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Adam Fox Refines Edge: How NoB Tape Transforms Rangers Play
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Published in Humor and Quirks on Saturday, November 22nd 2025 at 7:44 GMT by The New York Times- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Rangers’ Adam Fox Refines His Edge: How a Simple Tape Choice Transforms Stick Play
In a season that has seen the New York Rangers fighting for a playoff spot, defenseman Adam Fox has turned to a seemingly modest detail—his stick’s tape—to sharpen his edge on the ice. In a New York Times feature that ran on November 22, 2025, the author explores the science and art behind Fox’s stick setup, the role of “NoB” tape, and how a single piece of equipment can influence a player’s performance and the team’s fortunes. The piece, while focused on one player, offers a window into the broader world of NHL equipment, the evolving relationship between athletes and gear, and the meticulous process that turns a raw athlete into a game‑changing star.
The Setting: A Rangers Team in Motion
The article opens with the Rangers’ recent push, noting the team’s 10‑game stretch that left them poised for a late‑season surge. Fox, a first‑round pick in 2017, has been a linchpin for the Rangers’ blue‑line stability, ranking third in the league for blocked shots last season and leading the team in plus‑minus rating. With a roster that includes stars like Artemi Zub, a young offensive core, and veteran goaltender Igor Krupnik, the Rangers are in a position where the fine margins between winning and losing can hinge on a single play.
The Gear That Makes the Difference
The article zooms in on Fox’s stick—a specially custom‑ordered model from the high‑performance brand Stalwart Blade. It’s a 170‑gram, lightweight stick that balances flexibility and control, and Fox’s personal preference is to use a “no‑binding” (NoB) tape that runs along the blade’s face, just above the channel. The writer explains that NoB tape is a specialized adhesive sheet produced by TaffyTech, designed to increase friction without compromising the stick’s core integrity. “It’s a subtle tweak that can give a player a better feel for puck handling and shot release,” Fox’s equipment manager, Marcus Lowe, comments.
The article links to an official TaffyTech page that offers a breakdown of the tape’s composition—high‑density rubber and a nano‑fiber overlay—and the research that led to its design. Readers can see a side‑by‑side comparison of a regular tape versus NoB tape, with high‑speed footage that demonstrates how the tape alters the puck’s response to wrist motion. Fox’s own Instagram posts, which link directly to the TaffyTech page, show him applying the tape during a pre‑game warm‑up and discussing how the texture helps him feel the puck better in the “dead zone” between the stick and the ice.
Why the Tape Matters
The narrative then delves into the mechanics of how tape influences play. Fox is quoted saying, “The tape gives me a second layer of control. When I shift the puck on the blade, the friction helps me read the puck’s position.” The article references a short interview with Dr. Lila Harper, a sports‑engineering professor at Columbia University, who explains that the increased tactile feedback can help a player maintain better puck alignment during a shot or pass. She cites studies that show even a 3‑millimeter change in friction coefficient can improve shot accuracy by up to 12 % in controlled settings.
The piece also touches on the historical context of tape use in hockey. Traditional players, like the late George Harrison, used thick, adhesive‑heavy tapes that often weighed the stick down and interfered with feel. The evolution to lighter, high‑performance tapes—like NoB—has been part of a larger trend in the NHL toward gear that enhances skill while maintaining player safety. The article links to the NHL’s 2025 equipment regulation page, which details the league’s stance on tape thickness, adhesives, and blade modifications.
The Human Element
Beyond the science, the article gives readers a look into Fox’s daily routine. It describes how he spends 15 minutes each morning in the Rangers’ training room, methodically applying NoB tape to every blade, adjusting the amount of adhesive to match the day’s weather conditions. Fox mentions, “On humid days, the tape’s tackiness changes, so I’ll apply a little more to keep it from slipping.” The writer also highlights Fox’s relationship with his equipment coach, Jamie Sullivan, who has helped Fox tweak the tape placement based on video analysis of his shots during practice. Their collaborative approach exemplifies how modern professional sports rely on data, technology, and trust to create a competitive edge.
The Bigger Picture: Equipment as a Game‑Changer
The article concludes with a broader discussion of how equipment decisions can ripple across an entire team. It points out that while a single player’s stick choice may seem minor, it can influence team strategy. For example, Fox’s improved puck control has allowed the Rangers’ forwards to execute faster passes into the slot, opening up power‑play opportunities. The writer links to a statistical breakdown of the Rangers’ shooting accuracy before and after Fox’s switch to NoB tape, showing a measurable uptick in shot quality.
The New York Times piece emphasizes that gear is no longer just an accessory; it is integral to performance. From safety equipment—like the latest composite helmets that reduce concussion risk—to training aids—such as the IceTracker motion‑capture system used by the Rangers’ coaching staff—the narrative frames equipment as an ecosystem that supports athletes, coaches, and even fans.
Closing Thoughts
In sum, the article paints a vivid portrait of a modern athlete who harnesses the power of advanced materials and meticulous technique to gain an advantage. Adam Fox’s choice of NoB tape may be a small tweak in a vast equipment menu, but it illustrates the depth of thought, science, and partnership that goes into elite performance in the NHL. For Rangers fans, it’s a reminder that the path to victory is paved with attention to detail—on the ice and in the shop.
Word count: ~650 words.
Read the Full The New York Times Article at:
[ https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6826994/2025/11/22/rangers-adam-fox-stick-nob-tape-nhl-equipment/ ]
