Sports company Bauer has made a mark in the hockey industry with its Bauer Supreme ADV. It has now further impressed hockey fans with the release of the Nexus ADV hockey stick on Jan. 25, redefining the perception of a hockey stick. The stick has received a tremendous amount of attention, not due to the new technology advancements, but due to the large hole present in the blade of the stick.

Bauer categorizes their sticks three different ways: Supreme, Nexus, and Vapor; each defined by the characteristics that fit different hockey player’s various needs. The new Nexus ADV falls into the Nexus category, which focuses on mid-motion shots, making the kick point of the stick very large. What separates this stick from its designated category is the hole on the upper portion of the blade. According to Bauer, the design allows for two new features that help load and release shots. Such as how the stick features contrasting rigid and flexible portions of the blade: rigid material surrounding the top and a flexible bottom work together to produce the upmost acceleration.

Other than the unpopular TOVI stick, no other name brand hockey company, such as CCM, has created a blade with a hole in it, calling a lot of attention towards Bauer’s new stick. Not only has the hole caused a lot of controversies, but the correct way to tape the Nexus ADV stick also has made the internet go wild.  Through various testing, it has been concluded that players should tape it however they want as there is no negative impact revolving around covering the hole on the blade. There is no special or unique way to tape this new stick, it solely remains on the player’s desire. Bauer delivered successfully with the unique features of the stick, as the rigid top, flexible bottom and SlingTech hole in the blade allows for amazing control and pop when the puck comes off the stick ending in a very accelerated shot.