When the hockey stick hits the ice before hitting the puck during a slap shot, it loads the stick with what kind of energy? (one word)

Potential energy

Explanation:

When hockey stick hits the ice, the ice sticks to the hockey stick. This increases the weight of the stick thereby increasing the potential energy of the stick (m g h). When hockey stick is swung,the potential energy converts into kinetic energy. Kinetic energy is the energy gained by the body due virtue of its motion. It is the product of mass and square of the speed. Thus, more the mass and speed, more is gain in kinetic energy and when it hits the puck, it transfers greater amount of energy.