Getting the most from your goalie gear

Hey everyone,

I'm still in "catch up" mode, but think this piece written for the New England Hockey Journal last summer is really sort of timeless. Not in a "great writing" way, but in terms of the "subject matter." Far too many goaltenders thing the "gear makes the man," and that simply ain't true. Plus, I got a chuckle out of the postscript below, seeing LA's Jonathan Quick is again playing at a level most humans can't even imagine!

Getting the most from your gear

There's an old axiom in beer league hockey: beware the guy who shows up with a ratty old bag of well-worn gear. More often than not, those are the characters who can skate circles around the guys sporting a head-to-toe top-of-the-line set of pricey equipment that they bought with their year-end bonuses.

Here's the goaltending corollary – equipment doesn't make the goalie. Now, good gear will help a good goalie play better. But even the best equipment isn't going to turn a dumpy, unmotivated kid into the next Martin Brodeur. I always try to judge each goaltender I coach on his own merit, but there's a growing group of kids who watch guys like Tim Thomas or Tuukka Rask (or Henrik Lundqvist, Ryan Miller, or Jonathan Quick), see them as stars, see the accolades that come their way, and want some of that action.

What they don't understand, initially, is that it's not enough to toss on all this cool gear and jump in between the pipes. That additional equipment, designed to protect them, takes some getting used to, and considerable effort to master. That challenge gets even more difficult if the gear is outdated, incomplete, or ill-fitting.

So here, free of charge, are a few tips to help your young netminder get the most of the gear you do buy.

First, get the properly sized equipment. Apply the Goldilocks' Rule – don't get gear that's too big (not matter how much you think your kid will grow), too small (no matter how good the deal is), but is "just right" for your neophyte netminder. Gloves, pads, chest protectors, and pants are all made in junior, intermediate, and adult sizes. A few items (like pants) can be bought oversized. But most gear that's too large will only inhibit your youngster's ability to move properly.

For this reason, I often advocate buying your child's gear from a reputable "brick & mortar" store, with a knowledgeable sales staff. You can find great deals online, but you're also making a "blind purchase" to some extent (unless you already know exactly what you're looking for, in which case you probably don't need my advice).

I'm typically a fan of "second hand" stores or even places like Craig's List, provided you're confident that you can correctly assess if the gear will fit. If you're as new to the sport as your child, then you're really at the mercy of the person making the sale. There have been dozens of design changes in gear (particularly leg pads and chest protectors) that mirror recent developments in how the position is played. Getting an old set of pads – even if they're in great shape – might inadvertently put your child at a disadvantage if they're not designed to play the butterfly technique. Specifically, look for adequate knee stacks and synthetic leather (not cloth) on the insides of the pads, which allow goaltenders to execute modern techniques (like the butterfly slide and push) with greater ease, while protecting their knees.

Similarly, goalie gloves should be comfortable, with straps that cinch around the wrist, permitting the hands to move freely. Some new gloves, and many old ones, can be stiff, preventing the goaltender from catching a puck, covering a puck on the ice, or holding a stick properly.

Employees at better retail stores will not only help you get the correct size equipment, but also show you how it's supposed to be worn. I can't stress this last point enough. Once you've laid out your hard-earned coin, take a few extra minutes to learn how to put the stuff on (and teach your child how to do it as well).

Most straps on leg pads have a specific purpose, but none are more important than the toe lace/buckle, and the knee straps. I'm amazed at the number of times I've seen young goalies – obvious beginners – get on the ice with the toe straps removed altogether, or tied not to the skates, but to other straps to keep them out of the way. When I ask parents why, I get one of two responses: "I didn't know what to do with them," or "I didn't think they were that important." Invariably, these are the same parents who strap on their kid's pads so tight that they fit more like a corset than goalie gear. No wonder these youngsters have so much trouble moving.

In reality, these toe straps are essential to keep the leg pads "centered" as they rotate back and forth while a goalie executes butterfly saves. If the toe straps are used correctly (laced through the skate, and tied by the ankle) the remaining straps can be loosened, which enhances the pads ability to rotate, forming a tight seal on the ice. That's why the knee strap is important; it keeps the knee secured in the knee cradle while the pads rotate.

