Best Hockey Sticks for Juniors — The Complete Buying Guide

Buying a hockey stick for a junior player can feel overwhelming with so many options available. This guide cuts through the noise and helps you find the right stick for your child's age, level, and playing style.

The Most Important Thing: Get the Right Size First

Before thinking about brand or bow profile, stick size is the single most important factor for junior players. A stick that's too long or too short will hold back a player's development and make the game harder than it needs to be. As a general rule, when a player stands upright, the top of the stick should reach their hip bone. Junior sticks typically range from 28" to 36", with most primary school-age children starting on a 28"–32" and moving up as they grow. If you're unsure, check our stick size guide or get in touch and we'll help you find the right length.

Carbon Content: Keep It Low for Beginners

Carbon content determines how stiff a stick is. High-carbon sticks are powerful and responsive but unforgiving — they transmit a lot of vibration and require clean technique to use effectively. For beginners and younger juniors, a lower carbon content (typically under 30%) gives a more forgiving feel that's easier to control and less likely to put a young player off the game. As technique develops, players can move up to higher carbon models for more power and feedback.

For Complete Beginners and Young Starters (Under 10s)

If your child is just starting out — at school, in a club beginner session, or picking up a stick for the first time — the priority is a lightweight, durable, and affordable composite that won't put them off. You don't need to spend a lot at this stage.

The Grays GT3 Junior (also available in purple) is one of the best entry-level junior sticks available — lightweight, forgiving, and built to last through the rough and tumble of early hockey. The Grays AC400 Dynabow-S Junior in blue and white is another excellent starting point, offering a proper composite feel at a very accessible price. From Kookaburra, the LB10 in Black and LB10 in Pink are reliable, well-priced options that are popular with clubs and schools. For Y1, the Junior Starter Bundle in Pink and Black include everything a new player needs to get going. The Gryphon Laser G26 Navy Junior and Laser G26 Pink Junior are also excellent beginner options with a proper composite construction.

Our pick: Grays GT3 Junior or Kookaburra LB10 — both are reliable, affordable, and widely used at beginner level.

For Developing Players (Ages 10–13, Regular Club Hockey)

Once a junior is playing regularly — training weekly and competing in matches — it's worth stepping up to a stick with a bit more carbon and a more defined bow profile. At this stage, players are developing their technique and starting to work on skills like hitting, pushing, and basic aerials.

The Grays GT4 Junior (also in hot red) is a natural step up from the GT3, with more carbon and a stiffer feel. The Grays DB4 Junior introduces the Dynabow profile — a great choice for players who want to start developing aerial skills alongside their all-round game. The DB6 Junior in Black/Blue and Black/Metallic Pink step up the carbon further for players who are developing quickly. From Y1, the JLB 10, JLB 20, and JLB 30 are excellent junior low-bow options at progressive carbon levels. The Kookaburra LB20 and LB40 are solid mid-range options from a trusted brand, and the Gryphon Flow G26 Pro21 Junior is a well-specified junior performance stick for players ready to step up.

Our pick: Grays DB4 or DB6 Junior, or Y1 JLB 20 — all offer a good balance of performance and value for regular club players.

For Talented Juniors Ready to Push Their Game (Ages 13+, County/Regional Level)

For juniors who are playing at a higher level — county trials, regional squads, or simply training seriously several times a week — it's worth investing in a higher-carbon stick with a more specialist bow profile. At this stage, technique is established enough to benefit from a stiffer, more responsive stick.

The Grays JB4 Junior introduces the Jumbow high-bow profile — ideal for juniors who want to develop drag flicking and aerial skills. The JB5 Junior and JB6 Junior step up the carbon progressively, while the JB7+ Junior is a high-carbon Jumbow stick for serious young players. For those who prefer a Dynabow profile, the Grays DB5 Junior and DB7+ Junior are strong choices, and the DB1Xi Junior brings Grays' latest Xi construction technology to the junior range. From Y1, the JMB in Pink and Blue are junior mid-bow sticks with a strong following among developing players. The Grays PB7+ Junior in Caribbean Green is the top junior Probow option — a genuine performance stick for the most talented young players ready to train with elite-level equipment. The Grays GT0Xi Junior in Hot Red/Coral is another standout option, bringing Xi construction to a junior ultrabow profile.

Our pick: Grays JB5 or JB6 Junior for skills-focused players, or Grays DB7+ Junior for all-rounders. The PB7+ Junior is the choice for the most talented players ready for a serious step up.

Junior Goalkeeper Sticks

Junior goalkeepers need a stick built specifically for their position — wider, more reinforced, and designed for shot-stopping rather than outfield play. The Grays GK2K Ultrabow Junior is an excellent junior GK stick with an ultrabow profile for better distribution, and the Grays GK4K Elite Junior in Black/Orange is the top junior GK option for serious young keepers.

Does Brand Matter for Juniors?

At beginner and developing level, brand matters far less than getting the right size and carbon level. All the brands we stock — Grays, Y1, Kookaburra, VOODOO, and Gryphon — produce quality junior sticks that will serve a developing player well. At higher levels, personal preference for bow profile and feel becomes more important, and it's worth trying a few options if possible before committing to a top-end junior stick.

A Note on Buying Ahead

It can be tempting to buy a stick slightly too large so a junior player can "grow into it", but this is worth avoiding. An oversized stick is harder to control, develops bad habits, and can put young players off the game. It's better to buy the right size now and upgrade in a season or two as they grow.

Still Not Sure?

Our team are hockey players and parents — we're happy to help you find the right stick for your junior player. Get in touch and we'll point you in the right direction.