A small piece of fiberglass tape and some nail polish will help reseal it. Try to consider the amount of time in a game you spend stickhandling and passing versus shooting. Consider the size of the shaft and the length and height of the blade. Once, again these can be altered, but it might weaken the stick. The flex of the shaft generates a great deal of power for shooting purposes.
Most players tend to lean towards stiff shafts that require a great deal of physical strength.
The difference between wood, graphite, carbon and aluminum sticks are numerous. It boils down to a question of comfort, and for some convenience. The length of the stick will always be a source of controversy. A shorter one allows you better puck control whereas a longer one can allow you to generate more power, but less accuracy. The lie plays a role in the stick's length.