Two more quick points. Goalie skates make a huge difference in a young netminder's ability to execute goalie-specific movements. Regular skates, with their thinner blades and a more rounded radius, are far more unstable (which can be very frustrating for youngsters). Goalie skates are a much better investment than a goalie helmet at the mite and squirt levels (though a neck dangler is recommended). However, if you do buy a goalie mask, make sure it fits correctly. A loose mask that moves is dangerous.

Last, but certainly not least, is the goalie stick. This is perhaps the most underappreciated piece of equipment among a goalie's "tools of ignorance." What many parents, and coaches, don't understand is that the paddle length of the stick often determines whether the goalie will have a balanced stance. The key is to make sure the goalie is holding the stick properly (with the blocker hand at the top of the paddle, with the index finger on the paddle for stability) while in his or her stance.

So, for example, a goaltender who plays in a low crouch can get by with a shorter paddle. I'm almost 6-foot-3, but I use a 26-inch paddle. Many goaltenders my height, however, play more upright and will use a 27-inch paddle. Personal preference is huge. So when you buy a goalie stick, bring your young netminder to the store, and have them try different paddle lengths (while wearing their goalie skates). The correct stick will be the one that feels most comfortable. Simple as that.

##

The Goalie Guru postscript. Last month, I took Tim Thomas to task for what I felt was his selfish behavior this past year, and how it helped doom the Bruins' season. Obviously, his decision this spring to take next season off, walking out on his front-loaded contract and leaving the team with a $5 million hit on the salary cap, only reinforces my belief. In contrast, I love what I've seen from Connecticut's favorite son, L.A. Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick, this year's Conn Smythe winner as the MVP of the Stanley cup playoffs.

Consider this terrific quote for LA defenseman Willie Mitchell on Quick, from Sports Illustrated: "He's also one of the best teammates ever because he's such a selfless guy. I'll make a mistake, it'll end up in our net, and he won't glare or say anything except 'I shoulda had it.' Love the guy."

Who wouldn't? Quick not only played like an all-world talent during the Stanley Cup playoffs, but he was the consummate teammate in the consummate team game. Tim Thomas could learn a thing or two about team play from his former USA Olympic teammate. That is, if he ever plays again.

FINIS

The boys and girls of summer

Putting a young goalie in "time out" ...

Hi gang,

Nothing like a little hip-replacement surgery to force me to take some much-needed down time, and get The Goalie Guru current. This is always an interesting time of year for me, as spring represents such a transition time for the hockey player.

The following is a recent Goalie Guru column for the New England Hockey Journal, on the benefits (and myths) regarding summer camps, inspired by my own experiences over the past 10 years. Let me know what you think ...

WHAT A GOALIE CAMP WILL - AND WON'T - DO FOR YOU

Full disclosure. I often feel uncomfortable lobbying for summer hockey camps. It appears self-serving, since I spend a good chunk of my summer working for them. I understand that. However, that fact also keeps me honest, and I always make every effort to give every child my full attention. I've never mailed it in.

But my allegiance to summer camps goes beyond that. The reality is, I'm a fan of good sports camps of any kind, and my daughters are proof. My eldest, Maddi, attended an overnight volleyball camp in my wife's home state, Kansas, and came home with the tools to jump-start a terrific freshman season. My youngest, Brynne, is a 13-year-old hockey player, and she's benefited greatly by the "immersion" that a weeklong summer camp provides, and she'll be going back to a skating and stickhandling camp this summer. That's when she's not at soccer camp.

So, while I work for camps, as a parent I can appreciate the positive impact they can have. As long as kids also get a break. Booking your young goalie for eight weeks of camps over the summer is begging for burnout. On the other hand, the "concentrated dose" that a weeklong camp offers is invaluable, because it provides essential building blocks. Just like a good diet – you need to establish a solid foundation, which supports future development.

Here's another reason I'm a fan of summer goaltending camps. They are all about goalies. Period. Not shooters, not defensive schemes, power plays or penalty kills (though those topics are covered extensively, from a goalie's perspective). This is just the opposite of almost every youth hockey program I've seen, where goalies are treated like some sort of mildly intriguing appendage.

Campers will get plenty of work, likely more than they bargained for. But the workload is designed to make the goalies stronger, quicker, smarter, instead of simply running them into the ground (which, as best I can tell, is the end-product of roughly three-quarters of the shorting drills I see in youth hockey these days).

