Best Hockey Sticks for Kids: Top Sets for Safe, Fun Play
Answer: For beginner and mid-level young players, the best hockey sticks for kids are affordable, durable, and easy to handle. This guide features five top sets designed to build skills, confidence, and outdoor activity. They are ideal for parents seeking safe, kid-friendly options for driveway, floor, or backyard play. The selections emphasize adjustable sizes, durable materials, and beginner-friendly designs to help children learn fundamentals without skating. The buyer here is looking for easy setup, age-appropriate height, and value for money. The overview table below highlights key points for quick comparison.
| Product | Best for | Adjustability | Indoor/Outdoor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin Sports NHL Youth Street Hockey Starter Set | Young beginners | Fixed sizes | Outdoor |
| Franklin Sports NERF Proshot Kids Hockey Sticks + Ball Set | Indoor/outdoor practice | 26″–35.5″ | Indoor & Outdoor |
| GoSports Hockey Street Sticks | Early learners | Wooden sticks | Outdoor |
| Champion Sports RHINO Stick Elementary Hockey Set | School or backyard use | 36″ fixed | Indoor/Outdoor |
| Premier Sports Kids Hockey Set | Family play | 4 sticks; 23″ blades | Indoors & Outdoors |
Franklin Sports NHL Youth Street Hockey Starter Set
The Franklin Future Champs NHL Youth Street Hockey Starter Set is designed for first-time players. Best for young beginners who want a simple outdoor hockey activity with two sticks for 1-on-1 play. The shaft and blade use durable ABS plastic, suitable for pavement wear. This set encourages outdoor activity and can support floor or roller hockey practice. A potential limitation is that the sticks are a fixed size, so growth may require an upgrade as children get taller or more skilled.
Franklin Sports NERF Proshot Kids Hockey Sticks + Ball Set
Best for: kids who want versatile practice both indoors and outdoors. The NERF Proshot set includes adjustable sticks from 26″ to 35.5″, enabling growth across ages. It’s suitable for floor or knee hockey play and includes a ball, enhancing game versatility. A caution: the adjustable range requires careful setup to ensure the blade height matches the player’s stance, and performance may vary with different floor types.
GoSports Hockey Street Sticks
Best for: early learners seeking a simple wooden stick setup. These street sticks are wooden with plastic heads, offering a natural grip and lighter weight for beginners. The kit includes two sticks and two balls, making it easy to practice basic passes and shots. The main limitation is wood construction, which may wear faster with rough outdoor surfaces compared with more durable composite options. Consider this if you want a budget-friendly, easy-to-handle starter set.
Champion Sports RHINO® Stick Elementary Hockey Set
This set is best for school gyms or backyard play where durable materials matter. It features ABS shafts for longevity and non-marring polyethylene blades to protect indoor floors. The 36″ sticks are a solid choice for developing players who need stability and consistent blade contact. Best for: players who want sturdy equipment that can handle light indoor and outdoor use. A caution: fixed sizing means growth could require a larger replacement set as kids mature.
Premier Sports Kids Hockey Set
The Premier Sports Kids Hockey Set is designed for family play with four sticks and two mini goals. Best for younger players who want group participation both indoors and outdoors. The set includes both indoor-safe foam and outdoor standard balls, along with straight-blade sticks suitable for beginners of various handedness. A note: assembly of the goals may require a bit of time, and space is needed for setup. Choose this if you want a compact, multi-player beginner option.
Buying Guide
What should I look for in kids hockey sticks?
- Age and height guidance: Choose sticks that match the child’s height to keep shots and passes controllable.
- Material and durability: Plastic and wood options balance cost and resilience for beginners. ABS shafts resist wear; wood offers light feel.
- Adjustability: Adjustable sticks help accommodate growth, reducing the need for frequent upgrades.
- Indoor vs. outdoor suitability: Consider where kids will play most often to choose appropriate blades and balls.
- Safety features: Look for lightweight components and soft balls for indoor use to minimize injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What age are these sticks appropriate for? – Most sets target ages 4–12, with size guidance on product pages.
- Are adjustable sticks worth it for beginners? – Yes, they extend usable life as a child grows.
- Can these sets be used indoors? – Some sets include indoor-safe balls or are designed for knee hockey; check product details.
- Is wood better than plastic for beginners? – Wood is lighter and easier to maneuver for some, but plastic is usually more durable on pavement.
- Do these sets include goals? – Several sets include goals or target areas; others focus on sticks and balls, so verify details.
- What safety considerations exist? – Choose lightweight, non-sharp blades and softer balls for indoor use to minimize impact.