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It happens to everyone at one time or another in their goaltending career - we get benched.

It happens at all levels of play; it happens to the pros.  In the case of the pros, it can sometimes have long lasting career effect. At most other levels, though, it is just a temporary situation.

Whatever. It is not pleasant.  Perhaps you aren't even having a bad game. Or, maybe you are.  Fighting the puck or playing in an uncharacteristic manner.  Maybe the coach just wants to "shake things up". Hopefully that is the reason. But even if it is, it's a shock. It's embarrassing! Fans & parents are looking on, not to mention your teammates

And, then the thoughts start going through our mind: why? It was just one goal & it went off my defenseman's stick (of course coach didn't notice that); the whole team is playing badly, why signal me out? I could have played through that rough spot, I just needed a few more minutes to get my game together. Am I going to get my next regular start? What are my teammates thinking?

And then the frustration and even anger can kick in.  It's difficult to keep your mind in the game, and perhaps you really don't feel like cheering on your team or for that matter, your playing partner.

Hopefully, this is nothing to do with you personally, but, whatever the reason, you really can't change it.  Once done it is done.  You can either move on & stay prepared (in case you need to go back in the net) or sit there with your negative thoughts & emotions which really doesn't do anyone, including you, any good.

The best approach, & only productive one, is to take it as a learning experience: an opportunity to study players or the opposition goaltender.  And, maybe there, see some things you could incorporate into or add to your game.  Or, is there something in your game you need to improve so this doesn't happen again.  

One thing for sure, being benched will test your mental toughness.  But, with the right ATTITUDE, you'll come away a stronger more resilient goaltender who can deal more readily with the pressures of the game & the ups and downs of goaltending in a positive manner.

Perhaps one piece of advice to leave you with is to be prepared to be benched.  It will happen! And, sometimes it just comes right out of left field without any warning.  So, think about it before it does.  Try to set in your mind what you will do; what your reaction will be and how you can turn it into a positive.

No matter what the circumstances, be supportive of your teammates.  Sooner or later, you will need their support.

 What is your “Net Presence”

First impressions are important.  And your appearance, your reactions & body language are an important part of projecting who & what you are as a goaltender. 

Make no mistake, aside from the skill level, recruiters, scouts & coaches take a keen interest in how you "present" yourself and your "net presence" affects their perception of you.

Do you play super aggressive, over-play shots & continuously scramble and chase the play? This gives the impression that you may be in a “little over you head” and really do not possess the skill to play at this level.  Or, that you lack a sound technical base & that your whole game is based on being reactionary. (tough to have consistent success playing this way) 

Are you a goaltender who never leaves the blue paint of the crease not even daring to go out and stop rimmed pucks?  So, are you lacking confidence, skating skills or are you a very passive personality?  Again, this posture sends a definite message to those watching. 

Do you, at times, appear disengaged or disinterested during the game. (Wow!  What is the message here?)  Perhaps that is your way of dealing with pressure.  But observers will wonder, is that his/her “normal"?

So, let’s look at a couple of points.

1.Remain calm & focused after mistakes or goals scored
2. Keep shoulders back & head up to appear confident, ready, and capable
3. Show emotion after a goal, if you want, but be under control

If you are serious about this, you might do well to view a self video and see how you stack up against other goaltenders in that regard.  Or, elicit the help of an unbiased, reputable coach to give you an honest opinion of just how you project yourself in the net.

Perception is reality - to the observer.  Remember, no matter where or when you are playing, there most likely is someone (coach, scout, recruiter, or friend of) watching.   

Never underestimate the importance of your "NET PRESENCE".

What are some of the “extras” you can do at the rink & beyond that will translated into improving your play on the ice and give you a better chance at winning?

 
Probably, if you asked 10 people, you would get 10 different answers.  However, it comes down to some very basis rules of thumb that, although, require a lot of discipline, will pay instant rewards

- eat nutritious foods.  Food is fuel for your muscles; no fuel, no energy

- get the correct amount of daily rest.  Same as food; no rest, no energy
- never skip or “tank” a workout.  What you don’t do today will come back to bite you in the future

- prepare thoroughly pregame & pre practice.  Pre-game/practice routines are invaluable to not only instill confidence, but get you in the correct frame of mind to compete &/or learn

- diligently work on your skills to perfect your game.  In practice, focus on the mechanics & movements of the skill & don’t just go through the motions.  Practice is not a social

- never take a "night/day off" at practice or game.  Work harder in practice today than you did in your last game, work harder in your next game than you did in your last practice

- keep an open mind to advice & correction.  Not to do so, could deprive you learn of another “tool” to improve your game

- be a "student" of the game; always in "learning" mode.  The day we know everything about goaltending is the day we stop learning and when you stop learning, you stop improving

- watch hockey! There is no better way to understand the game & how it affects your game, than to watch it being played

How can you give yourself the best chance at the game results you want? 

Playing a great game is not centered around a couple or one big or “impossible save” that stands out from everything else.
It is the sum of a series of smaller details you control that will put a positive spin on your game, even if your team doesn’t necessarily put up 2 points in the win column. 

Sometimes you’ll do everything right (or almost everything) and still not win the game.

Here are some suggestions on how YOU can give yourself the best chance to get those 2 points. 

1. remember, you will never play a "perfect" game.  Set your sights on playing an "excellent" game...no goalie ever played a perfect game.  (And, anyway, who needs the added pressure of being perfect)

2. game time is not the time to improve your skills, that is what practices are for.  Trust that your work in practice will give you the best opportunity for game success

3. it is okay to make mistakes.  Every game is full of them.  Park and forget them until the game is over

4. don’t worry & get distracted if your technique is not quite where you'd like it to be on that day.  Everyone has “off” days 

5. share the load...you don't have to win the game all by yourself

6. focus on the goal(s) you have set for the game, not on the score

7. stay positive. Think about being successful

8. do whatever it takes to play well, even if it is "ugly" or not quite up to your usual standard. Sometimes you just must play "ugly" to win 

9. keep your thoughts simple. Don’t over-analyse.  You will only psyche yourself out

10. when on ice, focus on your performance as an athlete, not the score, mistakes or goals that go in

11. play for the team, but TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR PLAY

12. don't worry about what others may think about your performance, there will ALWAYS be critics

13. don't ever assume you know what others, or your coaches are thinking; 9 out of 10 times you will be wrong

14. take the game seriously, but have fun 

15. don’t blame others or beat yourself up if you lose. That is the EASY WAY OUT.  Figure out the areas of your game where you might have been better & GET AT IT!  Even if you won, there are always parts of your game you can improve on.