From someone who never used gloves, or sticks or bats...for that matter a guy that never even touched a football while on the field in 6 years...Other then the obvious reason that one might break...Are all sticks the same for general play? Meaning a player other then the goalie does not need a stick for different game situations?
I apologize, my comment was really just a joke and I don't want to take the flow off of the subject, but—
Yes, players have spare sticks ready as replacements in case of breakage. Most rotate them.
You're right, the goal tender's stick is unique, but the sticks skaters use are the same in general terms. There are some differences based on players' preferences.
- The angle the stick shaft makes with the ice. It's called the lie and affects how far in front of the skates the puck is played. When I played, years ago, players began to round-off their stick's heels eliminating the fixed lie.
- The blade curve (limited by the rules).
- The shaft's flexibility. (Players press the stick on the ice surface, loading a curve into the shaft and then allow it spring forward to add stick-generated power a shot.
- Naturally, the stick length (also limited by the rules).
- Material (aluminum, fiberglass, carbon fiber and the like).