Still, don't be fooled into thinking all camps are equal. There's a well-known shooting and stickhandling camp (which will remain unnamed, to protect the guilty) that offers free spots for goaltenders. When I inquired, I learned there was no instruction. Absolutely none. Zero. They wouldn't even consider having a goalie coach on the ice. These camps simply wanted targets (and, in reality, should have been paying those poor kids). The lesson? Be sure to ask beforehand.

So, with all that said, here are a few persistent myths about camps I'd like to dispel:

You'll get better by just showing up. OK, there's some truth to this. We will make you a better goaltender. But if you think the ability of Mom and Dad to pay for a camp will miraculous make you an NHL All-Star, you're misinformed. Playing goal takes work. Sweat and exertion. There are no shortcuts.

Nice gear makes a better goaltender. There's an old saying, which I repeat often during my goalie sessions: "A good craftsmen doesn't blame his tools." Mommy and Daddy might be able to afford this camp, and all the really expensive gear that the position requires, but if you don't bring the requisite effort, it will all go for naught. Bank on it.

Camps are to get in shape. Wrong. Anyone showing up to camp "to get in shape" is going to miss half the benefit, because they'll be spending half the time trying to keep lunch down, or trying not to huck a lung. The kids who benefit most from camps are the ones who show up ready to roll on Day One. You are reading this in April (or at least the April issue). You have no excuses. Get in shape now.

We will hold your hand. Hockey is a great game because it not only teaches self-sufficiency, but also because it treats that concept as one of its bedrock principles. We – your councilors and instructors – are not getting between the pipes. You are. So it's our job to make sure you're ready to do your job. If you think you're going to get pampered, think again. That would be a disservice to your folks, your team, and ultimately, to you. Our job is to make sure you get in the pool without drowning. And we'll show you how to get faster. But whether you actually get any better or not is really, at the end of the day, up to you.

We will tie your skates, and put on your pads. See the previous paragraph. Throughout the week at camp, we'll offer advice, particularly when it comes to ill-fitting or inadequate gear. My colleague Kevin Morrison at Bertagna Goaltending loves to remind youngsters to cut the boot straps on their pads to an appropriate length, to avoid tripping on them if they come loose. We talk about proper gear care (don't leave it in your bag; hang it in front of a dehumidifier), and gear fit. But we're not nannies.

We are your parents. Not even close. But we understand that Mom and Dad are laying out a pretty penny for you to attend, and we're going to make sure they get their money's worth. But if you talk back or throw temper tantrums at home, and expect to get away with the same behavior at camp, you're in for a shock. There are, at a minimum, 14 or 15 other campers sharing the ice with you. My experience has been that about 75-80 percent of them will dig deep and work hard. If you don't, simply because you can't adjust your attitude, you'll get left behind.

It's all about competition. The objective of these camps is to improve. But far too many kids treat it like a competition, and as a result default to old, comfortable habits, even if those habits prevent them from getting better (the classic example is a kid who stays on the goal line because he's a afraid of getting caught out of position, even though he's giving up half the goal. The solution is becoming a better skater, not staying deep). I remind my campers that I'm not the one picking their teams, or their team's starting goalie. They don't have to worry about impressing me. I only want them to get better. That means getting out of their comfort zone, and push their limits. To quote Brian Daccord of Stop It Goaltending: "In season, it's about results. In the summer, you're working on improving technique, improving quickness, working on your strategies and your technical game, so you know how you want to play every situation. You want to work on your weaknesses, try new things, try to implement new facets to your game, new techniques."

So bring it, but have fun with it.

FINIS

Getting the right gear, at the right price

Hi gang,

The following is my July installment of The Goalie Guru column for the New England Hockey Journal, which coincided with a Goalie Gear Review feature that I wrote. Needless to say, goalie gear has changed dramatically since the days our friend in the accompanying photo, who guarded the nets for Japan in the 1948 Winter Olympics (I think!). Just remember, even the best gear in the world is going to cause problems for you (or your young netminder) if it doesn't fit!

IF THE PADS (AND SKATES AND GLOVES) FIT

You may be familiar with the old real estate maxim: Location, location, location. The equivalent in the goalie equipment formula is this: Fit, fit, fit.

