Wood, for now

All of a sudden I was down to the wire about getting a new stick, since my old one was really wrecked, and playoffs start next Wednesday. Actually, part of the rush to get it today was that I thought there was going to be shinny tomorrow, for me to get the feel of my new stick, but it's over for the year now. Bummer.


I just can't wrap my mind around the composite sticks, though. I did try some at the store, in spite of the crazy prices - the cheapest I saw was $50 but most were $100 or more - but they seem weirdly stiff, especially the blades. I could just imagine getting a new composite stick and not being able to catch a single pass during playoffs. They would all skitter away from me uncontrollably.

So I settled on a wooden stick again, not only that, but the exact make and model of stick I've used before (a Sher-wood PMP 700, the "Ryan" version, I assume this is Bobby Ryan, based on Sher-wood's website). I didn't want to spend too much time agonizing about my choice because I had the baby with me on the shopping trip, and it turns out he's not all that interested in hockey sticks (yet). Besides, there wasn't much selection in wooden sticks. I imagine what little selection there was will dwindle further by the time I need a new stick again. 

In terms of economics, it was the most expensive wooden stick by far and cost me a whole $35. There were others there for $20 but I didn't like them. They were awfully heavy Eastons. I have an Easton that's my backup stick for that exact reason - too heavy!

Now, my first playoff game will be next week and I'll be going on the ice with a brand-new stick and freshly sharpened skates. Not ideal. I'd been hoping to give both the stick and the skates one round of shinny first, to get used to the feel of both of them.

I imagine that eventually, I'll be forced to make the switch to composite. But I'm still using wood, for now.