Seattle Defenseman Also Reveals Recent Stick-er Shock
Hockey players, as you probably know, are protective, particular, even superstitious about their sticks. So imagine Jamie Oleksiak's surprise when he found out his stick wasn't what he thought it was.
To understand, some quick background from Sportsnet's Scott Morrison: "To differentiate between patterns, manufacturers often label sticks with the names of players who endorse their product." The Seattle Kraken defenseman thought his stick was "A Sakic," meaning it was modeled after the pattern created for hockey Hall of Famer Joe Sakic.
"A Sakic" stick is known for its precise blade curve, which is useful when "cupping" the puck for toe-drag moves, as well as elevating shots, and even making backhand passes. No wonder Joe scored 625 goals and produced 1,016 assists.
Many current stars have played with "a Sakic," including Boston's Brad Marchand, Tampa Bay's Steven Stamkos, and Toronto's Auston Matthews.
But Oleksiak revealed on the Mitts Off podcast, "I thought I had been using a Sakic this whole time, but they told me last year it's not a Sakic. I don't know what it is, but it's a pretty stock curve. I think it's just something they picked off the wall."
Don't feel bad, Jamie. You know who else never actually used "a Sakic?" Yup, Joe Sakic. The 21-year NHL pro said he used one similar, but not the exact model which bears his name - and he turned out all right. Besides, whatever its pedigree, Oleksiak is happy with his stick. "It's a pretty good piece of lumber. It's really stiff," he says about its flex.
Oleksiak's stick is quite unusual in a different respect. An NHL rule mandates that sticks must be no longer than 63" from heel to shaft, and 12.5" from heel to the tip of the blade. However, the league does grant exceptions for players 6-foot-6 or taller. Oleksiak, who stands 6-foot-7, has been granted one of those exemptions for a stick that's up to 65".
Seattle Tops In Topography
One more note concerning elevation; Oleksiak is glad his new home region has some. "Now that I'm in Seattle, it's a lot different" then when he played for the Dallas Stars. "They say in Dallas you could watch your dog run away for an hour," because of its flat terrain.
"You know, I love Dallas, but it's definitely nice to have the mountains and the lakes. Hiking is a big thing to do out here. So I'm just kind of enjoying the scenery on the west coast. It's been a really cool experience for me, and yeah, I really enjoy it."