Abstract: The present invention provides a method for improving hockey sticks. The method includes the steps of applying a heat shrinkable film cover member to the blade of the hockey stick and exposing the cover member to a source of heat sufficiently hot to shrink it relative to the blade. The cover member is generally tubular, taking the form of an open-ended sleeve, and may include a thickened, textured portion for providing a puck contacting surface. The invention is intended to include a hockey stick carrying a shrunken heat shrinkable cover member.