Goalie hockey stick

Abstract

A goalie hockey stick includes: a handle portion with a paddle connecting end; a paddle portion that includes: an upper paddle portion; and a blade portion to contact a surface and that forms an L-shape with the upper paddle portion, the upper paddle portion including: a first end that is connected to the paddle connecting end of the handle portion; a second end that is connected to the blade portion; first and second side surfaces forming a first shape; a front face; a rear face that is opposite the rear face, and that is to face a goalie; and a shell including: an aperture through which the handle portion extends; an inner surface to engage at least one of (a) the upper paddle portion and (b) the handle portion; and an outer surface having third and fourth side surfaces forming a second shape that is different than the first shape.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 9808-000414-W0-P0AGOALIE HOCKEY STICKCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 683,357 filed on August 15, 2024. The entire disclosure of the application referenced above is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to hockey sticks and, more particularly, upper paddle portions of goalie hockey sticks.INTRODUCTION

[0003] The background description provided here is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.

[0004] Blades of hockey sticks can be made out of a monolithic piece of material, such as wood. Hockey stick blades can additionally or alternatively be made out of a composite material, such as high strength fibers (e.g., carbon fibers) that are embedded within a polymeric material (e.g., epoxy). In the example of composite materials, a prepreg material is wrapped around a relatively stiff core member, and the pre-preg material is then cured (e.g., via heat) and molded to form the hockey stick blade.

[0005] The pre-preg material can be wrapped such that the fibers are in a predetermined orientation such that the hockey stick blade exhibits advantageous force distribution properties, stiffness, etc. This type of hockey stick blade can be relatively low weight to such that the hockey stick can be maneuvered relatively quickly and easily.SUMMARY

[0006] In a feature, a goalie hockey stick includes: a handle portion with a paddle connecting end; a paddle portion that includes: an upper paddle portion; and a blade portion to contact a playing surface and that forms an L-shape with the upper paddle portion, the upper paddle portion including: a first end that is connected to the paddleAttorney Docket No. 9808-000414-W0-P0A connecting end of the handle portion; a second end that is connected to the blade portion; first and second side surfaces forming a first shape; a front face; a rear face that is opposite the rear face, and that is to face a goalie; and a shell including: an aperture through which the handle portion extends; an inner surface to engage at least one of (a) the upper paddle portion and (b) the handle portion; and an outer surface having third and fourth side surfaces forming a second shape that is different than the first shape.

[0007] In further features, the goalie hockey stick further includes a first filler disposed between (a) the first side surface and (b) the inner surface of the shell.

[0008] In further features, the goalie hockey stick further includes a second filler disposed between (a) the second side surface and (b) the inner surface of the shell.

[0009] In further features, the first filler and the second filler have a first density that is less than a second density of the shell.

[0010] In further features, the first filler and the second filler include at least one of a foam and a plastic.

[0011] In further features, the third and fourth side surfaces each include a convex surface.

[0012] In further features: the third side surface includes a first linear surface and a first concave surface; and the fourth side surface includes a second linear surface and a second concave surface.

[0013] In further features (a) a first angle of the first linear surface relative to a longitudinal axis of the handle portion is the same as (b) a second angle of the second linear surface relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle portion.

[0014] In further features (a) a first angle of the first linear surface relative to a longitudinal axis of the handle portion is not equal to (b) a second angle of the second linear surface relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle portion.

[0015] In further features an angle between (a) a first line of the first linear surface and (b) a second line of the second linear surface is one of (i) less than 90 degrees, (ii) 90 degrees, and (iii) greater than 90 degrees.Attorney Docket No. 9808-000414-W0-P0A

[0016] In further features one of: a first length of the first linear surface is equal to a second length of the second linear surface; and the first length of the first linear surface is not equal to the second length of the second linear surface.

[0017] In further features: the third side surface includes a first convex surface and a first linear surface; and the fourth side surface includes a second linear surface, a second convex surface, a concave surface, a convex surface, and a third linear surface.

[0018] In further features the shell includes a neck that covers a predetermined distance of the handle portion.

[0019] In further features the shell covers a predetermined distance of the upper paddle portion.

[0020] In further features the shell is a multiple-piece shell with the multiple pieces joined together.

[0021] In further features the shell is made of at least one of (a) a rubber, (b) a urethane, and (c) an elastomer.

[0022] In further features the outer surface of the shell has at least a predetermined surface roughess.

