6 Best Youth Hockey Sticks For Forwards That Help Develop a Quicker Release

You’re watching from the stands, coffee in hand, as your child breaks into the zone. They wind up for a shot, but by the time the puck leaves the stick, the goalie is already set. It’s a familiar moment of "almost," and you can’t help but wonder if their equipment is holding them back. Choosing the right hockey stick from a wall of options feels overwhelming, but it’s one of the most direct ways you can support your young forward’s skill development.

Developing a Quick Release in Youth Hockey

You hear coaches and commentators talk about a "quick release" all the time. What does it actually mean for a young player? It’s the ability to get a shot off toward the net with minimal wind-up, catching goalies and defenders by surprise. For a forward, this is a game-changing skill that turns a missed opportunity into a goal.

Think of it as a developmental milestone. A beginner (ages 5-8) is focused on the basic mechanics of just making solid contact with the puck. As they progress (ages 9-12), the focus shifts from just hitting the puck to strategically shooting it. A quick release is less about raw power and more about technique, timing, and using the stick as a tool to transfer energy rapidly. The right stick acts as a partner in this process, making it easier for them to feel the "snap" and build the muscle memory required.

Bauer Vapor Hyperlite 2: Elite Feel & Release

You see this stick in the hands of the most dedicated players on the travel team, and for good reason. The Hyperlite 2 is a top-tier stick designed for one thing: getting the puck off the blade as fast as humanly possible. This is an investment piece, best suited for the competitive player (typically 11-14 years old) who has already established strong fundamental skills and is now focused on refining their scoring touch.

Its main feature is an extremely low "kick point," which is the area where the stick flexes most. A low kick point means the stick bends and snaps back right near the blade, creating a lightning-fast release on snap shots and wrist shots—the primary weapons for a forward in traffic. This is not a beginner’s stick. Its performance benefits are only realized by a player with the strength and technique to use it properly. For the right player, it provides an unparalleled feel for the puck and can be a true confidence-booster.

CCM Ribcor Trigger 8 Pro for Quick Snap Shots

If your child lives and breathes hockey and plays a fast-paced, in-close scoring game, the Ribcor line is a direct competitor to Bauer’s Vapor. The Trigger 8 Pro is engineered specifically for those quick, deceptive shots that forwards need to score from the slot. It’s another elite-level option for the serious youth player who has moved beyond the basics and is working on advanced shooting techniques.

Like the Hyperlite, the Ribcor features a low kick point to maximize the speed of release. Parents often ask what the difference is, and it largely comes down to feel. Some players prefer the specific responsiveness and blade feel of the Ribcor. If your forward is at a level where they can notice subtle differences in their equipment, having them feel both this and the Vapor at a pro shop can be a valuable exercise in understanding their own preferences. This stick is about giving a dedicated player a tool that matches their high level of commitment.

Warrior Covert QR5 Pro: Value and Performance

Here is the sweet spot for so many families. The Warrior Covert line is famous for delivering elite quick-release technology at a more accessible price point. This is the perfect stick for the dedicated travel or house league player who is serious about improving but whose family is also juggling the costs of a busy sports season. It allows your child to benefit from modern performance features without the top-of-the-line price tag.

The Covert QR5 Pro is built around a low kick point, just like its more expensive counterparts, helping your forward develop the mechanics of a quick shot. It’s a workhorse stick that provides excellent performance and durability. This is a fantastic choice when you want to support your child’s passion with high-quality gear but are mindful that they’ll likely hit a growth spurt in the next 12 months. It respects both their development and the family budget.

True HZRDUS PX: Lightweight for Fast Hands

Sometimes, a player’s skill and hockey sense outpace their physical strength. If you have a smaller forward who is crafty and smart but struggles to get shots off quickly, the ultra-lightweight design of the True HZRDUS PX can be a difference-maker. A lighter stick allows a player to move their hands faster, which is a key component of a quick release.

This stick is built with a low kick point for a quick release but its defining feature is its minimal weight. For a developing player, reducing the stick’s weight can make stickhandling in tight spaces feel easier and shooting feel less fatiguing over the course of a long game or practice. It’s a great example of matching the equipment not just to a player’s skill, but to their specific physical stage of development, helping to level the playing field.

Bauer Prodigy: Built for a Youth Player’s Flex

If you have a young player just starting out (ages 5-9), please step away from the rack of senior sticks. Cutting down a stiff adult stick is one of the biggest mistakes we can make. A child simply doesn’t have the weight or strength to bend it, so they never learn the proper feeling of "loading" a stick to shoot. They end up just slapping at the puck, building bad habits.

The Bauer Prodigy line is designed from the ground up for the youngest players. It features a very low flex rating (like 20 or 30), a smaller shaft diameter for small hands, and a blade designed to help lift the puck. This stick makes it possible for a 50-pound kid to actually feel the stick bend and snap. This is the most important stick in their development, as it builds the foundational feel for shooting that will serve them for their entire hockey career.

CCM Jetspeed FT6 Pro for All-Around Forwards

Not every forward plays the exact same style. If your child is more of a versatile, all-around player who takes shots from the slot but also unleashes bigger shots from the top of the circles, the Jetspeed line is an excellent fit. It’s designed for the player who does a little bit of everything.

The key technology here is a "hybrid kick point." Instead of being very low like a Ribcor or Vapor, the flex point is a bit higher up the shaft. This creates a hinge effect that provides a great blend of speed on quick shots and power on shots that require a bigger wind-up. This is a fantastic option for the well-rounded forward or even a defenseman who likes to jump into the play, offering a perfect balance of performance across different types of shots.

Matching Stick Flex and Length to Your Player

Before you even look at a brand name or a price tag, you need to know two numbers: length and flex. Getting these right is more important than any other feature for your child’s development. An incorrect stick will actively hinder their ability to learn proper shooting mechanics.

For length, a good starting point is to have the player stand in their street shoes and measure the stick to their nose. When they put their skates on, it will come up to their chin. As they get more advanced, they may prefer it slightly shorter for better handling or longer for more reach, but chin-high on skates is the standard.

For flex, the rule of thumb is critical: choose a flex rating that is less than half of your child’s body weight.

• Player Weight: 50 lbs -> Stick Flex: 20-25
• Player Weight: 80 lbs -> Stick Flex: 30-40
• Player Weight: 110 lbs -> Stick Flex: 45-55

A stick that is too stiff is like trying to shoot with a steel pipe; the player can’t bend it to generate energy. A stick with the correct flex will allow them to learn the proper technique, feel the puck, and build the confidence that comes from seeing their hard work pay off with a great shot.

In the end, the goal isn’t to buy your child a spot in the NHL; it’s to give them a tool that feels good in their hands and removes any frustration that comes from fighting their own equipment. The right stick allows their skills to shine, builds their confidence, and deepens their love for the game. That’s an investment that always pays off.