Pros bumping up to higher flexes and longer sticks?
#1
Posted 29 August 2019 - 07:43 PM
#2
Posted 29 August 2019 - 07:59 PM
"Thank God theres still a sport for middle sized white boys"
-Derek Sutton (Youngblood)
#3k
#3
Posted 29 August 2019 - 08:44 PM
You really need to stop looking at what pros use. They could use a Home Depot 2x4 and rip it. It’s all personal preference at the end of the day. We aren’t playing for money, at the end of the day it really doesn’t matter what we use.
That is like telling someone to not pay attention to the instructor, the example of how it’s done or the sample of implementation of proper technique and tool. Especially considering this is a gear forum. We pay attention to what works from those who work it best. If we never considered changes in technique, gear or professionals we’d still be using straight blades. We don’t have to use what they do but everyone takes it into consideration.
#4
Posted 29 August 2019 - 10:06 PM
#5
Posted 30 August 2019 - 09:40 AM
I could of sworn I saw a STS instagram vid where he was working on getting guys to go down in flex just a touch. He said it made a big difference with Eichel's technique. Who knows if Jack stuck with it or not, but Teddy Purcell made a comment on his power on chiclets podcast. "holy shit" were his words.
#6
Posted 30 August 2019 - 09:44 AM
I could of sworn I saw a STS instagram vid where he was working on getting guys to go down in flex just a touch. He said it made a big difference with Eichel's technique. Who knows if Jack stuck with it or not, but Teddy Purcell made a comment on his power on chiclets podcast. "holy shit" were his words.
Other way around. He was in 95 Flex forever, since BU in MX3 build. Tried 1st gen 1S build, ended up sticking with MX3 since except he’s in 102 now. Glenn works with Coyle too.
#7
Posted 30 August 2019 - 11:25 AM
I’d bet a the majority of pros couldn’t tell your their hollow/radius or stick build code. If they do know that stuff, they’re the exception.
#8
Posted 30 August 2019 - 12:31 PM
I’d bet a the majority of pros couldn’t tell your their hollow/radius or stick build code. If they do know that stuff, they’re the exception.
I asked a pro if he liked using the ADV construction and he looked at me like I was a crazy person, and he said "I don't know, they just make them for me and I use them"
- Always looking for new style stars gear, particularly Bauer!
#9
Posted 30 August 2019 - 12:34 PM
I asked a pro if he liked using the ADV construction and he looked at me like I was a crazy person, and he said "I don't know, they just make them for me and I use them"
I’d be willing to put money down on said pro being a guy that this forum loses their mind over when his sticks hit the market
"Thank God theres still a sport for middle sized white boys"
-Derek Sutton (Youngblood)
#3k
#10
Posted 30 August 2019 - 01:07 PM
I asked a pro if he liked using the ADV construction and he looked at me like I was a crazy person, and he said "I don't know, they just make them for me and I use them"
I was once describing how a skate should fit to my wife in front of an ex AHL player and she looked at him and asked him if I was right. The guy said "I don't know they just measure my feet and hand me a pair of skates. He probably knows more than me about this stuff". Needless to say I did not ask him and details about his stick specs.
#11
Posted 30 August 2019 - 01:44 PM
I was once describing how a skate should fit to my wife in front of an ex AHL player and she looked at him and asked him if I was right. The guy said "I don't know they just measure my feet and hand me a pair of skates. He probably knows more than me about this stuff". Needless to say I did not ask him and details about his stick specs.
At that point (being a professional) your job is to show up and perform on the ice. They are going to do everything they can to take the periphery stuff out of the equation. Follow the nutrition and training plan team staff puts into place (or that you paid someone that "knows what they are doing" to put together for you.) Most of these guys also have gear preferences that have followed them from the time they were 13/14 years old, the equipment guys maintain it, fix it, or replace it when needed.
I think it was in a Da Beauty League piece I read somewhere, an NHLer commented that going to the rink for his first game of the summer was the first time he had really picked up his own gear bag; the EQM guys handle all of that during the season.
of course, there are gonna be guys that are more hands-on with their gear, but I have to think the majority of them just want their stuff ready when they need it and don't care about the minutia of what it is as long as it just works.
#13
Posted 30 August 2019 - 02:09 PM
I asked a pro if he liked using the ADV construction and he looked at me like I was a crazy person, and he said "I don't know, they just make them for me and I use them"
Thats funny you have a story similar to mine. Andy Macdonald from the flyers was skating at my local rink 2 weeks ago and I asked him if he was using an actual fly lite. Hes like "i dont even know". I said read the code under your name: he said "bgp2b", I told him thats an ADV. he goes "whats that mean?"
#15
Posted 30 August 2019 - 10:21 PM
#17
Posted 31 August 2019 - 08:42 AM
At every level.
I think these skill coaches are great and guys like Oates, Turk etc obviously add a ton of value for guys looking to get more out of their game. That said, I think the one size fits all “everyone should use a shorter stick” or “everyone should use P92/P28” type guidance is kind of outrageous since none of it is objectively “better”. The best player in the world uses a straight blade. 97 basically uses a P88. Barzal and Tavares play with a heel, etc, etc. I don’t think they’re leaving anything on the table by not following skill coach protocol. It’s easy to say they’re elite talents and can play with a broomstick but I think it applies across the board. It’s all about what you’re most comfortable with IMO and what enables you to play without thinking about your gear.
#18
Posted 31 August 2019 - 10:22 AM
It's like anything really. Some guys put a lot of thought into the little things, while others just do the job with whatever they're provided.
On an unscientific level: On my men's league team, we have several guys that use intermediate sticks. They have decent shots, but nothing like a guy using a 95 flex. His shots are an absolute rocket, and at least two or three times a season he gives the goalie a stinger. He's no bigger or heavier than the guys using the 67 flex. A lot of it is his shot mechanics, and the way he uses the flex to work for him. I am a smaller guy (5'10", 160 lbs), and I'm bumping up on flex. I was using 70 flex, but now I'm using 82 flex sticks. I found with the 80-85 flex my shot is harder and more accurate, IF MY MECHANICS are right.
#19
Posted 31 August 2019 - 10:38 AM
#20
Posted 31 August 2019 - 11:18 AM
TL DR version: some guys are super picky, some guys don’t care.
At every level.
I think these skill coaches are great and guys like Oates, Turk etc obviously add a ton of value for guys looking to get more out of their game. That said, I think the one size fits all “everyone should use a shorter stick” or “everyone should use P92/P28” type guidance is kind of outrageous since none of it is objectively “better”. The best player in the world uses a straight blade. 97 basically uses a P88. Barzal and Tavares play with a heel, etc, etc. I don’t think they’re leaving anything on the table by not following skill coach protocol. It’s easy to say they’re elite talents and can play with a broomstick but I think it applies across the board. It’s all about what you’re most comfortable with IMO and what enables you to play without thinking about your gear.
McD’s pattern is that Coffeyed Iginla JR. Gaudreau uses à stock(-ish?) P88, maybe J. Hughes as well. Just nitpicking.