I've often compared goalie equipment to blue jeans. You've got to find the manufacturer who designs jeans that fit your particular body type. When I was a kid, Levis were all the rage. But they were cut narrow through the butt and thighs, two areas where I – as a soccer player and a hockey goaltender – had some extra heft. Of course, I insisted on wearing Levis to be cool, no matter how uncomfortable they were, until one afternoon when my mom managed to drill some sense into my thick Irish skull.

We were shopping together, and she suggested I try on a pair of Wranglers (probably because they cost half as much as Levis). I refused. So Mom called my bluff. It was the Wranglers, or I paid the difference. So I tried them on, and "Voila!" They fit like a charm.

Like so many things Mom taught me over the years, this was more than a lesson in blue-jean finances. It was about me not being afraid to be my own person. That's helped me almost every facet of my life. That includes not only deciding to play goalie, but also in finding the right gear. I don't go with what's popular; I choose what's right for me.

"The most important aspect to consider (when buying goalie equipment) is without a doubt the sizing," says Rob Laurie of GoalieMonkey. "Properly fitted gear is a must for maximum performance. A goalie should use as many resources as they can to assure proper fit, which can include trying on other goalie's gear, looking at local shops, consulting with a knowledgeable customer service rep, referring to sizing charts, and reading web forums with posts from other goalies who have experience with that gear."

Rob is absolutely correct on this score. The more information you have, the better, especially considering the investment. The following is a compendium of advice on proper fit from several of the leading gear manufacturers, including Laurie, Henry Breslin of Bauer, Sonya Dibiase of Reebok, and Eric Marvin of Warrior. Though some suggestions appear repetitive, I left them, if only for emphasis.

What are the most important factors when shopping for goalie equipment? Are those factors different for young players, teenagers, and adults?
Henry Breslin: The most important factor for younger goalies should be fit and comfort. During key development years it is critical to buy gear that fits properly so that goalies can focus on technique, positioning and movement. If you are a teenager or adult playing regularly, it's worth the investment to purchase higher end equipment because it will help your game. If you're playing recreationally, there's tremendous selection and value for your dollar that wasn't available 10 years ago.
Rob Laurie: Price is always a concern when shopping for goaltending gear at any level, but I think value overrides that in the long run. Properly fitted gear chosen at the right performance level is a must. Also, a goalie should choose gear that is designed for his playing style, whether that is more of a blocking/butterfly style (Henrik Lundqvist) or more of a hybrid standup style (Ilya Bryzgalov).
Sonya Dibiase: Goalies should be looking for a product that is comfortable and fits well. To ensure the best fit, it's important to try the goal equipment on in the store. Before strapping on a pair of pads, goalies should be wearing their skates and pants. Always put on a chest protector when trying on gloves and pants.
Eric Marvin: Young players need proper sizing. Buying properly fitted gear will allow the goalie to have an easier time learning the fundamentals and that will ultimately benefit their game. Do your homework and understand the differences between the equipment, and how it will function for your individual habits.

What is the biggest mistake goalies/parents make when buying equipment?
HB: Buying gear that is too big or too stiff. With the speed of the game increasing, it is vital that goalies can comfortably move and not have their gear slowing them down because it isn't the right size. Large and stiff equipment will cause problems, particularly for younger goalies who are still developing.
RL: We see two things. Generally, it is trying to buy gear that the goalie can "grow into," which if taken to the extreme will only hurt the youth goaltenders ability to move properly. Also, buying gear with too much emphasis on price and not getting the proper performance level can be an issue.
SD: The biggest mistake is buying equipment that doesn't fit properly. EM: Buying the proper size seems to be a common problem, but also knowing how to wear the equipment once they purchase it to suit their playing habits.

