In regards to stick flex...frankly speaking, it's over rated for most young hockey players, the emphasis should be on the following in this order...

Stick Shaft - Thickness

Stick shaft (thickness)...either a youth, intermediate or adult shaft stick. Understand the variables are where you fit regarding height, weight and also hand size for your respective age. Generally;

1. 8U youth shaft stick
2. 8U-14U intermediate shaft stick
3. 14U above consider an adult shaft stick depending on the above mentioned variables

Blade Curve

Blade curve is way more important than stick flex for a youth player's development is curve of blade.
The straighter the curve the better.

1. Allows for a larger contact surface for passing, receiving and shooting either on forehand or backhand.
2. Forces player to roll-wrist more in order to control puck effectively in all situations.
   1. If I could control stick blade production, not a single 10U player would ever play with anything but a straight blade. I believe the benefits are that important. Good luck finding a straight blade. Settle for a modest curve.

Stick Flex

If you are selecting a properly sized stick shaft based upon the guidelines above, then stick Flex really is not a significant consideration until you reach adult shaft size. At that point know this:

1. Stick length effects flex. The shorter a stick is cut, the more stiff flex will be, which then affects how much effort (weight) must go into passing and shooting.
2. Generally no 14U players should play with more than a 70flex and that's if the shaft has not needed to be cut down, thus making the flex even higher.
3. Mid-shaft flex point, low shaft flex point is important, but not to a 14U player or younger. Select the mid-shaft flex point until your player really understands the benefits of both to their specific style of game and propensity to shoot a specific shot.

Shooting Side Note:

the consistent trend at the college and pro level over the past decade with the ever-improving stick technology is away from the slap shot. The slap shot is becoming less of a factor as stick technology allows for quicker more accurate forms of shooting like a snap, or modified slap-snap or even a wrist shot.

1. Also, goals scored from a slap shot at 12U or below are disallowed.

Stick Cost

With wood sticks now pretty much extinct, parents are now forced to purchase significantly more expensive sticks. There's little choice, however not one player's game will be hampered if they select a less expensive stick over a more expensive stick.

1. Most important are following the guidelines above. Although the cost of a stick will not make your 12 year old a better stick handler or improve their shot by even 5%, I do think you could save way more than 5% by not purchasing the "latest and greatest stick."
2. Find the mid-point of cost for each respective shaft size, beginner, intermediate, adult and there's your sweet spot for purchasing. Pretty simple.