Thread: Recently switched up my stick, and I can't get it up!!!

...the puck that is.

For the last year or so I had been using a Warrior Dolomite "Draper", 100 flex, cut about 3", and about 3 weeks ago I had an itch to try something new, so I bought a Warrior Dynasty "Burrows", 75 flex, cut to match the length of my Dolomite "Draper". I'm a weekend warrior, and my beer league games are Sunday nights, so I'm pretty much only skating once a week, and have used the Dynasty in 3 games and in one pick-up game. I'm finding that I am liking the extra flex, but I am also having a lot of trouble elevating the puck.

Case in point last night, I was set up beautifully in my game from about 10 feet out, and basically had an empty left side of net and I received the pass and wristed it all in one motion, only to have the goalie make an amazing pad save as he slid across the crease. If I had only lifted it another 6" it would have been in, but I only lifted it about 4" off the ice. I felt really bad about not being able to finish that play, it was a beautiful pass, and it would have put us in the lead.

I feel like I never had that issue with the Draper curve of my Dolomite, it has more of a hook, and it feels easier for me to elevate the puck on the forehand. I don't want to give up on my new'ish stick, but I also don't want to blow these golden opportunities anymore either. Did I change up too many factors at once? Meaning, should I have just gone with a Dynasty in a "Kopitar" (new Draper I think?), with a 75 flex, rather than switching flex and blade patterns? When taking wristers during warm ups, I'm noticing with the Dynasty "Burrows" that it feels like the puck almost slides/slips off of the blade, rather than being flung/zipped off of the blade (feeling I get with my Dolomite "Draper".

Any thoughts/input is much appreciated.

The Draper curve is a lot like the Naslund/Sakic curve. One of the main benefits of that curve is it is easier to lift the puck and roof it. I'd either practice with this new stick and get used to the curve or go back to the Draper curve.

Thanks Calo. I was also thinking that the release point, and kick point are different. The stiffer stick provides a much quicker release than the more flexy 75, and I will need to adjust to that.

Well, there's that too. mudfisher explained quite a bit of this to me. He'd be a good resource on this.

Check the lie of the stick... That could be the problem as well.