1. Question: I am trying to put together information for parents in our hockey program concerning goalie equipment sizing. It is easy to find everything on the equipment sizing, but I cannot find any info on stick sizing. I may be barking up the wrong tree, but it doesn’t seem right for a player four feet six inches or less in height to use a stick that I, myself, six feet tall, use. Please help me any way you can. Thank you.
Answer: You are correct. The key portion of the stick to worry about is the paddle height, not the shaft. The stick shafts are in proportion. Simply, an adult stick has a paddle height of 25 or 26 (max) inches. A junior stick often has a paddle of 22-24 inches and a mite or squirt often use a stick with a 19-21 inch paddle. Get your hands on a Koho, or Bauer or Great Skate (mail order in Buffalo . . . call toll free operator or 716 area code) catalog and you will see what I mean. Don’t let the kid use an adult stick with the shaft cut down. The paddle is the key! Good luck.
2. Question: I am a 32 year old recreational player. I’ve been playing goal for 20 years (ponds & rec. league stuff) and have had a problem with consistency throughout. I feel that I have the physical skills to play and some nights play very well. Other nights – not so well and struggle concentrating. How can I improve consistency?
Answer: Thanks for your E-mail. The old goalie joke is that the mental aspect is 95% of the game and the other 5% is in your head!!! You struggle with consistency probably because you have a life . . . tough day at the office . . . mad at your wife . . . the game is later than normal . . . a big day tomorrow . . . a real job . . . poor diet that day . . . etc., etc. Being ready to play . . . focus . . . is very important and difficult to maintain. Kids often have trouble because they have ADD or hyperactive. Sometimes blood sugar effects concentration. It’s tough from an e-mail to know, but I hope I gave you some good ideas.
3. Question: Just curious as to how you would evaluate 12-year-old goalies as far as team placement. Would your criteria for selection be based solely on technique or on percent of saves? In other words, is technique more important than the ability to make saves? Please let me know your thoughts and why.
Answer: There is no one thing that determines who is chosen. Physical skills and traits such as technique, body flexibility, athletic ability, rebound control, speed, skating ability, size, etc. all come together to provide a physical evaluation . . . but that’s just 1/3 of the package. Mental skills such as positioning, angles, making the proper save selections, reading the play, seeing the ice, reaction time, concentration, mental toughness all come together for a 1/3. The emotional part such as being a team player, work ethic, sacrifice, self confidence, heart, coachability, handling pressure, the intangibles . . . etc. make up the final 1/3. Often excellent technique translates into more saves unless there are some real problems with the mental and emotional aspects of the game. Sometimes a less skilled goalie has what it takes to win and excel in big games because he is so focussed mentally. In a nutshell, there is no 1 answer. I hope I gave you something to think about. Good luck
4. Question: My glove is just about the right size for my hand, but when I get a hard shot my glove gives and the puck knocks the glove off my hands. Any suggestions?
Answer: The glove needs to be tighter. Is there a velcro strap around the wrist? If not, add a regular shin guard strap or a full goalie pad strap. Others wear a baseball batting glove under their catch glove. Finally, the glove could be just worn out and broken down. Are you sure the glove is not too big?? Good luck.
5. Question: This is Vojta from South Africa. I am coaching the goalies for the national team for the D Pool World Championships in Mexico City. We are taking two goaltenders. There are four currently. Obviously, we have a dilemma.
I have narrowed the choice to three, but now I am unsure. The one is very steady, but he really cannot "steal" a game from a better team. But, we feel he should go.
The 2nd produces unbelievable games, then some awful games. Those amazing performances can beat much better teams. Also, he has a temper and is too emotional when bad things occur. I have spoken with him, but he hasn’t really improved. At 16 years old, is he too immature? Is he worth taking?
The 3rd also has his ups and downs, but is possibly a better bet than number 2 if 2 cannot sort himself out. This guy plays well, but mostly he is average. The World Championships is a series of knockout games, each is important. I can rely on No. 1. Should I take a risk on number 2 and his possible contribution, or should I go for number three?
Answer: Wow...a tough question. I’m not sure that I can provide great advice because I do not know the personalities of the individuals, how they fit into the team, and the true objectives of the program.Is winning more important than doing the right thing? I personally do not think so. However, in this case, if winning is more important, then maybe No. 2 goes because he can "stand on his head." If "the right thing" is more important, then No. 3 goes because No. 2 is not responding to you. This may help No. 2 be better, learn more, and respond for the next time around. In the long run, it is better for No. 2 to stay home. I am not sure that unless you can see into the future, you will know until the tournament is over. Are you in it for the "long-run" or the "short-run?" |