[0023] In further features the shell has a predetermined maximum stretchability of at least 20 percent.

[0024] In further features the shell includes a rim formed between the outer surface of the shell and the inner surface of the shell, where the rim engages a notch formed in the upper paddle portion.

[0025] In a feature, a shell for a goalie hockey stick is described and includes: an aperture through which a handle portion of the goalie hockey stick extends; an inner surface to engage at least one of (a) an upper paddle portion of the goalie hockey stick and (b) the handle portion of the goalie hockey stick; and an outer surface having third and fourth side surfaces forming a first shape that is different than a second shape of the upper paddle portion of the goalie hockey stick.

[0026] Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, the claims and the drawings. The detailed description andAttorney Docket No. 9808-000414-W0-P0A specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0028] FIG. 1 is a front view of a hockey stick;

[0029] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an example blade portion of a hockey stick, such as taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 or the example hockey stick of FIG. 3;

[0030] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a goalie hockey stick;

[0031] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a goalie hockey stick;

[0032] FIGs. 5A-5C include example shells of different upper outer shapes that can be connected to the shape of an upper paddle portion of a goalie stick;

[0033] FIG. 6 includes a top view of an example implementation of a shell;

[0034] FIG. 7 includes a bottom view of the example one of the shell; and

[0035] FIG. 8 includes an example illustration including perspective views during assembly of a shell with an upper paddle portion of a goalie stick having the shape.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Referring to FIG. 1 , a hockey stick 10 is illustrated. The hockey stick 10 includes a handle portion 12, which a player 14 holds, and a blade portion 16 (i.e., blade), which is used for controlling a hockey puck 18 or a ball.

[0037] The hockey stick 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a hockey stick for a position other than goalie. Goalie hockey sticks (used by goalies) are different than the hockey stick shown in FIG. 1. The concepts described below, however, may also be applicable to the hockey stick 10 of FIG. 1 . While the example of an ice hockey stick will be provided, the present application is also applicable to other types of sports equipment, such as field hockey sticks, roller hockey sticks, etc.

[0038] The handle portion 12 can be elongated and longitudinally straight. In some embodiments, the handle portion 12 can include a hollow core that is embedded and wrapped within a covering (e.g., composite material with carbon fibers).Attorney Docket No. 9808-000414-W0-P0A

[0039] The handle portion 12 includes a blade connecting end 13. The blade portion 16 is fixed to the blade connecting end 13 of the handle portion 12. The blade portion 16 can be fixed to the blade connecting end 13 in any suitable manner. The handle portion 12 and the blade portion 16 can be manufactured separately and subsequently attached together. Alternatively, the handle portion 12 and the blade portion 16 may be manufactured together.

[0040] The blade portion 16 generally includes a front face 20, which can be used for receiving and moving the hockey puck 18 (e.g., passing, shooting, etc.), and a rear face 22 (e.g., FIG. 2), which can also be used for receiving and moving the hockey puck 18. The blade portion 16 also includes a first end 28 that is connected to the blade connecting end 13 of the handle portion 12. The blade portion 16 also includes a second end 30 that is opposite to the first end 28.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the blade portion 16. The blade portion 16 also includes an upper edge 24 and a lower edge 26 that is opposite the upper edge 24. The upper edge 24 is typically spaced away from a playing surface (e.g., ice). The lower edge 26 may contact the playing surface. The upper edge 24 is opposite the lower edge 26.

[0042] Both the upper and lower edges 24 and 26 extend between the first and second ends 28 and 30 of the blade portion 16. The upper and lower edges 24 and 26 and the front and rear faces 20 and 22 can have a curvature between the first and second ends 28 and 30 such that the front face 20 is concave while the rear face 22 is convex. Alternatively, the front and rear faces 20 and 22 and the upper and lower edges 24 and 26 may be straight.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 3, a first type of goalie hockey stick 310 is illustrated. The goalie hockey stick 310 includes a handle portion 311 , and a paddle portion 316. The paddle portion 316 includes an upper paddle portion 304 and a blade portion 308. The paddle portion 316, and more specifically the upper paddle portion 304, is connected to the handle portion 311. The blade portion 308 is used for controlling, blocking, or otherwise playing a hockey puck or a ball.

