I have played ice hockey professionally for the Utica Mohawks (EHL), Manchester Blackhawks NEnHL), Salem Raiders (ACHL), Erie Blades (AHL), Huntington Blizzard (ECHL), Philadelphia Flyers (NHL) and the Boston Bruins (NHL).
The art of being an ice hockey goaltender requires a commitment and dedication beyond that of any other position. If your intent is to play well and to truly enjoy the personal and sports-related benefits of the game, then I hope this brief reflection will be of benefit.
At an early age, perhaps age nine, I started to develop the desire to learn and fully develop my ability to play ice hockey as a goalie. Over the next several years I began to develop basic principles that I believed provided the basis for an exceptional advantage in preventing goals from being scored, and contributing to the offensive flow of my team.
- The first principal of goaltending is one that simply states; “let the puck play you, not you play the puck”. This means that you should adjust your movements and positioning as the puck moves and changes whether it is on a players stick or while in the air. You “playing the puck” means that you predetermine the move you make prior to the person shooting or the play developing. While there is a great deal to be said (later) about anticipating a play or a shot, the basic tenet of goaltending should be to let the puck play you, not the other way around.
- The second principle of goaltending is that your eyes and body should follow the puck wherever it goes. The general rule should be that once the puck crosses the far blueline, you should be locked in on the puck while at the same time you are trying to see plays developing or outlets for the skater to pass to. At that point, wherever the puck goes, you must watch and follow.
Following the principles of goaltending has two significant advantages:
- First, this has a tremendous advantage in developing your ability to beat those offensive players in front of the net to the rebound. Remember as a goalie you have the advantage in seeing the puck from a different angle than that of any other player. What this refers to is that if you broke the process of shooting the puck as it moves towards the net into individual frames, you as a goalie see the puck longer in each frame then a player who views the puck from the side angle. This means that you can determine where the rebound will go and react to that before any other player gets their bearing on the puck.
- Secondly, by focusing on the puck, in a very Zen-like way, it forces you to block out everything else and concentrate solely on the puck and making the save.
The last principle of goaltending is that you must try to relax. Being tense when players shoot the puck will only slow you down, and make it so much more difficult to stop the puck and in many ways protect you, too. This is an area that is often the hardest to master. It requires dedication and practice and that search for the inner self. Once found you will surprise yourself with your ability to make incredible saves.
The last thought to leave you with is that a person can do whatever they want as long as they work hard enough. This applies so much to life and goaltending. Focus, dedication, and that constant striving for knowledge and improvement. Good luck!
