Dek hockey, also known as ball hockey or street hockey, is a fast-paced sport played on foot on asphalt or specialized sport court surfaces. Unlike ice hockey, it uses a ball instead of a puck, and the equipment is designed to accommodate outdoor surfaces and high-friction play. Among the most crucial pieces of equipment is the dek hockey stick, which directly impacts shooting accuracy, stickhandling, and overall gameplay performance.
What is a Dek Hockey Stick?
A dek hockey stick is specifically designed for playing on hard surfaces like concrete, asphalt, or sports court tiles. While it looks similar to ice hockey sticks, certain features distinguish it:
- Blade Material: The blade is often made from high-impact plastic or ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) to withstand rough surfaces without wearing down quickly.
- Shaft Composition: Shafts can be made from wood, composite, or aluminum, balancing durability with lightweight performance.
Types of Dek Hockey Sticks
- Wood Sticks
- Advantages: Affordable, durable, and provides a traditional feel. Wooden shafts are heavier, offering better balance for some players.
- Disadvantages: A Heavier weight can reduce shot speed and stickhandling quickness for youth or finesse players.
- Composite Sticks
- Advantages: Lightweight, strong, and designed for performance. They offer greater flex and snap for shooting.
- Disadvantages: Costlier than wooden sticks, and their blades may wear out faster if not ABS reinforced.
- ABS Sticks
- Advantages: Specifically designed for dek and street hockey, featuring ABS blades that resist chipping and cracking on asphalt. They combine wood shafts with ABS blades or full composite shafts with ABS blade inserts.
- Disadvantages: Slightly less puck (ball) feel compared to high-end ice hockey composite sticks, but ideal for outdoor play durability.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Dek Hockey Stick
- Blade Construction: Always prioritize ABS or reinforced plastic blades to withstand rough surfaces. Ice hockey composite blades wear out quickly outdoors.
- Stick Flex: Flex affects shooting power and control. Youth players benefit from lower flex (around 40-50), while adults often use 85 flex or higher for powerful shots.
- Length: Sticks should reach up to the player’s chin when standing in shoes. The correct length ensures proper control and shooting posture.
- Weight: Lightweight sticks improve stickhandling speed, while heavier sticks offer stability for powerful slap shots.
- Grip or Non-Grip Shaft: Grip shafts provide tackiness for secure hand placement, while non-grip shafts allow smoother hand adjustments.
Popular Dek Hockey Stick Brands
- Mylec
- Well-known for producing durable and affordable dek hockey sticks.
- Popular among youth leagues for their classic wooden shaft and ABS blade models.
- Franklin Sports
- Offers beginner-friendly sticks at accessible prices.
- Ideal for casual or driveway play.
- Bauer and CCM
- Produce higher-end composite sticks with ABS blades.
- Great for competitive dek hockey players seeking performance similar to ice hockey sticks.
- Sher-Wood
- Provides solid wood-ABS hybrid sticks.
- Trusted by many street and ball hockey leagues for reliability.
Proper Care and Maintenance
Although dek hockey sticks are designed for durability, proper care extends their life:
- Avoid excessive contact with concrete edges or sharp surfaces.
- Store indoors to prevent warping from moisture or extreme heat.
- Rinse off dust and debris occasionally to keep the blade clean.
- Check for cracks or chips regularly, as they can affect shooting performance.
When to Replace a Dek Hockey Stick
Replace your stick if:
- The blade wears down significantly, affecting ball contact and shooting accuracy.
- Cracks develop on the shaft or blade, risking breakage during gameplay.
- Flexibility is compromised, resulting in reduced shot power and control.
Tips for Better Performance with Your Dek Hockey Stick
- Practice Ball Control Drills: Improve handling by working on stickhandling with a weighted ball or off-speed balls to enhance wrist strength.
- Master Shooting Techniques: Work on wrist shots, snapshots, and slap shots to utilize your stick’s flex and blade curve effectively.
- Adjust Tape Patterns: Tape your blade partially or fully to enhance grip on the ball and extend blade life.
Conclusion
Dek hockey sticks are vital to success in ball hockey, offering the durability and performance needed on abrasive surfaces. Selecting the right stick based on material, blade construction, flex, and weight ensures you play at your best while minimizing equipment wear. Whether you’re a casual player enjoying weekend games with friends or a competitive league athlete, investing in the right dek hockey stick enhances your skills, confidence, and love for this thrilling sport.