[0044] The handle portion 311 can be elongated and longitudinally straight. In some embodiments, the handle portion 311 can include a hollow core that is embedded and wrapped within a covering (e.g., composite material with carbon fibers). The handle portion 311 may be tubular (e.g., rectangular) and hollow.Attorney Docket No. 9808-000414-W0-P0A

[0045] The handle portion 311 includes a paddle connecting end 313. The paddle portion 316 is fixed to the paddle connecting end 313 of the handle portion 311. The paddle portion 316 can be fixed to the paddle connecting end 313 in any suitable manner. The handle portion 311 and the paddle portion 316 can be manufactured separately and later attached together. Alternatively, the handle portion 311 and the paddle portion 316 may be manufactured together.

[0046] The paddle portion 316 is generally L-shaped (not necessarily 90 degrees). More specifically, the upper paddle portion 304 and the blade portion 308 form an L- shape. The upper paddle portion 304 and the blade portion 308 may be a single piece or multiple pieces that are joined together. The angle between the blade portion 308 and the upper paddle portion 304 may be 90 degrees, less than 90 degrees, or greater than 90 degrees. An angle of greater than 90 degrees is shown in FIG. 3.

[0047] FIG. 3 illustrates a front side of the goalie hockey stick 310. The goalie hockey stick 310 (including its sub-components) may be made of or include carbon fiber and an epoxy.

[0048] The paddle portion 316 generally includes a front face 320 and a back face 318 that is opposite the front face 320. The back (rear) face 318 typically faces the goalie during play with the goalie hockey stick 310. The paddle portion 316 includes a thickness that is greater than zero between the back face 318 and the front face 320.

[0049] The blade portion 308 also includes a first end 328 (heel) that is connected to the upper paddle portion 304 and a second end (toe) 330 that is opposite the first end 328. The blade portion 308 also includes an upper edge 324 and a lower edge 326 that is opposite the upper edge 324. The upper edge 324 is typically spaced away from the playing surface (e.g., ice) during play. The lower edge 326 may contact the playing surface. The upper edge 324 is opposite the lower edge 326.

[0050] Both the upper and lower edges 324 and 326 extend between the first and second ends 328 and 330 of the blade portion 308. At least one of the upper and lower edges 324 and 326 and the front and rear faces 320 and 318 can have a curvature between the first and second ends 328 and 330 such that the front face 320 is concave while the rear face 22 is convex. Alternatively, the front and rear faces 320 and 318 and the upper and lower edges 324 and 326 may be straight.

[0051] The upper paddle portion 304 where the paddle portion 316 connects to the handle portion 311 could have the shape of the example of FIG. 3 illustrated at 370.Attorney Docket No. 9808-000414-W0-P0ASome goalies, however, may desire a shape different than the shape 370 where the paddle portion 316 connects to the handle portion 311 , for example, for ergonometric, better playability, comfort, etc.

[0052] FIG. 4 includes a perspective view toward the front face 320 of the goalie hockey stick 310. In the example of FIG. 4, the upper portion of the paddle portion 316 where the paddle portion 316 connects to the handle portion 311 is a (first) shape 404 that is different than the shape 370.

[0053] One or more shells with different shapes, such as the example shells illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5C, may (one at a time) be arranged around or slide over the handle portion 311 and interface the shape 404. This enables a variety of different shapes (via the different shells) to be used on the goalie hockey stick 310 at the location where the paddle portion 316 connects to the handle portion 311 , such as for goalies to select from and use. In various implementations, one or a set of different shells may be provided with the goalie hockey stick 310. The shell may be a single piece shell or multiple pieces, such as a two or more piece shell.

[0054] FIGs. 5A-5C include example shells 504 of different upper shapes that can be connected to the shape 404. In various implementations, the shell 504 may be made of or include carbon fiber and an epoxy and may be adhered to the goalie hockey stick 310. In various implementations, the shell 504 may include an elastomeric material or another suitable type of material. Example optional cuts 502 providing two pieces 503 of a two piece shell are illustrated in FIG. 6. While a two piece example shell is provided, the present application is also applicable to three, four, and more piece shells.

[0055] FIG. 6 includes a top view of an example one of the shells 504. FIG. 7 includes a bottom view of the example one of the shells 504. Referring now to FIGs. 5A-7, each shell includes an outer surface 704 and an inner surface 708. The shell 504 has greater than zero thickness between the outer surface 704 and the inner surface 708.

