Franklin Sports Street Hockey Sticks - Ambush Junior Street
✅ PROS
- Full wood construction absorbs rough driveway and concrete abuse without shattering
- Junior flex rating is forgiving for young players still developing shooting mechanics
- Taped butt end and textured shaft grip come ready out of the box
❌ CONS
- Wood shaft is noticeably heavier than composite alternatives — tiring for smaller kids on long sessions
- Blade tape wears through quickly on abrasive asphalt surfaces
The Verdict
The $15 question: Can a wood street stick actually survive a summer of driveway hockey?
Most parents buy their kid a street hockey stick the way they buy a birthday cake — expecting it to be gone by the end of the week. The Franklin Ambush Junior Street is the exception that makes you wonder why every stick isn’t built this way.
What’s actually in the box
You get one complete stick, ready to play. No assembly, no grip tape to apply, no blade tape to wrap. The Ambush Junior features a full wood shaft and blade with a printed grip pattern that runs the length of the shaft. The butt end comes pre-taped — a small detail that tells you Franklin actually thought about the end user. It’s a junior flex, designed for players roughly 4'5" to 5'0", which puts it in the 8-12 age range depending on growth spurts.
How it performs where it matters
I’ve seen these sticks used on everything from smooth concrete driveways to cracked blacktop to garage floors with pebbles scattered like landmines. The wood construction is the star here. Composite sticks at this price point tend to splinter on the first hard slap shot against pavement. The Ambush takes the abuse and keeps its shape. The flex is forgiving — young players can actually load the stick on shots without needing adult-level strength. Stickhandling feel is decent, though the extra weight of wood means the blade doesn’t feel as lively as a composite on quick dangles.
The blade itself has a subtle curve — enough to help lift shots on net, not so aggressive that it hurts backhand passing. For a street stick, this is the right call.
What buyers consistently praise
Parents in the Amazon reviews repeatedly mention durability and value. One reviewer noted their son “used it daily for six months on concrete” and it was still going. Another said the stick “took a beating from two boys playing street hockey every day after school” with no structural failure. The consensus is clear: this thing lasts.
Where it falls short
Let’s be honest about the tradeoffs. The weight is the biggest one. Wood is wood. A 7-year-old playing for an hour will feel arm fatigue that they wouldn’t with a lighter composite. The blade tape also doesn’t survive aggressive use on rough surfaces — plan on retaping every few sessions. And if your kid is over 5'0" or already has strong shooting mechanics, the junior flex will feel too whippy — you’d want the intermediate version instead.
Who should buy this
- Parents with kids aged 8-12 who are new to street hockey and will beat the stick against pavement
- Families who need a stick that survives multiple kids sharing it
- Anyone looking for a reliable backup stick that won’t break the bank
Skip it if
- Your kid is a serious travel player who needs composite performance for training
- You’re buying for a teen or adult — the junior length and flex won’t fit
- You need a stick for ball hockey on smooth indoor surfaces where weight matters more
FAQ
Q: Is this stick good for ice hockey? No. This is strictly a street/ball hockey stick. Use it on ice and the blade will wear down quickly, and the wood construction won’t hold up to ice-level impacts.
Q: What’s the right height for my kid? The stick should come up to approximately the child’s chin when standing flat on the floor in skates. For street hockey without skates, aim for between the chin and nose.
Q: Does it come with a ball or puck? No. This is just the stick. You’ll need to grab a street hockey ball or training puck separately.
The Verdict
The Franklin Ambush Junior Street isn’t flashy, but it does exactly what a street hockey stick needs to do: take abuse, keep playing, and cost less than a pizza dinner. The weight is the only real downside, and for most kids in the intended age range, it’s a fair trade for the durability.
Buy it if you want a stick that survives driveway hockey season. Skip it if your kid needs composite performance or you’re shopping for someone past junior sizing.
Rating: 4.2/5 — A dependable workhorse that understands its job.
Where to Buy
We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — this helps fund more honest reviews.
Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.