What is the best way to determine proper fit in leg pads? Does the style of play influence the size of the pad as well as the style?
HB: To guarantee proper fit for a pad, try it on with skates and pants. There are slight differences between companies regarding sizing, and even the different styles of pads within Bauer fit a bit differently. The only way to know you're in the right size is to have the pad on your leg with skates and pants so you can confirm everything fits properly and works well together.
RL: Make sure the knee is properly lined up with the pad's knee cradle. An ankle-to-knee measurement and consulting with a properly trained sales rep is second only to actually trying the pads on and lining up the knee. From there, the plus sizing should be matched to the goaltender's height and playing style. Typically, stand-up goalies go with the smaller thigh rise and butterfly goalies opt for taller pads.
SD: The goalies knee must be in the center of the knee cradle with their skates on. Goalies that have a wide butterfly (knees far apart) need longer thigh rises, which is available in +1 or +2 sizing.
EM: If you're looking to buy a set of leg pads, take your skates, pants and knee pads and try the pads on at the store. This will give you a true fit, because each piece of equipment effects the way the pad sits on your leg and where your knee falls into the knee cradle. See how well you move in the pad. Then decide if you can to add length in the thigh to accommodate your style without hindering your movement.

Four final thoughts. First, don't cut corners on protection. There is nothing that will dull a goalie's enthusiasm for the position faster than getting hurt. Second, if your 13 or older, learn how to put the pads on correctly to maximize their performance. If you're a parent, encourage your child to do the same. Three, when you go to the store, schedule plenty of time. A few hours spent trying on different models will pay dividends later.

Last, get pads and gloves that are predominantly white, with neutral highlights (like black). Why? From a technical standpoint, white pads make it harder for shooters to see the net. But white also goes with every color of uniform. And, believe me, that's important.

"Goaltenders today more than ever want their gear to look good and match their teams colors," says Laurie. "A retailer's customer service should be able to direct a goaltender to gear that fits all of these specific factors and find equipment that not only performs well but looks good while doing it."

After all, I may have switched from Levis to Wranglers, but they were still blue jeans. I wasn't about to wear those plaid, polyester dress slacks that Mom bought for me!

FINIS

The gear game …

Back in the day, when I was growing up in New Jersey in the 1960s and '70s, playing goal was a calling, for one simple reason. You got hurt. Often. It was perfectly normal for me to finish a skate with several (or more) multicolored welts, each one recording another save. I took great pride in those bruises, and in many ways, it was pride that drove me to play the position. It certainly wasn't "fun" most of the time.

A big reason was the gear. The equipment simply hadn't caught up to the curved sticks and slap shots, and getting hit repeatedly by a puck was going to be painful, period. I still have a memento – an old cage from my Cooper goalie mask – from my high school days shortly after my family had moved to New Hampshire. The cage is bent almost perfectly around my nose, so it never raises suspicion. But, in truth, the bar was straight as a ruler until a teammate's slap shot in practice caught me square between the eyes. The impact separated the cage from the helmet, and sent me toppling backwards. I slammed the back on my head on the crossbar, and the only thing preventing me from getting a concussion was the helmet I was wearing. But that cage, I'm absolutely convinced, saved my life.

Street hockey wasn't much better, though not life threatening. This was actually my introduction to hockey, spurned on by my Grandpere (my mom's dad), a huge hockey fan and a native of Quebec. We could play year-round on the streets of my New Jersey neighborhood, but early fall was a magic time. The Rangers started training camp, and we'd trade in our baseball gloves and bats for hockey gloves and sticks. But the hard, bright orange Mylec got more and more stiff as the temperatures dropped, and would sting like a son-of-a-gun in weather below 50 degrees (which was compounded by the fact that I, as the goalie, got stiff as well, 'cause I wasn't running around). I remember my mom helping me to fashion some home-made pads out of old, brown denim jeans stuffed with foam. The rest of the gear was fairly rudimentary: hockey glove as a blocker, baseball mitt as a catcher, maybe a cup jock (maybe not, which meant really living dangerously), a catcher's chest protector, heavy sweaters to protect the arms, and a plastic Mylec mask. It wasn't much, but it was enough. Most of the time, anyway. There were some pretty excruciating moments, when a shot found an unprotected area, but those never prevented me from getting back between the pipes.

By the time I hit 8th grade, I knew I wanted to play goalie on the ice as well. Rinks were starting to sprout throughout northern New Jersey, and my brothers and I were quick to sign up. I emulated Ranger netminders Eddie Giacomin and Gilles Villemure in those days, and begged my mom to get real gear. She said get a paper route. So I did. And in 1972 or '73 (I'm not sure … the memory is a little fuzzy), I went to a local sports shop, and got my first genuine set of pads. I remember paying the princely sum of $115 for the leg pads, $40 for the catch glove, and $35 for the blocker. The total bill was about $225 for just about everything I needed, except goalie skates. Those would come later.

