Small details matter. Avoid these common taping mistakes to help protect your tape and keep your stick ready for every shift.

What You'll Learn

• How to avoid the five most common hockey tape mistakes.
• Tips for creating a cleaner, longer-lasting tape job.
• Simple habits to help prepare your stick before every skate.

5 Minute Read

A good tape job doesn't happen by accident.

Many hockey players spend time choosing the right stick, sharpening their skates, and preparing for games—but overlook the small details when taping their blade.

Simple mistakes can shorten tape life, collect extra snow, and leave your stick looking worn long before the game is over.

Fortunately, they're easy to avoid.

Here are five common hockey tape mistakes and how to fix them.

Mistake 1

Applying Tape to a Wet Blade

Never tape over moisture.

Water trapped beneath tape can reduce adhesion and lead to loose edges over time.

Better Habit

Remove old tape completely.

Dry the blade.

Start with a clean surface.

Mistake 2

Uneven Tape Overlap

Large gaps.

Crooked wraps.

Uneven thickness.

These create inconsistent coverage.

Better Habit

Overlap each wrap evenly from heel to toe (or your preferred direction) while maintaining a steady, consistent pattern.

Mistake 3

Wrapping Too Tight—or Too Loose

Too tight

Tape stretches.

Too loose

Tape wrinkles.

Both reduce durability.

Better Habit

Use smooth, even tension.

Allow the tape to sit naturally against the blade.

Mistake 4

Forgetting the Toe and Bottom Edge

The toe and bottom edge receive constant contact with:

Ice

Boards

Puck

These high-wear areas deserve extra attention during your tape job.

Better Habit

Smooth tape carefully around the toe and inspect the bottom edge before every skate.

Mistake 5

Skipping Hockey Stick Wax

Fresh tape deserves protection.

A thin, even coat of hockey stick wax helps protect the tape and reduce snow build-up during play.

Better Habit

Apply a light, even layer after taping.

Spread it evenly across the blade.

Player Questions

How often should I retape my stick?

Whenever your tape becomes worn, saturated, torn, or begins peeling.

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Should I remove all the old tape first?

Yes.

Removing the old tape allows you to inspect and clean the blade before applying fresh tape.

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Is black tape better than white tape?

Both perform similarly. Many players simply choose the colour they prefer.

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Should I wax new tape?

Many players apply hockey stick wax immediately after finishing a fresh tape job.