How to Tape a Hockey Stick Blade - Step-by-Step Guide 🏒
Anyone can tape a stick. Taping it so it holds, doesn't pick up snow and the puck feels "glued" to your blade is a bit of a craft. Let's go through it together step by step - you'll be done in five minutes.
🧰 What you'll need
- Cloth hockey tape - like the classic Howies white tape or Howies black tape
- Stick wax - Howies wax stiffens the tape and protects it from moisture
- Scissors - for a clean tape end, grab a pair of hockey scissors
1️⃣ Clean the blade
Rip off the old tape and get rid of any leftover glue and dirt. New tape never sticks as well to a dirty blade - and it'll start peeling right when you need it least.
2️⃣ Start at the heel or the toe?
Both are fine - it's all about habit. Most players go heel to toe, because the tape doesn't rub "against the grain" as much when you handle the puck. Just stay consistent so your blade feels the same every time.
3️⃣ Overlap by about half
Each wrap should overlap the previous one by roughly a third to a half of the tape width. Keep even tension and watch out for bubbles and wrinkles - that's where water and snow build up.
4️⃣ Tear and smooth it down
Tear or cut the end of the tape and press it down firmly. Then rub your palm over the whole blade - the heat from your hand helps the adhesive grab.
5️⃣ Wax on top
This is the step a lot of players skip. Stick wax stiffens the tape, makes it last longer and protects it from moisture. Rub it on both sides of the blade and then smooth it out - a scrap of tape works great for that.
❓ How often should you retape?
It depends on how much you play and how hard you shoot. Once the tape starts fraying, peeling or losing its grip, it's time for a fresh one. Quality tape with a tight weave and strong adhesive, like Howies, will last you noticeably longer than cheap alternatives, though.
Done. Now hit the ice and show everyone how that puck sits on your blade. 🏒🔥