Womens Hockey Advice

Question
I'm hoping you will be able to help me.  I'm in my 30's, and have been playing ice hockey for 1 year (yeah for a new sport!).  My nearest proshop is 1.5 hours away, and they seem to treat me as though I'm just a smaller man and not a lady.  I am 5'0" and the stick I have now, and have used for the past year feels awkward to me, and even after a year after most practices (once a week) my hands are killing me.  Some of my team mates think that my stick might be too long for me.  What kind/type of stick would you recommend?  Any ideas as to what would make my hands ache and cramp?

Thank you for your help

Answer
Wow Amy you're brave!

A few ideas...try a junior stick since they aren't as wide in the shaft. Also, when standing on skates, the stick should be to your chin. Your gloves could be too big, my guess is you might like an 11-12" cuff (maybe jr. gloves also). Lastly, take a tennis ball or stress ball and start squeezing it for strength exercise. I find in the summer my hands ache more so there is the heat with swelling too. Maybe take of rings before skating.
Ask more questions if you need.