoured feeling in the hands. The price is also a major selling point, as it is very affordable compared to others.
While the stick is still light enough to be comfortable, it is quite a bit heavier than other options (albeit at a lower price range). It weighs in at 435 grams, which is around 50-100 grams heavier than some of its competitions.
==> You can also get it on PureHockey.com or HockeyWorld.com.
3. CCM Super Tacks AS3 Pro Grip Junior
- Best for: Players who want incredibly powerful shots and passes.
- Material: A composite stick with Nanolite carbon layering.
- Kick Point: High
- Flex: 50
If your child is a youth player who plays on defense or prefers to take clappers from the blue line than wristers from the point, this is the stick for them. With its high kick point, this stick can produce some truly blistering shots and passes, with great accuracy to boot.
The stick is very stable while remaining light enough to comfortably hoist all game long. The carbon layering technology used helps to provide a very strong stick that will stand up to anything you throw at it.
The shape of the stick also helps aid in power as it is optimized for a very firm grip. Controlling your shot will also be easy, thanks to the stiff lightweight blade. This blade also helps to ensure you get the optimal amount of energy transfer to send the puck to the back of the net.
The stick is great but is certainly more expensive than other youth and junior sticks on the market, which can be seen as a downside to some. If you are comfortable with the cost, however, it is a solid option.
==> You can also get it on PureHockey.com or HockeyWorld.com.
4. Sher-Wood 5030 Heritage Junior
- Best for: Those who prefer a wooden stick.
- Material: Aspen core, with fiberglass and white ash blade.
- Kick Point: Low to mid
- Flex: 55
While many players today have fully made the switch to composite sticks, there are still plenty of high-quality wooden sticks being manufactured and sold. A good example is the 5030 Heritage. This stick is a classic in every sense of the word and provides great reliability and stability.
The stick is very affordable, light, well-built, and is coated with multi-layer birch lamination. Many players also swear by the puck feel offered by wooden sticks and they can make everything from stickhandling to receiving passes very comfortable.
One unfortunate downside of this stick is that it can chip if not taped up correctly. Also, players may have trouble generating the same power on shots with a wooden stick when compared to a more modern composite option.
Best Youth/Junior Hockey Stick: What to Look For
If you are looking for a great junior hockey stick, here are a few things to keep in mind when deciding which one to buy.
Size
The first thing to consider when buying any hockey stick is the size. If you try to use a stick that is the wrong size, it can make things much more challenging. In general, if you put the blade of the stick on the ground parallel to your body, the end should reach your nose.
Some sticks can be cut and customized, but it is often easier to simply ensure you get one that is the right size. Of course, some players prefer a slightly longer or slightly shorter stick as well, it all depends on your unique preferences.
Flex
The flex of a stick is another thing to look at. The flex of a stick will impact how much the stick will bend (or flex) when taking a shot. The more flexible a stick and blade, the more accuracy and power your shots and passes will have.
The flex can also help with the puck feel of a stick, which is very important. Most sticks will have a number (70, 85, or a variety of others), that will indicate the flex of the stick. The lower the number, the more flexible the stick will be.
Kick Point
An often-underrated part of hockey stick shopping is looking at the kick point. The kick point of the stick is essentially where the stick will bend when it is flexed. A stick can have a high, mid, or low kick point, and the right option for you depends on your playing style.
Players who play on defense and value powerful shots from further away will generally want to use a high kick point. However, if you are a player who values quick shots and agile passes, a lower kick point will generally work better for your skillset.
My Verdict
My top pick for youth/junior hockey stick is the Warrior Alpha DX Pro Grip Junior. It features a medium kick point, is incredibly versatile, and is very light. The control and grip of the stick are also great, and the overall performance is great for the price.
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