1. Question: How can I tell a number 1 goaltender?
Answer: That is no easy question. Certainly it depends on the level, however, I will answer this question with a series of questions. A) Does the goalie perform when he has to play? What I mean here is if the other goalie is hurt, etc., does the goaltender rise to the occasion. Last year when Mike Dunham was hurt, Tomas Vokoun had to play...and responded. B) In big games, does the goalie get big or small? True #1 goalies come up big in big games. They are not afraid to “make a difference” every time they play. C) Do they take responsibility? True #1 goalies accept the responsibility of a goal, and do not blame anyone else. D) Is the goaltender overly emotional? While emotion is important, real #1 goalies play on “skill” enhanced by emotion rather than depending on emotion to survive. In pro, teams play too many games to get worked up into a frenzy before every game. They use up way too much energy and will literally ”explode” when the schedule gets tough. True #1 goalies can play a lot, often back-to-back, and thrive on it. E) Does the goalie “bounce back” after a rough outing? True #1 goalies deserve the chance to prove they can bounce back...but they must respond or they will be pegged as backups.
2. Question: My son is a very athletic goaltender, yet a lot of pucks go “thru” him into the net. Why, and how can I improve this?
Answer: Without watching him play, I cannot pinpoint the problem, however, let me list some of the things to look for: A) Soft drops - when a goalie leaves his feet (either in a 1/2 or full butterfly) softly, pucks tend to go under them into the net. B) Sloppy arms - if the goaltender’s arms are sloppy, the stick is often everywhere but where it is supposed to be, opening holes for the puck. C) Not following the puck - often the goalie “looks past the puck,” not following it to the body OR the goalie does a butterfly automatically without reacting to the puck...guessing! Either way, lots of pucks go through the goalie D) Equipment failure - If the goaltender’s pants or pads do not fit them properly, or the two do not match up well, holes are created. Pucks find holes.
3. Question: What is the plus - minus rule for a goaltender?
Answer: Goaltending is a series of situations. Goalies make mental decisions based on the situation. The plus-minus rule for goalies refer to the number of players (normally on a rush) that the opponent has vs. the number of players the goalie’s team has. In a plus situation, the goalie’s squad (defensive team) has more players (maybe a 2 on 3, or 1 on 2) and therefore the goalie can challenge a bit more because a shot is likely. The risk of a backdoor play or a rebound goal is greatly diminished. In a minus situation, the defensive squad is outnumbered (2 on 1, 3 on 2, 5 on 4) and therefore the goaltender cannot come out as far, and must work at finding the extra man. He must be ready for a quick pass or a backdoor play.
4. Question: Does a young goaltender really need Goalie Skates?
Answer: The primary differences between goalie skates and “regular” skates are first, that goalie skate boots are covered with a protective shell and an attached blade which is thicker and flatter than a regular blade, (this one piece shell/blade unit is called a cowling). And secondly, that goalie skates do not have the tendon guard on the boot, allowing the goaltender more ankle flexibility. Overall as players become older and more goalies become “full time,” yes the sooner they can get into goalie skates, the better. While there is no “magic age” goaltenders begin needing that extra foot protection, and the extra blade support at the peewee level (age 11).
5: Question: How can I increase my speed?
Answer: I refer to the speed of the goaltender as his overall response time. Response time is made up of two components. First, the physical movement time. This refers to the actual quickness of one’s moves. On the ice, this is a function of the goaltender’s general athletic ability, flexibility, muscle tone, overall condition, agility and balance on skates, physical efficiency of the save selection, muscle memory, proper fitting equipment, and general strength. The second, the mental reaction time, refers to the speed at which the goaltender can read the play, make a decision, and tell the body to move. Some goalie’s fast reflexes make up for reading slowly. . . while other’s ability to read quickly can make up for, possibly, slow feet. The best do both well. Reaction time can be improved by becoming a better student of the game with the use of video tape, mental imagery, and just plain watching more hockey on TV. Physical “movement time” can be enhanced by improving the areas which influence “movement time” listed above. Also, explosive drills such as quick short sprints or arm explosions improve speed. And finally, there are now many “gadgets” on the market designed to elevate one’s speed and physical agility. Contact Speed City at (800) 255-9930 for a catalog. There is a lot of great equipment. Don’t be fooled, however. . . no “toy” will replace good old fashioned hard work!
6. Question: I have the chance to play for a local junior hockey team. That would mean I could not play on my high school varsity team. My classmates are applying pressure for me to stay. I have led the league in goals against and save percentage for the last two years. What team would best help my hockey development?
Answer: This seems to be a dilemma for many aspiring hockey players. High School hockey, like football, soccer, basketball, etc., provides great school spirit and notoriety within the “Halls” for athletes. Overall, however, high school hockey plays a shorter game (3 - 15 minute periods vs 3 - 20 minute periods in junior), and a shorter season (approx. 24 games vs often 40-60 in junior). The high schoolers tend to be younger than junior players, and often they do not practice as much. In most hockey regions, junior hockey (A or B) tends to attract the better players. Why . . . more games, more practice, more travel, more exposure, more collegiate and pro scouting, more skilled competition, and often “full-time coaches.” In some areas, prep school hockey (a form of high school hockey) tends to be a notch or two above the average public high school. Many have their own rinks, and may even have a boarding situation. They travel more and play a much more competitive tournament-like schedule. They recruit to get more of the better players. If you are still in high school, the rigors of junior hockey could impact your grades. Some junior teams monitor them . . . some do not. You must be very disciplined as a student to insure success in the classroom while playing junior hockey. If you are a poor student, it may be quite difficult. With college hockey as the “next logical step” after high school, the facts show that a junior player is more prepared than a player coming out of high school hockey. Junior hockey is much more heavily recruited and scouted. Another option junior provides is the chance to play an “extra year” after completing high school and before going to college. Many players take “a year off school” to improve their hockey, mature, get stronger, and prepare for the next level. Every situation is different. Regions, coaching, and teams vary. But overall, my professional advice is that junior hockey will provide you the best chance to grow and develop as a goaltender. You have already lead the league as a sophomore and junior. As a senior you would be playing, against, “younger” athletes. Junior Hockey would be much more of a challenge. |