[0056] A shape of the inner surface 708 is the same as (congruent to) the outer surface of the handle portion 311 , the shape 404, and an upper portion of the upper paddle portion 304. The entire inner surface 708 of the shell may contact the outer surface of the goalie hockey stick 310 (e.g., the portion of the outer surface of the handle portion 311 , the shape 404, and the upper portion of the upper paddle portion 304).Attorney Docket No. 9808-000414-W0-P0A

[0057] The shell 504 includes an aperture 712 to the inner surface 708. A portion of the inner surface 708 has a shape that is the same as the shape 404 and that is to contact the shape 404. The handle portion 311 extends through the aperture 712. In other words, the shell 504 may be slid axially down the handle portion 311 with the handle portion 311 through the aperture 712 until the shape of the inner surface 708 interfaces the shape 404 of the goalie hockey stick 310, such as illustrated in FIGS. 5A- 5C. This may nest the shape 404 of the goalie hockey stick 310 within the congruent shape of the inner surface 708 of the shell 504. In various implementations, the aperture 712 may be formed by multiple pieces of the shell. In various implementations, the multiple pieces of the shell may be attached to the goalie hockey stick 310 but never touch to create the aperture 712. The aperture 712 may be created by clamshell style pieces of the shell, a side loading clip, a wrap style grip, or in another suitable manner.

[0058] The inner surface 708 of the shell 504 includes a front inner surface 710 and a rear inner surface 716 that is opposite the front inner surface 710. The front and rear inner surfaces 710 and 716 may be planar in various implementations. The front inner surface 710 is to contact the front face 320 of the upper paddle portion 304. The rear inner surface 716 is to contact the rear face 318 of upper paddle portion 304.

[0059] The inner surface 708 of the shell 504 also includes side surfaces 720 and 724. The side surfaces 720 and 724 connect the front and rear inner surfaces 710 and 716. The side surfaces 720 and 724 are to contact and mate with side surfaces of the goalie hockey stick 310 including the shape 404. Lower portions of the side surfaces 720 and 724 may be planar. Upper portions 728 of the side surfaces 720 and 724 may include the shape 404, such as a convex surface 728 and a concave surface 732. The shell 504 may engage at least one of the handle portion 311 and the upper paddle portion 304.

[0060] The lower surface of the shell 504 may form a rim 736. As shown in FIG. 4, the upper paddle portion 304 of the goalie hockey stick 310 may include a notch 450. The rim 736 may engage and directly contact the notch 450. A depth of the notch 450 may be the same as a thickness of the rim 736 (between the inner surface 708 and the outer surface 704) such that the outer surface 704 lies flush with the outer surface of the upper paddle portion 304 below the notch 450.Attorney Docket No. 9808-000414-W0-P0A

[0061] The outer surface 704 of the shell 504 includes a front outer surface 612 and a rear outer surface 616 that is opposite the front outer surface 612. The front and rear outer surfaces 612 and 616 may be planar in various implementations.

[0062] The outer surface 704 of the shell 504 also includes side surfaces 620 and 624. The side surfaces 620 and 624 connect the front and rear outer surfaces 612 and 616. The side surfaces 620 and 624 include one or more shapes that are different than the shape 404. Lower portions of the side surfaces 620 and 624 may be planar. The handle portion 311 extends through the aperture 712.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 5A, the side surfaces 620 and 624 may each include a convex surface. As shown in FIG. 5B, the side surfaces 620 and 624 may each include a linear surface and a concave surface. Angles of the linear surfaces (illustrated by dashed lines) relative to a longitudinal axis 550 of the handle portion 311 may be the same or different. Angles of the linear surfaces relative to each other may be approximately 90 degrees, less than 90 degrees, or greater than 90 degrees. Lengths (left to right) of the linear surfaces may be the same or different. Different length linear surfaces are illustrated in FIG. 5B.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 5C, one of the side surfaces (e.g., 624) may include a convex surface 554 and a linear surface 558. The other one of the sides (e.g., 620) may include a linear surface 562, a convex surface 566, a concave surface 570, a convex surface 574, and a linear surface 578.

[0065] A neck 590 of the shell 500 may extend a predetermined distance vertically up the handle portion 311 , such as at least 5 inches or another suitable distance. A base of the shell 500 may extend a predetermined distance vertically down the upper paddle portion 304, such as at least 6 inches or another suitable distance. The predetermined distances may be measured, for example, from the ends where the upper paddle portion 304 meets the handle portion 311. The extension of the predetermined distances increases rigidity and performance.

