Junior

Junior sticks fit most kids about 7 to 13 years old, roughly 4'0" to 5'1" tall. With shoes on, the stick should reach between your child's chin and nose. Younger children usually start with a youth stick, and taller teens can move up to an intermediate stick.

Popular junior sticks include the Knapper AK1 Junior, 2024 AK3 and AK5 Composite Junior and AK3 and AK5 v3; the Warrior Covert QR5 40 and 50, Rise and QR7 REV; the Dekadence DK11 Big Shot Junior; the Fischer RC ONE IS1 52"; and the LDK Nova One Junior.

Kids need a low flex they can actually bend. A stick that's too stiff won't flex when they shoot, which makes it hard to lift the ball. Junior sticks are made with a softer flex for this reason. As a guide, aim for a flex around half your child's body weight in pounds, and keep in mind that cutting the stick makes it stiffer.

It's best not to. A stick that's too long is harder to control, makes stickhandling awkward and can slow your child's progress. Choose the size that fits now, between the chin and the nose with shoes on, and move up a size as they grow. Protect them on the court too with gloves, shin guards and a helmet.

Yes, a junior ice stick like the CCM Jet Speed 460 Grip Junior works for ball hockey, but its blade will wear faster on asphalt and sport court. For regular dek or ball hockey, a stick built for these surfaces, like the Knapper AK1 Junior or the Warrior Rise Junior, will last longer.

Yes. The Warrior Retro 27 Mini Stick, QR7 Pro Mini Stick and QR Goalie Mini Stick are perfect for knee hockey, hallway games and gifts for young fans. They're great for practising hand skills at home between games.