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NHL goalie Nikita Tolopilo in blue gear demonstrating stick grip technique for improved blocker angle positioning

Pro Gear: Nikita Tolopilo Stick Grip for Better Blocker Angle

Kevin Woodley | | 2 min read
Key Takeaways
  • Tolopilo tapes a knob at the stick shoulder — not the top of the shaft — to anchor his hand lower on the paddle for a better blocker angle.
  • Holding the hand below the knob on the paddle creates more blocker coverage, according to Tolopilo's own explanation.
  • Sergei Bobrovsky uses a similar low-on-the-paddle grip with the Florida Panthers to achieve the same forward blocker effect.
  • Henrik Lundqvist accomplished a comparable blocker angle using a custom stick with a uniquely squared-off shoulder shape.
  • Vancouver AHL goalie development coach Marko Torenius works with Tolopilo on drills that demonstrate how the grip maintains blocker angle during recovery and rotation.
Closeup of Nikita Tolopilo's goalie stick handle showing his unconventional grip technique without using the knob

When Vancouver Canucks prospect Nikita Tolopilo was finished chatting with us for his recent appearance on the InGoal Radio Podcast we had to ask about the somewhat unique grip he’d taped onto the stick that sat atop his equipment bag sitting next to him.

Using a combination of standard stick and grip tape, Tolopilo creates a knob at the top of the shoulder of his Warrior stick, where it connects to the shaft. At first blush, you might assume the 6-foot-6 Tolopilo uses the knob to wrap his fingers around. You would be wrong.

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