Applique for a hockey stick

Abstract

An applique is disclosed for placement on a hockey stick for improving the engagement of the stick with a game piece. The applique includes a base member having a first surface and a second surface. An adhesive is provided on a second surface for adhesively attaching the second surface to the stick. An ordered array of substantially non-deforming protrusions or recesses are formed on the first surface for engaging a surface of a game piece, such as a hockey puck. The protrusions are designed to maximize the frictional engagement between the applique and the puck, to increase the user's ability to control the puck. In an alternate embodiment, an applique is disclosed having a series of direction influencing protrusions formed on the first surface for influencing the direction of deflection of the hockey puck off the first surface toward a predetermined direction. Protrusions are disclosed for use on a goalie's hockey stick to drive the puck downwardly toward the ice or street to aid the goalie in controlling the puck. Alternate protrusion types are also provided for use on a forward's stick, to influence the direction of deflection of a puck on the stick in a lift or spin when the puck is being handled or shot by the forward. In an alternate embodiment, an improved grip applique is provided, which is attachable to the handle of the stick to increase the user's ability to achieve consistent placement of his hand on the stick.