Crosby uses a CCM Ribcor Reckoner as his stick of choice and has for years. He prefers his stick on the shorter side, which is often better for stickhandling and control. Sidney Crosby also prefers a hockey stick that is stiff and not incredibly flexible.
Sidney Crosby has long been one of the better players in the NHL. He has done just about everything there is to do in the hockey world, including scoring over 1500 points (and counting). While a lot goes into scoring in hockey, using the right stick is crucial to a player’s success.
But what kind of stick does Crosby use and how does it aid his play? Keep reading to find out.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- Sidney Crosby uses a CCM Ribcor Reckoner stick. He has been using the Ribcor line of sticks since way back when they were the Reebok Ribcor, before it was taken over by CCM.
- There are several different characteristics of a hockey stick that are important for players to know to ensure they choose the right one. This includes flex, length, curve, kick point, and more.
- NHL players like Crosby and many others will generally go through about 2 or 3 sticks each game. This means teams often go through thousands of sticks during a full NHL season.
The Hockey Stick That Crosby Uses
Sidney Crosby uses a CCM Ribcor Reckoner stick, and it has been his stick of choice for years. He prefers a stiffer stick over one that is too flexible. His stick flex is normally somewhere between 95 and 105.
He also uses a shorter stick than many other players. Short sticks are often chosen for the control they provide when it comes to handling the puck and maintaining possession.
Crosby, like many other high level hockey players, is able to customize his stick to his exact liking, so what he uses may be different from what you can find or see in stores.
Interesting enough, when Crosby first came into the league he actually used a two-piece wooden Sher-Wood stick. He liked the old-school feel and it was something he was comfortable with at the time.
Characteristics of a Hockey Stick
Whether you are Sidney Crosy or just a junior player, using the right stick is crucial to your success. As a result, it is valuable to know the different characteristics of an ice hockey stick. There is a lot that can separate one stick from the next.
First of all, you have the length of the stick. As briefly touched on earlier, a shorter hockey stick is better for stickhandling and getting better control of the puck.
On the other hand, a longer stick can give you better shot power and be better on defense as it makes poke checking easier.
Another characteristic of a hockey stick worth knowing is the flex. Hockey stick flexes range from 20 to up over 100. The lower the flex rating, the more flexible the stick. Bigger players generally prefer a stiffer stick, while smaller players may like a flexible stick.
However, the flex a player uses is ultimately a matter of personal preference. The kick point is also important to know about. This is the location on the stick where the stick flexes. A low kick point is great for speed and quick shots, while a high kick point is better for power.
There are also various curves for the blade of an ice hockey stick, and each will have an impact on how you stickhandle, shoot, and pass the puck. Hockey sticks can be made of different materials like wood, but most today are composite.
Players may not know what kind of stick they like until they try a few out, so new players should always try a few before deciding which one to stick with forever.
FAQs
Here are a few common questions about this topic, along with their answers.
What type of curve does Crosby use?
While the stick itself is important for a player, so is the curve. The retail curve that is marketed with Crosby’s name is the CCM P29, but this isn’t his actual curve. In reality, Crosby uses a custom stick blade that has almost no curve, and is instead very flat.
How many sticks do NHL players go through?
While hockey sticks are well-made, pro NHL players put them through a lot during a game or season. It varies from player to player, but many will go through 2 or 3 each game.
Final Thoughts
Sidney Crosby has been one of the best hockey players of the 2000s and 2010s and having the right stick helps him play his best. I hope that this guide has been able to help you learn more about the stick he uses, as well as more about hockey sticks in general.
What kind of stick do you prefer to use when playing hockey? Let me know in a comment!
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