[0066] Different side surface shapes of the shell may be desired by different goalies. The shape 404 of the goalie stick and the availability of shells having different side surface shapes enables goalies to select a shell having desired side surface characteristics and to join the selected shell with the goalie stick. The shells also provide vibration damping, thereby enhancing user experience while playing with the goalie stick.Attorney Docket No. 9808-000414-W0-P0A

[0067] In various implementations, the shell 500 may include one or more internal fillers that contact the shape 404 of the side surface of the goalie hockey stick 310.

[0068] FIG. 8 includes an example illustration including perspective views during assembly of a shell with a goalie stick having the shape 404. 804 illustrates the goalie stick with the upper paddle portion 304 having the shape 404. 808 illustrates the shell before assembly with the goalie stick.

[0069] 812 illustrates fillers 816 and 820 being fixed to the side surfaces of the goalie stick before assembly of the remainder of the shell to the goalie stick (and fillers). The fillers 816 and 820 may have a first density that is less than a second density of the remainder of the shell. The fillers 816 and 820 may be made of or include, for example, a foam, a plastic, or another lower density material. The remainder of the shell has a higher density than the fillers 816 and 820. The remainder of the shell may be made of, for example, a rubber, urethane, an elastomer, or another suitable material. An outer surface of the remainder of the shell may have at least a predetermined surface roughness to increase grip between a goalie hand and the shell. The remainder of the shell may have a predetermined maximum strechability, such as 20 percent, 30 percent, 40 percent, or another suitable value. Stretchability may be measured based on a difference between a maximum stretch length and a starting length.

[0070] Surface roughness (Ra) may be measured in terms of arithmetic average of absolute values of the surface height deviations measured from the mean line of the deviations, such as measured in accordance with International standards Organization (ISO) 4287, American National Standards Institute (ANSI) B46.1 , or another suitable standard using a stylus profilometer or another type of roughness measurement instrument. Roughness decreases (and smoothness increases) as RA decreases (e.g., 0.1 Ra may be similar to a high polished mirrored surface), and roughness increases(and smoothness decreases) as RA increases. For example, 75 Ra may be similar to the roughness of the deck of a skateboard. The predetermined surface roughness is greater than 0.1 Ra as a goalie may apply tape over the shell 500. In various implementations, the predetermined surface roughness may be at least 10 Ra, at least 20 Ra, at least 30 Ra, at least 40 Ra, or at least 50 Ra. In various implementations, the predetermined surface roughness may be between 30 and 50 Ra.Attorney Docket No. 9808-000414-W0-P0A

[0071] 824 illustrates the fillers 816 and 820 included within the remainder of the shell 828. The fillers 816 and 820 may be, for example, adhered within the shell 828 using an adhesive, three dimensionally (3D) printed within the shell 828, co-molded with the shell 828, injection molded within the shell 828, or joined with the shell 828 in another suitable manner.

[0072] The shell (with or without the fillers) may be adhered to the goalie stick via one or more adhesives. In various implementations, given the stretchability of the shell, the shell may be friction fit to the goalie stick via stretching the shell over the goalie stick.

[0073] In various implementations, such as illustrated by 832, a fastener 850 (e.g., screw, nail) may extend through an aperture through the shell 828 and fasten the shell 828 to the goalie stick. While the example of one fastener is shown, two or more fasteners may be used.

[0074] In various implementations, one or more clips 854 may be used to fasten the shell 828 to the goalie stick.

[0075] The shells as discussed herein may also be used to adjust a length of the upper paddle portion 304.

[0076] The foregoing description is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses. The broad teachings of the disclosure can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this disclosure includes particular examples, the true scope of the disclosure should not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent upon a study of the drawings, the specification, and the following claims. It should be understood that one or more steps within a method may be executed in different order (or concurrently) without altering the principles of the present disclosure. Further, although each of the embodiments is described above as having certain features, any one or more of those features described with respect to any embodiment of the disclosure can be implemented in and / or combined with features of any of the other embodiments, even if that combination is not explicitly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and permutations of one or more embodiments with one another remain within the scope of this disclosure.

