Most players hold the hockey stick to the left of their body in their starting position, with the right hand at the top of the shaft. This is called a left-handed grip or "left" grip. However, the choice isn't always obvious, especially if you're buying a hockey stick for a child who hasn't played before. Here, we explain the differences and provide some helpful advice for choosing your hockey stick.

Just as there are right and left footed players in soccer, there are right and left handed players in ice hockey. The difference is that as an ice hockey player, you need to buy a hockey stick that corresponds with your hand preference, either right or left, “right” or “left.” The difference between right and left handed hockey sticks is determined by the blade. A player with a “left” grip plays with a blade where the toe (the tip of the blade) points to the right when the stick is held in front of you. The blade on a “right” stick, on the other hand, points to the left.

Which grip is best for you?
If you’ve never held a hockey stick before, it’s not always clear whether you should buy a right-handed or left-handed stick. However, right-handed players usually play with a left-handed grip. This can be explained by the fact that the right hand is the part of the body that always holds the top of the shaft and provides power and control, both with and without the puck. If you're still unsure about which grip feels most comfortable, you can simulate the feeling with a regular stick or even a broom. The arm you feel most skilled with when trying to hit something in front of you or sweeping something off the floor is usually the arm you want to have at the top of the shaft when you play hockey. If it's your left arm, you should choose a right-handed stick and vice versa. The other arm is used more for support during shots, passes, and dekes, and holds lower on the shaft.

Why it’s important to choose the right grip
Hockey players often hold the stick with one hand while skating, as the other arm is used to maintain balance and optimize skating by swinging it at the side of the body. In defense, it's also crucial to handle the stick with just one hand to extend reach and be able to push the puck away from opponents. It’s an advantage for the arm holding the stick to be strong and able to direct the stick precisely where you want it with control.

How to choose "left" or "right" for your hockey stick
When buying a hockey stick online, you can make the choice of whether to have a left-handed or right-handed stick on the product page. Regardless of which grip you choose, you’ll get the same great features in the hockey stick—both in terms of the stiffness, thickness, and kickpoint of the shaft, as well as the angle, shape, and structure of the blade. Hockey sticks for kids are designed with narrower shafts and smaller blades, and they are less stiff for better feel and puck handling.