Olen Zellweger's Hockey Stick Carousel

As the Anaheim Ducks’ 2024-25 season winds down, the team finds itself on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoff race. While this year hasn’t been the breakout campaign some might have hoped for defenseman Olen Zellweger, the young blueliner remains a key piece of the Ducks’ long-term plans. The Calgary, Alberta native has spent some time as a healthy scratch, but when he’s been in the lineup, one of the more intriguing storylines surrounding him hasn’t necessarily been his play. Rather, it’s been his choice of hockey sticks.

Throughout this season, Zellweger has rotated through five different Bauer stick graphics. These include the Twitch, original Vapor HyperLite, Proto R, Nexus Tracer, and the AG5NT. The frequent switching between these sticks raises an interesting discussion about why he might be doing so. Is he alternating through one or a few different stick builds? Is it something as simple as aesthetics and game-time superstition? While we don’t have a definitive answer, we can explore some of the possible reasons for his constant rotation.

It’s entirely possible that Zellweger is experimenting with different builds in search of an optimal setup. While the five sticks he has used all belong to Bauer’s product lineup, each model could be designed with unique characteristics. The differences of these characteristics could be extremely minuscule, but nonetheless still a slight difference. As a result, Zellweger might be hoping to find any little bit of an extra advantage that could help him in the long run.

However, it’s also possible that, despite the varying stick models, Zellweger’s personal specifications such as flex, shaft shape, and overall weight, have remained consistent across all of them. Some players opt to have custom builds applied to multiple stick models, ensuring that each option has the same feel despite different external branding.

Another possibility is that Zellweger isn’t consciously making the decision to switch sticks as often as it appears. He may simply grab whatever stick is closest to him or whichever one catches his eye at that moment. Some players are known to change sticks based on how they feel on a given night, while others develop game-day rituals that dictate which equipment they use.

For instance, some players might prefer using a certain stick for practice or warmups and a different one for the game. Others rotate sticks after a bad shift or poor performance, believing a change might improve their luck. Zellweger’s stick shuffling could be a subtle superstition at play, whether he’s aware of it or not.

Regardless of the stick model Zellweger is using, the one detail that remains unchanged is his blade curve. He is one of few NHL players who still uses Bauer’s P88 curve, a long-time classic that has become less common in recent years as more players shift toward others. This suggests that while he may be open to trying different stick constructions, he is not willing to compromise on the curve he has trusted for so long when it comes to passing, shooting, and puck-handling.

Zellweger’s rotating stick choices make for an interesting subplot to his first full NHL season. While the Ducks are out of the playoff picture, the 21-year-old defenseman is still developing his game and refining what works best for him. Whether his stick rotation is part of an intentional search for the right fit or simply a coincidence, it remains a unique aspect of his game that fans and equipment enthusiasts will continue to follow.

As Zellweger progresses in his career, it will be worth watching whether he settles on a single model or continues to cycle through multiple options.

Photo Credit: Ric Tapia