The most popular hockey sticks in the NHL are dominated by three brands — CCM, Bauer, and Warrior — which together account for the vast majority of stick usage across all 32 teams.
Tracking data from GearGeek, which monitors equipment across 774 active NHL players, gives the clearest picture of what pros actually use on the ice right now.
CCM JetSpeed FT7 Pro — The Most-Used Stick in the NHL
The CCM JetSpeed FT7 Pro is currently used by approximately 14% of the NHL GearGeek — making it the single most popular stick in the league. Its hybrid kick point delivers a blend of quick release and shot power, making it equally effective for forwards and defensemen.
Connor McDavid recorded his 1,000th career NHL point with the JetSpeed FT7 Pro. GearGeek It debuted at the 2024 NHL All-Star Weekend and was rapidly adopted by CCM-endorsed players across the league.
Bauer Vapor HyperLite 2 — Lightest Stick on the Market
The Bauer Vapor HyperLite 2 weighs just 360 grams GearGeek and is a top choice for forwards who prioritize speed and a fast-release shot. Its low kick point allows players to get the puck off the blade quickly in tight spaces.
Notable users include some of the league’s most dynamic scorers. The stick was released to retail in July 2023 and gained traction immediately among Bauer’s NHL roster.
Bauer Nexus Tracer — Best Mid-Kick Option
The Bauer Nexus Tracer features an optimized mid-kick point and a five-gram weight reduction from the previous Nexus Sync. GearGeek It’s the preferred choice for players who want both shot power and versatility across different shot types.
Defensemen like Cale Makar and Josh Morrissey use the Bauer Nexus line Gaimday, reflecting how the mid-kick profile suits players who take wrist shots and one-timers from the blue line.
Warrior Covert QR6 Pro — Best Stick for Quick-Release Forwards
The Warrior Covert QR6 Pro is used by about 5.8% of the NHL GearGeek, with notable users including Lucas Raymond, Kyle Connor, and Mathew Barzal. Its low-kick profile and all-black aesthetic have made it a standout option among Warrior’s lineup.
The QR6 Pro made its first NHL appearance in December 2023, months before its public release — a sign of how quickly it earned trust among pro players.
CCM Ribcor Trigger 9 Pro — Built for Pure Shooters
The CCM Ribcor Trigger 9 Pro targets players who prioritize shot loading and puck release over all-around versatility. A new kick point paired with a softer hosel allows players to load their shots more easily and release with greater control. GearGeek
It’s the go-to option for players with a fast, high-release shooting style — particularly wingers who shoot off the rush.
Brand Breakdown: Who Dominates the NHL?
Bauer and CCM together dominate more than 70% of professional stick usage in the NHL. Pro Stock Hockey Warrior holds a strong third position, with True and Sherwood rounding out the market.
Here’s a rough breakdown of brand share by usage:
- CCM: ~35–40% (led by the JetSpeed FT7 Pro and Ribcor Trigger lines)
- Bauer: ~30–35% (led by the HyperLite 2 and Nexus Tracer)
- Warrior: ~10–12% (led by the Covert QR6 Pro and Alpha LX2 Pro)
- True, Sherwood, Others: ~10–15% combined
You can track live NHL equipment usage by player and model at GearGeek’s NHL equipment database, which is updated daily throughout the season.
What NHL Stick Choices Tell Recreational Players
Pro stick choices aren’t just marketing — they reflect genuine performance preferences based on position, shot type, and playing style. Wrist shots account for 52% of shots in the NHL and snap shots account for 15% Gaimday, which explains why low and hybrid kick-point sticks dominate the league over high-kick models built for slap shots.
For recreational players, the most useful takeaway is matching kick point to your most common shot type — not chasing the most expensive model. A more in-depth look at how stick specs translate to real performance can be found at Pure Hockey’s stick comparison guide.