Looking back, I can't believe I got an entire set of brand-new, adult-sized handcrafted leather gear (made in Canada, of course) for a shade over $200. Of course, that was almost 40 years ago, but the point is, I was able to outfit myself with the proceeds of a paper route. How many kids can do that today?

As a coach, I realize the financial commitment that playing goal brings, either for the goalie, or his or her parents. It's not cheap. Take the legs pads. Pro-level pads, made north of the border, run at least four figures, with the starting point of roughly $1,200. There are exceptions to the rule, such as Simmons, a very nice pad manufacturer that doesn't spend big buck on pro sponsorships. But the major players – Vaughn, Reebok, Bauer, Brian's, Sher-Wood – will all cost a very pretty penny. If you opt for customized gear, like Trevor Leahey's imaginative Stomp gear in the accompanying photo, you can plan on dropping close to $2,000 on pads and gloves alone. (On the other hand, Trevor went to the Pingree School here in Hamilton, a commuting prep school that runs about $30,000 annually, so I'm guessing cost wasn't a big deal for his folks!)

So what is a goalie parent to do? First, if your young netminder is still growing (ages 6-16), don't go crazy on top-notch gear. Kids will want matching gear, probably the same stuff their heroes wear. What kid wouldn't? Don't fall into that trap. Get them what they need, and save what you can (you'll need it later if he or she sticks with it). Younger goalies (Mites and Squirts) don't need bulletproof protection, because their teammates can't shoot the puck that hard anyway (the coach might get carried away, but that's another story). Don't take the "he'll grow into it" approach, either. You want equipment that fits correctly, and is relatively lightweight. If the pads don't fit correctly, you're setting your child up for frustration at best, and failure at worse.

In this regard, secondhand gear is a great choice, because it depreciates so quickly, and you can usually find very reasonable prices online at sites such as Craig's List, or stores like Play It Again Sports. I've had great luck on Ebay, but that's because I know exactly what I'm looking for, and the size I need. That's a little trickier for parents, since you're still buying the item "blind." If you're new to the world of goalie gear, you want to actually see the stuff you're buying, and you want to make sure it's a good match. Most importantly, make sure your child's knee (with his skates on) fits squarely into the knee cradle of the leg pads. Likewise, the chest and arm protector should fit comfortably – buying this item over-sized will only prevent your young prodigy from being able to move without difficulty. Newer pads are specifically designed to move with the goaltender, but only if they fit correctly.

Since these pads only going to be using it for a season or two, you might also opt for newer pads on the lower end of the price spectrum. To help take the sting out of outfitting a young netminder, most major gear manufacturers now offer equipment made overseas. And while this gear has made significant improvements over the years, it still is inferior, in both materials and workmanship. Still, it might do the trick, depending on your needs. The benefit here is that you're dealing with a shop that (ideally) can show you the correct way to put the pads on. I'm always startled to see how many young goalies show up at our camps and clinics with ill-fitting pads. The funniest are the ones with the pads on the wrong leg (yes, there are "left" and "right" pads). But then I realize that putting n pads, for most parents, is akin to me installing an electrical outlet or changing the brakes on my car. If you've never been shown how to do it, it can be puzzling. Take the time to learn, and encourage your young goaltender to do the same.

For PeeWees and Bantams (ages 11-15), you want to make sure they're protected. Kids can start shooting faster and harder, and the puck isn't getting any softer. Better gear is not just an option; it's a necessity. You'll want to upgrade to goalie pants, and probably a mask with a plastic neck protector (or dangler). Again, go the secondhand route if money is a concern. You can typically find good gear at 25 to 40 cents on the dollar, and your child will benefit from the added measure of safety. Compared to my circa 1972 stuff, today's equipment is far superior, which is one of the biggest reasons goaltending is becoming so popular. It simply doesn't hurt as much. And that's a good thing.

