Best Hockey Sticks: 2020-2021 Season

The first thing we need to acknowledge is that the word “best” is, well, fairly subjective and usually based off personal opinions. This list isn’t about which hockey stick is the lightest, the most durable or has the “best” overall aesthetics – this list is about the facts. Our list is ranked by usage among active NHL players during the 2020-21 NHL season.

Let’s jump into it.

#5. Warrior Alpha DX – 47 active NHL players

To be fair, if we were to combine the number of NHL players using the Alpha DX and the Alpha DX SL, it would firmly take the #4 spot with 79 total users – but this is about facts. Warrior has since released the Alpha LX Pro, which we’ve seen slowly gaining traction throughout the NHL. In total, sticks from Warrior’s Alpha line are being used by 14.2% of NHL players.

Notable players using this stick: Brad Marchand, Torey Krug, Darnell Nurse, James Van Riemsdyk.

#4. CCM Ribcor Trigger 5 Pro – 56 active NHL players

CCM’s Ribcor line remains a popular favorite among NHL players. The low kick point delivers a quick, speedy release that players have grown to love, and goalies everywhere have grown to despise. Overall, sticks from CCM’s Ribcor line are being used by 12.7% of NHL players.

Notable players using this stick: Brock Boeser, JT Miller, Joe Thornton, Mathew Barzal.

#3. Bauer Vapor Flylite – 97 active NHL players

Speaking of low-kick, quick release sticks, the Bauer Vapor Flylite is next on our list at #3. It continues to hold the top spot among all low-kick hockey sticks in the NHL. It’s designed to get shots off with minimal load time for maximum deception – perfect for elite puck-handlers that are poised to shoot at a moment’s notice.

Notable players using this stick: Andrei Svechnikov, Claude Giroux, Mats Zuccarello, Quinn Hughes.

#2. CCM Jetspeed FT3 Pro – 98 active NHL players

Just edging out the Flylite for the #2 spot on our list is the CCM Jetspeed FT3 Pro. CCM’s Jetspeed line has taken the league by storm since it was introduced in 2018. It’s hybrid kick point makes it one of the most versatile sticks on the market. It has a soft taper near the bottom of the shaft, a stiffer feel through the middle of the shaft and a soft feel up near the handle. This versatility makes the Jetspeed line an easy choice for 19.4% of all NHL players.

Notable players using this stick: Artemi Panarin, Brent Burns, Evgeni Malkin, John Tavares.

#1. Bauer Nexus Geo – 105 active NHL players

Yet again, Bauer’s Nexus line can be found at the top of the leaderboard with the Nexus Geo. It’s the most popular mid-kick stick on the market because it offers a balanced performance. Players don’t have to choose between a quick release or a powerful shot - with the Nexus Geo, players can snap off a quick shot through traffic or go full send on a one-timer without sacrificing accuracy or power. In total, 15.5% of all NHL players are using a stick from the Nexus line.

Notable players using this stick: Aleksander Barkov, Brady Tkachuk, Cale Maker, Victor Hedman.

All statistics were pulled from www.GearGeek.com on June 1, 2021.