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NHL Goalie Sticks 2025, What the Pros Use

If you are shopping for NHL goalie sticks in 2025, start with what the pros use. Bauer leads league usage, then Warrior, TRUE, and CCM.

Goaltender stick usage by brand

  • Bauer about 45%

  • Warrior about 26%

  • TRUE about 21%

  • CCM about 8%

Numbers above come from current sightings on GearGeek and change slightly week to week.
Related:Best Goalie Sticks 2025


Bauer Vapor HyperLite 2 Goalie Stick NHL Use

Bauer took the lightweight idea and pushed it further with the HyperLite 2. The paddle and blade use advanced carbon layering to keep the weight down and the balance neutral. The short-shaft Vapor feel makes puck plays simple off the wall or under pressure. On impact the stick stays lively without buzzing your hands.

Why NHL goalies like it

  • Fast feel for rim pickups and quick ups

  • Balanced paddle that does not fight you in recoveries

  • Consistent rebound off the blade for firm exchanges

Notable NHL users
Sergei Bobrovsky, Andrei Vasilevskiy, Philipp Grubauer, Logan Thompson, Mackenzie Blackwood, Filip Gustavsson, Daniel Vladar, Semyon Varlamov, Jesper Wallstedt, Jake Allen, Akira Schmid, Justus Annunen, Eric Comrie, Devin Cooley, Cayden Primeau.

Best fit
Goalies who play an active puck game and want that Vapor short-shaft control with a light build.

Bauer Vapor Hyperlite 2 Stick

The NHL's former favorite at clearance prices - proven pro performance with that exceptionally light 592-gram feel.

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Warrior Ritual V4 RTL Goalie Stick NHL Use

Warrior’s V4 RTL mixes a very light carbon layup with Asymmetrical Shaft Geometry for grip and edge control in traffic. The low kick helps you send the puck off the glass or hit the weak-side defenseman with a quick release. It is a clean looking stick with chrome details that still holds up to wear.

Why NHL goalies like it

  • Stable paddle with a quick loading shaft

  • Confident grip that makes shuffles and bumps feel connected

  • Durable face for repeated plays off the blade

Notable NHL users
Igor Shesterkin, Jacob Markstrom, Darcy Kuemper, Joey Daccord, Karel Vejmelka, Petr Mrazek, Joonas Korpisalo, Sam Montembeault, Jonathan Quick, Alex Lyon, Samuel Ersson, Jonas Johansson, Arturs Silovs.

Best fit
Goalies who want a lively release for clears and a locked-in feel on transitions at the post.

Best Overall
Warrior Ritual V4 RTL Goalie Stick

The undisputed champion of 2025 - ultra-light Minimus Carbon 25 construction delivers lightning-quick releases and elite durability.

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Bauer Supreme Shadow Goalie Stick NHL Use

The Supreme Shadow brings Bauer’s ACL 2.0 carbon build to the Supreme family. It feels solid on hard shots, keeps vibration down, and gives you a firm platform for jams around the crease. The paddle shape and balance help when sealing on RVH and when moving the puck under pressure.

Why NHL goalies like it

  • Strong face with low vibration on point shots

  • Neutral balance for tight recoveries

  • Confident feel for controlled chips and rims

Notable NHL users
Ilya Sorokin, Elvis Merzlikins, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Spencer Knight, Charlie Lindgren, Yaroslav Askarov, Pyotr Kochetkov, Vitek Vanecek, Matt Murray, David Rittich, Colten Ellis.

Best fit
Goalies who value a sturdy paddle and a quiet feel on impact with enough pop to move pucks cleanly.

Bauer Shadow Goalie Stick

Different philosophy, elite results - the positional goalie's dream stick with explosive power and maximum control.

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How to Choose a Goalie Stick in 2025

  • Weight and balance
    Light helps late in games, but make sure the paddle does not tip forward. Balance should feel neutral when you set your stance.

  • Shaft geometry
    Vapor short shaft gives quick hands. Warrior’s ASG adds grip for shuffles and T-push starts. Try both and see which connects best to your blocker.

  • Puck play
    If you clear a lot, look for a lower kick that loads fast. If you mostly bump and rim, prioritize durability on the blade face.

  • Paddle height
    Match your stance. Too tall and your blocker rides up the hand. Too short and you leak holes around the top of the pad.

  • Related :Goalie Stick Sizing Guide

NHL Goalie Stick FAQ

What goalie stick do most NHL goalies use?
Bauer currently leads overall usage, with Vapor HyperLite 2 and Supreme Shadow as common choices.

Is the HyperLite 2 or Shadow better for puck handling?
Both move the puck well. The HyperLite 2 feels a touch quicker because of the Vapor short shaft and balance. The Shadow feels a bit sturdier on heavy contact.

Why do some goalies switch models midseason?
Fit and feel change with injuries, tape jobs, or small paddle tweaks. Teams also test new runs with adjusted layups.


Final take

You cannot go wrong with any of these three sticks if they match your stance and puck plan. If you want the lightest, fastest hands, start with the Bauer Vapor HyperLite 2. If you want a crisp release with a confident grip, try the Warrior Ritual V4 RTL. If you want a strong, quiet paddle that soaks up heavy shots, the Bauer Supreme Shadow is a safe bet.

Methodology note: NHL usage lists and first-sighting history referenced from GearGeek’s tracking of pro gear.
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