Addendum: My good friend Steve Zinger pointed out that I didn't mention knee/thigh pads, which are a critical piece of protection for young goalies. Many smaller, kid-size leg pads expose the area just above the knee, and just below their hockey pants, when a young goalie drops into the butterfly (or on the ice). Some pads have "thigh boards," but I've found that in less expensive models, these boards don't stay in place. Knee/thigh protectors are an inexpensive yet effective piece of gear to prevent injuries to this very susceptible (and sensitive) part of the leg. Thanks, Steve, for the heads up!

Stay tuned for future posts on the importance of goalie skates, and properly fitted goalie sticks.

All the best,
-Brion

Starting young ...

I can't blame kids for wanting to play goalie nowadays. There's no question that it's become a glamor position. Here in Boston, if you turn on NESN, the Bruins local TV channel, you're bound to see highlights of Tuukka Rask (the B's anointed one) and Tim Thomas (the 2008-09 Vezina Trophy winner). Goalies are superstars, the center of attention. And that's bound to catch any kid's eye.

Suffice to say, that wasn't always the case. While I was growing up, I was in the distinct minority, one of the few with the kinked DNA who actually wanted to play goalie. The fashionable positions were the forwards, the goal scorers. Then Bobby Orr, with his preternatural skills, came along, and gave defensemen added panache. Overall, it was the stars who skated out who sparked the dreams of most school-age buddies of mine.

Goalies were stereotypically some sad-sack grommit who was short on talent and, more often than not, long on girth (or someone's kid brother who would play any position just to be part of the game). The idea was to take the worst skater, and stick him in the nets. After all, the thinking went, they didn't have to move very far. And even if they got pummeled, they'd stick around because they didn't really have any choice.

Today, gear improvements have made the position much, much safer, which makes it more attractive for first-timers (more on equipment advances in a later post). Plus, the gear looks really cool, and that adds allure to playing goal. But there's also an undeniable athleticism that modern goaltenders brings to the game that makes the position look like such a blast to play. As a coach, I understand that the skills on display in pro and college-level games are the result of years and years of hard work, but kids don't know that. They just see these fabulous acrobats, coiled like jungle cats in front of their cages, making life miserable for the world's best shooters on a nightly basis.

If only it were so simple. I'm not discouraging anyone from trying, but the PlayStation generation doesn't always grasp the effort required to play a position as physically demanding as hockey goaltender. And once they find out for themselves, their first reaction is often to dump the "tools of ignorance" and pick up their skinny sticks. So it's critical to make sure novice goalies are given the correct set of expectations, designed to give them the best chance of success.

There are several caveats to consider before you put your youngster (or any youngster) in the nets. Most importantly, remember that children under the age of 10 are still getting their skating legs under them. The added obstacle of trying to move around with cumbersome goalie gear is a rude wake-up call. Chances are, they'll flail, desperately trying to find a balance point on their edges without the natural advantage that momentum provides. Goalie-specific skating is much different than the long, looping strides of regular skaters, and regular hockey skates aren't design for the quick, compact movements a netminder makes. So the very act of staying on their feet becomes a daunting challenge for many young goalies.

During a recent clinic for my Agawam Youth Hockey goalies, I had one little shaver who couldn't have been more than 7. And he couldn't stay upright. Every time he moved, the poor kid fell. He simply wasn't bending his knees, and kept losing his balance. Once he fell – either on his backside, or on all fours – he could not get back up. It was excruciating. After about 10 minutes of flopping around, he burst into tears. I helped him off the ice, delivering him to his dad, but it was clear that his goaltending days were numbered. He found out the hard way that goaltending was whole lot more difficult than it looks on TV.

One very effective method to prevent these awkward on-ice moments is to have the young netminder bring the gear home, and try it on without skates. Most equipment for Mite and Squirt goalies is relatively light, but can still feel stiff and bulky. To make things easier, give your first-time netminder a chance to get used to moving with all that added bulk, without the added tribulations of slipping around on the ice. Play street hockey, fire tennis balls at him, laugh. Be patient. And don't be in a great rush to your undersized netminder onto the ice. The realization of how tough it is to play goal is akin to "sticker shock" for many youngsters; too many quit without really giving the position an honest effort.

The good news is that the learning curve is fairly sharp, provided they stick with it. Make it fun, and don't worry about the results of the first few skates. The only goal you want to focus on initially is that they want to get back in the nets.

All the best,
-Brion