In Goal
1. Bigger goalies are better goalies.
Logically, you would probably think this is true. A bigger goaltender has more reach, has more range and probably can fill more net than a smaller goalie. However, bigger goaltenders often don't have the same agility, speed, or ability to move as a smaller goaltender. When I say small, I'm not talking about a tiny tot, but I don't necessarily believe that a 6'4" goaltender is better just because he's bigger than a goaltender who's 5'10". Sometimes bigger goaltenders, when they come out of the net to cut down angles, actually take their biggest blocking area, their chest and arms, out of the net because of their size. For a bigger goaltender, it's a long way to the ice when they drop to use their pads. When big goaltenders drop they often open more holes than small goaltenders. While in general you would believe that bigger is better, it is not always the case. Don't give up on a smaller guy just because of his size,
2. The bigger the equipment, the better.
Goalie equipment must fit. Too often I see goalies, especially regarding gloves, using equipment that's too large. I see goalies with catch gloves that are too big and as a result, they cannot hold onto the puck. When stick gloves are too big, goalies cannot handle their stick well, They have leg pads or chest/arm pads that are too big and as a result they cannot move well. Bigger in terms of equipment is not necessarily better. While we want the goaltenders to wear the most protective equipment available, that does not mean the biggest equipment available. The manufacturers make excellent goaltending equipment for all sizes that is very well protective and if you find something that you don't think is protective enough in your size, go to another brand. In general, the goaltender's equipment should fit and protect approximately one level ahead of the level the goaltender is currently playing.
3. Goalies should buy goal sticks with their favorite NHLers name stamped on the shaft.
While this may work for adult goaltenders, or guys in college, high school, junior, etc., it does not work for youth goaltenders. Young goaltenders should get youth goaltender sticks; sticks that fit them. The most important dimension is the height of the paddle of the stick, a height that determines whether the stick is good for mites, intermediates, or high school goaltenders. Don't be a goaltender under five feet tall using an adult stick. It is definitely too big for you.
4. New equipment is always better than older equipment.
Not always true. Goaltending equipment has become a "fashion statement." First it was all white pads, then it was all black pads, now it's kind of a combination of two colors. But regardless, as equipment ages, it doesn't mean that new equipment will be better than the old stuff. Old equipment can be repaired very well by a variety of repair depots all across the United States. In Buffalo New York, the Sabres, and my Miami college team works closely with "Cinderella Repair." They do a tremendous job in fixing and making older equipment more like new. While on some occasions, the newer equipment made of synthetics, foams and nylons are lighter than some of the older equipment, don't be wrapped up on making a "fashion statement."
5. Goalies are crazy.
We've heard all the stories on how "different" goaltenders can be with superstitions, habits, quirks, unique personalities... the reputation is that goalies are a little different... maybe a lot different! Well, while it requires a certain kind of temperament to play this pressure-filled, high-intensity position, I really don't believe that the goaltenders are any crazier than any of the other players competing in any other sport. I compared a goaltender to a quarterback; they are both in high-profile positions which require a more unique personality. Yet, for every goaltender that is so called "flaky" I can find you two goalies that are very stable. But, that one attention-crazed, truly weirdo goalie gives us all a bad rap.
Mitch Korn is the goaltender coach for the Buffalo Sabres of the NHL. In addition, he is an administrator at Miami University (Ohio) and directs the 8-week summer hockey school. Miami has Division I ice hockey in the CCHA.
This first appeared in the February/1994 issue of Hockey
Player Magazine®
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Posted: Jul 28, 2005, 22:03
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