Challenges of moving up to the next level

For the most part, a goalie moving up a level as a first year is very difficult, even with a good team in front of you. It is unfortunate but many times a goaltender is “thrown into the fire” so to speak and not given the opportunity to develop his/her skills at a more normal pace. If that is your or your son’s/daughters situation, expect lots of peaks & valleys.

Many times in these situations, goaltenders tend to receive an inordinate number of shots. Shot numbers are less relevant if they are just single shots, but for the most part a good number are probably second or third shots. And, this is where problem lies. Most every time there is a large discrepancy in shots or territorial edge it forces the goaltender to play in a scramble or overactive mode, and technical skills are apt to deteriorate as the goaltender scrambles & dives in an attempt to simply “stop the puck”. (I have also seen situations where the goaltender was simply overwhelmed & unable to keep pace with what is happening around her/him because of a huge discrepancy in skill levels of the teams)

So, despite the adage that lots of shots are a good thing that is only true if it one is not constantly overwhelmed. Probably the one thing lots of shots will develop is one’s battle level. But, only if one has the physical strength & mental toughness to keep up with the pace.

It is difficult to find the positive in this situation. However, if the goaltender, can remain positive and concentrates on improving & developing his/her skills & not the score there should be little or no harm done. Of course, for that to happen, support from coaches & team mates are vital.