Jay Philbin Hockey Development

Jay Philbin Hockey Development Jay Philbin Hockey Development was founded to help growing athletes maximize their potential. The best is never easy!

05/24/2026

Everyone works hard in practices and in games but it's what a player does off the ice that separates them from those who do the minimum! Let's go!!!

Memorial Day weekend special $150.00 off for any week!  Use code "MEM26" at playmakerseries.com
05/24/2026

Memorial Day weekend special $150.00 off for any week! Use code "MEM26" at playmakerseries.com

I often see kids with sticks that are too long or with curves that are difficult to use.  In my opinion the stick should...
05/16/2026

I often see kids with sticks that are too long or with curves that are difficult to use. In my opinion the stick should be cut between the player's chin and nose (which is still relatively long).

Below are some explanations that I agree with regarding the best curve and stick flex for younger hockey players.

"A Grinder's Guide to Choosing the Right Hockey StickFor a young or beginner hockey player, the best curve is a mild mid-curve (like the Bauer P92 or CCM P29). This curve is the industry standard for beginners because its slight open face and gentle curve make it versatile for passing, stickhandling, and lifting the puck.

Choosing the right curve and stick specifications is vital for developing a young player’s fundamentals.

Why the Mid-Curve is Best

Versatility: It bridges the gap between toe and heel curves, allowing a player to do everything reasonably well without being limited to one specific type of shot.

Lifting the Puck: The slightly open face helps younger players get the puck off the ice as they learn the mechanics of shooting.

Passing & Stickhandling: The gentle, even shape keeps the puck flat on the ice during passes and provides a large "sweet spot" for receiving passes and handling the puck.

Curves to Avoid
Extreme toe curves (e.g., P28): These are considered advanced curves. They make the puck want to "pop" off the blade quickly, which can make stickhandling difficult and cause a young player to develop bad habits.
Big heel curves: These are typically reserved for heavy slap shots or defensemen, and will severely hinder a young player's ability to stickhandle and pass.

Stick Flex: A common mistake is getting a stick that is too stiff. The general rule of thumb is that the stick's flex should be about half the player's body weight (e.g., if the player weighs 80 lbs, they should use a 40-flex stick). A softer flex allows them to bend the stick properly to learn how to shoot hard."

Happy Mother's Day to all of you amazing moms!  We appreciate everything that you do for us!!!
05/10/2026

Happy Mother's Day to all of you amazing moms! We appreciate everything that you do for us!!!

We have 2 additional camps that we just published. For details check the link in our bio. Looking forward to continuing ...
05/03/2026

We have 2 additional camps that we just published. For details check the link in our bio. Looking forward to continuing to develop such a great group of players!

04/10/2026

Jimmy Philbin sealing the deal for the 2018’s during today’s tournament!

Day 1 of our Puck Handling & Goal Scoring Camp was so much fun!  Great work by all!
04/09/2026

Day 1 of our Puck Handling & Goal Scoring Camp was so much fun! Great work by all!

We’re excited to have Lynn back for her third year at JPHD! 💪Lynn has a deep passion for athletic performance, and as an...
04/09/2026

We’re excited to have Lynn back for her third year at JPHD! 💪

Lynn has a deep passion for athletic performance, and as an ACE Certified Strength & Conditioning Coach, she brings an elite level of training to our athletes.

But what makes her special isn’t just her knowledge, it’s how much she cares. As both a coach and a hockey mom, she understands what it takes to develop strong, confident, and resilient players.

We’re lucky to have her leading our off-ice training this spring.

Looking forward to our first stick handling and goal scoring sessions tonight!  Drop-ins are welcome!
04/08/2026

Looking forward to our first stick handling and goal scoring sessions tonight! Drop-ins are welcome!

Address

North Andover, MA

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