Over the past month I’ve been taking in a lot of hockey games, mostly watching goaltenders in the 13 – 15 age group (10 – 12’s next).
With few exceptions, the majority goaltenders appear similar. They all look the part and, generally, they all have reasonable technical skills. Some are a step above others, others struggle a little at the level and a very large group are possess average skills – they are no more above average than below average.
If I am looking beyond the obvious, however, it becomes apparent that there is much more of a separation than the 3 I have described above. Because, once the game starts, some of those who looked the part, no longer stand out.
So, if I am observing or reporting on a goaltender, here are some of the important elements I want to evaluate beyond the general technical skills:
1. Does he/she compete to stop every shot? Is she/he willing to do anything to make the save?
2. Does he/she have excellent footwork controlling his/her inside edges both on her/his feet and in a down position & move around the crease smoothly and easily?
3. Does she/he position (gap/angle) properly in all game situations
4. Do I see his/her eyes track pucks/shots right into his/her trapper or body or to her/his pad, stick or blocker and then away from the body?
5. Is she/he mentally tough & focused? Making a timely save when the pressure is on or shaking off mistakes and bad bounces
6. Can he/she process the game? Does they appear to understand how plays generally develop in the defensive zone and are they able to understand the potential options.
7. Is she/he athletic? I don’t mean diving & flopping all over the crease. I mean CONTROLLED athletic movement
Certainly, this list is not all encompassing and there are more parts to the making of a top end goaltender. However, many of these elements were lacking in a good portion of goaltenders I observed. All are skills or intangibles which do not require a coach, only motivation & effort.
But make no mistake, their absence will/could become the deciding factor when you are being scouted or recruited.