Is My Hockey Stick Broken?

Chips, cracks, rattles and strange noises don't always mean your hockey stick is broken.

Hockey sticks take a beating. They hit balls, turf and other sticks every time you play, so scratches, chips and general wear are a normal part of hockey.

The important thing is knowing the difference between normal wear and tear and structural damage.

At Sporting Edge, we see and work with hockey sticks every day. If you're unsure about yours, this guide will help you work out what you're looking at, and when it's worth getting your stick checked.

My Hockey Stick Is Chipping

Usually: Normal Wear & Tear

Small chips, scratches and marks around the head and edges of your hockey stick are completely normal.

Modern composite hockey sticks are made from multiple layers and finished with paint, graphics and protective coatings. With regular use, those outer layers naturally become marked and chipped, particularly around the head, heel and edges.

A chip doesn't automatically mean your hockey stick is broken.

When should I be concerned?

Have a closer look if:

• The damage is getting significantly larger or deeper
• Layers of the stick are separating
• Fibres are lifting or peeling
• The area feels soft when pressed
• You can see a crack continuing through the structure

Not sure? Send us a photo or bring it into Sporting Edge.

Can See Carbon Fibre – Is My Stick Broken?

Not necessarily.

Sometimes the outer paint or finish has chipped away and exposed the composite material underneath.

What matters is whether the structure itself has been compromised.

Surface wear can look pretty dramatic while still being cosmetic. Lifting fibres, separating layers, significant cracks or soft areas are more concerning.

If you can't tell the difference, our team can assess it for you.

My Hockey Stick Is Rattling

Don't panic – your stick might be completely fine.

A rattling hockey stick is surprisingly common.

Small pieces of dried resin or other material can occasionally come loose inside the hollow section of a composite stick.

Turn the stick upside down and...

rrrrrrrrattle.

It sounds terrible. But if the stick still feels solid and plays normally, a small internal rattle doesn't necessarily mean anything is structurally wrong.

My Hockey Stick Feels Soft

This one is worth checking.

If one particular area of your stick suddenly feels soft, moves under pressure or flexes differently from the rest of the stick, there could be damage within the composite structure.

We recommend bringing the stick in to be assessed.

Cosmetic Damage or Structural Damage?

Usually Cosmetic

✓ Paint chips
✓ Scratches and scuffs
✓ Worn graphics
✓ Normal heel wear
✓ Grip wear
✓ Small internal rattles

These might make your hockey stick look well-loved, but they don't necessarily affect its structural integrity.

Worth Getting Checked

⚠ Significant cracks
⚠ Composite layers separating
⚠ Fibres lifting or peeling
⚠ Large pieces missing
⚠ Soft areas in the shaft or head
⚠ Changes in the shape of the stick
⚠ Head separating from the shaft
⚠ Complete or partial breaks

If in doubt, stop using the stick and let us have a look.

Can a Broken Hockey Stick Be Repaired?

Sometimes, yes.

A damaged hockey stick doesn't always have to go straight in the bin.

Sporting Edge has an in-house workshop, and depending on the location and type of damage, some hockey sticks may be able to be repaired.

Every break is different, so we need to assess the stick before determining whether a repair is possible or worthwhile.

Hockey Stick Repairs & Assessments

If you've damaged a stick, you can:

Bring it into Sporting Edge
Our team can inspect the damage and let you know whether it looks cosmetic, potentially repairable, or whether the stick has reached the end of its playing life.

Send us photos
Can't get into store? Send us a few clear photos from different angles and we'll give you an initial assessment.

If we think a repair may be possible, we can talk you through the options available through our workshop.

BROKEN DOESN'T ALWAYS MEAN BINNED.

Ask us whether your stick can be repaired.

What About Hockey Stick Warranties?

A hockey stick warranty is designed to cover manufacturing faults, rather than every form of damage that occurs while playing hockey.

Normal wear and tear, cosmetic damage and damage caused through play may not be considered manufacturing defects.

Warranty periods and conditions also vary between brands.

If you purchased your stick from Sporting Edge and think there may be a manufacturing issue, talk to us before attempting a repair.

You can bring the stick into store or send us:

• A clear close-up of the damage
• Photos from a couple of different angles
• A photo of the whole stick
• Your order number or proof of purchase if available

We'll assess it and advise you on the next step.

Important: If you believe the damage may be a warranty issue, don't glue, sand or repair the stick before we've assessed it.

Hockey Stick Repairs at Sporting Edge

Our workshop isn't just there for broken sticks.

Depending on the job, we can help with the ongoing care and maintenance of your hockey equipment too.

If your stick has taken a knock, something doesn't feel right, or you're simply not sure whether it's safe to keep playing with it, bring it in and have a chat with us.

Sometimes it's cosmetic.

Sometimes it needs some workshop love.

And sometimes it's time for a new stick.

We'll give you an honest assessment and help you work out the best option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a chipped hockey stick broken?

Usually not. Small chips and scratches are common with normal hockey use. The things to watch for are deeper cracks, separating layers, lifting fibres or soft areas.

Can you play with a cracked hockey stick?

It depends on whether you're seeing a crack in the outer finish or damage through the actual structure. If you're unsure, stop using it and get it assessed.

Can a broken carbon hockey stick be repaired?

Some composite hockey stick damage may be repairable depending on the location, severity and type of break. Sporting Edge can assess the stick and advise whether a workshop repair may be possible.

Why does my hockey stick rattle?

Small pieces of dried resin or manufacturing material can sometimes become loose inside a composite stick. A rattle by itself doesn't necessarily mean the stick is broken.

Is hockey stick damage covered by warranty?

Manufacturing faults may be covered, while normal wear, cosmetic damage and impact damage may not be. Warranty conditions differ between brands, so contact us if you purchased the stick from Sporting Edge and believe there may be a fault.

Can Sporting Edge check my hockey stick?

Absolutely. Bring your stick into Sporting Edge or contact us with clear photos of the damage and our team can help you work out the next step.

Still Not Sure?

Bring it in.

At Sporting Edge, we're hockey people. We sell sticks, play with them, work on them and see damaged sticks come through our doors all the time.

If something doesn't look or feel right, you don't have to work it out yourself.

Send us photos or bring your hockey stick into Sporting Edge and we'll take a look.

Hockey Stick Assessment → Workshop Repair → Warranty Advice → Replacement

Whatever the outcome, we'll help you work out the best next step