[0077] Spatial and functional relationships between elements (for example, between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.) are described using various terms, including “connected,” “engaged,” “coupled,” “adjacent,” “next to,” “on top of,”Attorney Docket No. 9808-000414-W0-P0A“above,” “below,” and “disposed.” Unless explicitly described as being “direct,” when a relationship between first and second elements is described in the above disclosure, that relationship can be a direct relationship where no other intervening elements are present between the first and second elements, but can also be an indirect relationship where one or more intervening elements are present (either spatially or functionally) between the first and second elements. As used herein, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C should be construed to mean a logical (A OR B OR C), using a non-exclusive logical OR, and should not be construed to mean “at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C.”

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 9808-000414-W0-P0ACLAIMSWhat is claimed is:1 . A goalie hockey stick, comprising: a handle portion with a paddle connecting end; a paddle portion that includes: an upper paddle portion; and a blade portion to contact a playing surface and that forms an L-shape with the upper paddle portion, the upper paddle portion including: a first end that is connected to the paddle connecting end of the handle portion; a second end that is connected to the blade portion; first and second side surfaces forming a first shape; a front face; a rear face that is opposite the rear face, and that is to face a goalie; and a shell including: an aperture through which the handle portion extends; an inner surface to engage at least one of (a) the upper paddle portion and (b) the handle portion; and an outer surface having third and fourth side surfaces forming a second shape that is different than the first shape.

2. The goalie hockey stick of claim 1 further comprising a first filler disposed between (a) the first side surface and (b) the inner surface of the shell.

3. The goalie hockey stick of claim 2 further comprising a second filler disposed between (a) the second side surface and (b) the inner surface of the shell.

4. The goalie hockey stick of claim 3 wherein the first filler and the second filler have a first density that is less than a second density of the shell.Attorney Docket No. 9808-000414-W0-P0A5. The goalie hockey stick of claim 4 wherein the first filler and the second filler include at least one of a foam and a plastic.

6. The goalie hockey stick of claim 1 wherein the third and fourth side surfaces each include a convex surface.

7. The goalie hockey stick of claim 1 wherein: the third side surface includes a first linear surface and a first concave surface; and the fourth side surface includes a second linear surface and a second concave surface.

8. The goalie hockey stick of claim 7 wherein (a) a first angle of the first linear surface relative to a longitudinal axis of the handle portion is the same as (b) a second angle of the second linear surface relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle portion.

9. The goalie hockey stick of claim 7 wherein (a) a first angle of the first linear surface relative to a longitudinal axis of the handle portion is not equal to (b) a second angle of the second linear surface relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle portion.

10. The goalie hockey stick of claim 7 wherein an angle between (a) a first line of the first linear surface and (b) a second line of the second linear surface is one of (i) less than 90 degrees, (ii) 90 degrees, and (iii) greater than 90 degrees.11 . The goalie hockey stick of claim 7 wherein one of: a first length of the first linear surface is equal to a second length of the second linear surface; and the first length of the first linear surface is not equal to the second length of the second linear surface.

12. The goalie hockey stick of claim 1 wherein: the third side surface includes a first convex surface and a first linear surface; and the fourth side surface includes a second linear surface, a second convex surface, a concave surface, a convex surface, and a third linear surface.Attorney Docket No. 9808-000414-W0-P0A13. The goalie hockey stick of claim 1 wherein the shell includes a neck that covers a predetermined distance of the handle portion.

14. The goalie hockey stick of claim 1 wherein the shell covers a predetermined distance of the upper paddle portion.

15. The goalie hockey stick of claim 1 wherein the shell is a multiple-piece shell with the multiple pieces joined together.

16. The goalie hockey stick of claim 1 wherein the shell is made of at least one of (a) a rubber, (b) a urethane, and (c) an elastomer.

17. The goalie hockey stick of claim 1 wherein the outer surface of the shell has at least a predetermined surface roughess.

18. The goalie hockey stick of claim 1 wherein the shell has a predetermined maximum stretchability of at least 20 percent.

19. The goalie hockey stick of claim 1 wherein the shell includes a rim formed between the outer surface of the shell and the inner surface of the shell, wherein the rim engages a notch formed in the upper paddle portion.

20. A shell for a goalie hockey stick, the shell comprising: an aperture through which a handle portion of the goalie hockey stick extends; an inner surface to engage at least one of (a) an upper paddle portion of the goalie hockey stick and (b) the handle portion of the goalie hockey stick; and an outer surface having third and fourth side surfaces forming a first shape that is different than a second shape of the upper paddle portion of the goalie hockey stick.

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