Tape Job

Have you ever wondered how professional hockey players tape their stick so perfect? Their tape is always perfectly aligned and it never seems to rip or tear, somehow. They are playing and a wet surface but the tape never droops off or looks soggy. This essay will include what you need, how to tape straight, and how to make your tape stay in perfect condition.

Before getting started, there are a number of sizes and colors of tape, but the process is always the same. I prefer regular width tape because you can always cut off extra pieces and it seems to last longer than wider width tape. Things that are needed for this project are a hockey stick, hockey tape, a hockey puck, tape wax, a lighter, and scissors.

First off, make sure your stick is clean from stickers or scum that the tape has left behind from before. There is often a line of smudge on the bottom of the blade, this can be removed by rubbing it against the floor OR rubbing a piece of rubber against it. If this does not work, try adding a little water and then rubbing it.

Next, you are ready to start taping the freshly cleaned blade. I usually started on the forehand side of the blade but starting on the backhand will not affect the process.

Start by placing the stick between your legs with the blade facing upwards, towards your face. Then place the tape at the top of the blade and pull upwards on the tape so there is a vertical strip on one piece of the blade. Make sure the tape is flat and secure to the blade. Once the tape is at the bottom of the blade, pull on the roll of tape so there is an access amount that should cover the backhand of the blade. This will prevent wrinkles and will be easier to align the pieces of tape in the future.

Once the first strip is taped on the front and the back of the blade, the process is very easy. Continue to place the strip of tape where desired and make sure it is pressed firmly to the blade. It will make the process easier to flip the stick to the forehand and backhand when taping that side and will make it easier to put the tape in an accurate spot. The biggest thing is to make sure there is enough access tape to cover the next side.

Next, it is easiest to end the tape job by cutting the tape closest to the toe of the blade so that it does not wrinkle. To cover the toe of the blade, cute strips of tape and place them where needed. Make sure there is enough so that the tape is over hanging the blade, vertically. Continue to do this until the toe is covered. Press firmly around the toe of the blade so the tape forms around the blade. Cut the access tape off with the scissors, this will be a “U” cut around the toe of the blade.

Lastly, once the stick is taped, wax will be applied to the tape so it does not get soggy or cut open. Rub as much hockey wax on as desired. Next, rub the wax into the tape with a hockey puck. Finally, use the lighter to melt the wax until it is able to be rubbed with the hockey puck easier. Do not make it into a liquid but almost like a chunky state.