If you look in stores, the retail curve for Sidney Crosby is the CCM P29. However, in reality, Sidney Crosby uses a custom curve that is almost completely straight, which is great for passing and backhands.
While Sidney Crosby’s natural skills and hard work have been the biggest contributor to his success in the NHL, his equipment like his hockey stick have also helped him remain so consistent over the years.
Things like the flex and length of a stick are important, but perhaps nothing is more crucial to a stick’s performance than its curve. But what sort of curve does Crosby prefer on his stick? Keep reading my guide to learn more.
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Key Takeaways
- Crosby’s curve on his actual stick is a custom curve that is incredibly straight, while his curve on retail sticks is the CCM P29.
- Different curves on hockey sticks can lead to drastically different performances. Some allow for better control of the puck, others may offer better power and shot velocity, and some favor quick releases.
- Changing from one curve to another is challenging and can take even professional players a lot of time to become comfortable with a new curve. It changes everything from how you shoot, how you pass, and more.
The Sidney Crosby Curve
When you shop for a Sidney Crosby curve in a store, the curve you get will be a CCM P29. This is a popular curve that is relatively open, and used by a lot of pro players. But in reality, Crosby uses a custom curve that is much straighter.
Most pro players today use a stick with a lot of curve, so Crosby is a bit of an outlier. He plays with a unique curve like this because of the versatility it provides. When using a traditional curved blade, you have great control with the forehand, but not the backhand.
But with a curve that is less intense and a straight blade, you can comfortably play with your forehand like normal, but also have the ability to use your backhand.
Players may lose a bit of shooting with a straight blade, but it ensures you can have solid control of the puck no matter where it is on your stick, and helps you make passes quickly without having to get the puck in the perfect spot on your blade.
Differences between Hockey Stick Curves
Just like with the stick itself, each hockey stick curve is different and can provide a different feel and performance on the ice. In general, there are three types of hockey curves: Toe curve, mid curve, and heel curve.
A toe curve is where most of the curve is near the end of the blade, and this type of curve is great for players who like to get a quick release on their shots, and those who stickhandle the puck a lot, such as forwards.
A mid curve is a versatile option that features most of the curve in the middle of the blade, and this is a good all-around option for players who want a good blend of a quick release and a powerful shot.
Last but not least, a heel curve on a hockey stick features most of the curve near the back end of the blade. This curve helps players generate a lot of power in their shots and passes, which makes it a popular choice for defensive players or those who take long-range shots.
There is also curve depth, which can range from a slight curve to a deep curve. The deeper the curve, the more control over the puck you will generally have. Unfortunately, the deeper the curve, the less you will be able to comfortably use your backhand.
Each hockey stick curve is also either closed or open face. A closed face curve is great for accuracy and puck control, but may struggle to get height on the puck. On the other hand, if a curve is open, it can help you to raise the puck quickly, and get shots off much faster.
All in all, there are many different potential hockey stick curves out there, and it is a good idea to test a few of them out to see which you prefer. I tend to prefer a mid curve with a moderate curve depth, as it allows for a versatile performance across the ice.
FAQs
Here are a few commonly asked questions about this topic, along with their answers.
What kind of stick does Sidney Crosby use?
Sidney Crosby has used a CCM Ribcor Reckoner for many years as his preferred stick. He prefers a shorter stick with a higher flex rating. However, when he came into the NHL, Crosby used a wooden two piece Sher-Wood stick.
How easy is it to change to a different curve?
While it is possible to change from playing with one curve to another, the process is not easy. It can take even great players a long time to make the switch, as it will change everything from your shooting, to your passing, to your stickhandling.
Final Thoughts
While Crosby may use a bit of a strange curve compared to other players, it hasn’t hurt his play as he has long been one of the best players in the NHL. I hope this guide helped you learn more about not only the curve that Crosby uses, but also hockey stick blade curves in general.
What kind of curve do you prefer on your stick blade when you play? Let me know in a comment below.
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