the lumps are to keep the sticks from sliding off your hands, we(hockey player) don't care about poking people through the helmets, that the least of our concerns.

I think the corded wrap would be too much grip, might feel weird, but i'm gonna give it a try next time, I have a few rolls sitting around.

What about doing the corded wrap with hockey tape and cork tape, so you get the cord winding around the bar under the cork tape, that might be cool, or just be annoying.