Tools of the Trade - The Stick Gauge
Quick, what is the maximum curve allowed on the blade of an NHL player? How about the maximum width of the goalies leg pads? Try the Minimum length of the Goalie’s catcher cuff? Did you even know there was a minimum length on the cuff?
With all of these measurements, what is an equipment manager to do? How do they keep track of it all? In case you do not know the answer, I introduce to you the amazing Stick Gauge. It is a vital tool of the Equipment Manager’s trade. It measures everything mentioned above and more. This is starting to sound like a vega-matic commercial.
Through the years there have been updated rule changes in the sizing of equipment (and the players taking some initiative in “customizing” their own tools of the trade) and this unique tool assists teams in keeping things on the up and up.
The gauge is kind of like a Swiss Army Knife of Measurements. It is a one-stop shop for checking curves, lengths and widths of sticks and protective gear. And with that, here are some close ups of the stick gauge...
And if you don’t think it’s important to measure these things, just remember back to the Habs / Kings series in ’93…