01 · UNRESEARCHED
Establish the current graphic
Start with visible brand/model evidence from GearGeek, Getty, NHL/team photography or another dated visual source.
RESEARCH PIPELINE
Every change becomes a question.
StickDNA separates change detection from build verification. GearGeek, Getty and team imagery can tell us that something changed; physical sticks, codes, pro-stock evidence and provenance tell us what is actually underneath the graphics. The internal player-by-player queue stays private.
02 · GRAPHIC CONFIRMED
We know what it looks like
The visible graphic and observation window are established. That still does not tell us which construction is underneath.
03 · BUILD RESEARCHING
Find the construction
Search physical sticks, Bauer/factory codes, HockeyStickMan, Pro Stock Hockey, SidelineSwap, auctions, collectors and manufacturer evidence.
04 · BUILD PROBABLE
Strong answer, still strengthening
The construction has strong supporting evidence, but we continue looking for the physical/code/provenance evidence that can move it to verified.
05 · BUILD VERIFIED
Evidence-backed construction
A readable code, physical-stick evidence, primary confirmation or equivalent evidence has established the build. The player remains on watch for future changes.
CHANGE DETECTED
Re-open the question without deleting history
If a new GearGeek/Getty/team signal appears, the player is flagged for immediate attention while the previously verified setup remains preserved as history until the new configuration is resolved.
Priority model: the NHL-derived Top 100 skaters provide systematic launch coverage, while a separate Marquee Star overlay keeps high-demand names fresh for search and marketing. A new change signal on a marquee player receives the highest research attention.