Comments on: How to Run a Hockey Defense: Goal Tending

on 12/13/2006 Make sure you keep your STICK ON THE ICE. This is the biggest problem among young goalies. If it's really difficult for you, buy a new stick; the lie may be wrong for you.

on 8/8/2006 No matter where the puck is on the ice, you must always stay square. This means you must always have your shoulders lined up with the shooters. This allows you to cover more ground and potentially make an easier and more effective save.

on 3/15/2006 When there's a face-off in the circle, bring your legs together to close your five-hole. This prevents quick shots from sneaking through holes in your stance. Just be prepared to move laterally right after the puck has been dropped.

on 3/11/2006 Goalies lift their stick off the ice when shifting side to side during a penalty shot. If a player is coming down the side, chances are is he is going to come close, go across to other side and shoot at the five hole once you open up. There is no way to prevent your pads from opening up when shifting to the other side, its how we move. Just keep that stick on the ground to cover the five hole, even if you go down butterfly. Your blocker will still be ready in case he goes high stick side and your glove should always be ready. The same key to goal tending applies - patience!

on 3/11/2006 Many goalies make the mistake of not having their catch open and ready, and when they do, they have it in a very useless position. Keep the glove open, do not stretch your fingers to keep it open, you will tire yourself early and your reflexes will slow when the puck hits, allowing for a rebound. Catching area should be facing the puck carrier's general direction comfortably. The arm should be bent in a 'V' shape, not tight to the body. Your hand position variable, I prefer to keep my thumb level with my throat area, 6 inches in front of my body and about a foot away from my mask so I have it in the corner of my vision. The most important part is to stay loose and comfortable, give your catch its fullest potential as the most useful piece of equipment for a goalie.

on 11/22/2005 Always stay square to the puck. This gives you the best vision of the shot and gives you the best chance of stopping the shot because you have your entire body between the puck and the goal. Also, come off the goal line and challenge the shooter and cut down the angle.

on 11/22/2005 If you feel that the shooter has you beat, you can often surprise him by putting your stick directly in the path of the puck as you fall to your side and stack your pads, effectively eliminating much of the bottom of the net.

on 11/22/2005 Be patient - don't anticipate a shot. If you go down too early, that gives the shooter a lot of room top shelf to bury the puck. Stay up and wait for the puck to leave the shooter's stick.

on 11/22/2005 Three things are necessary to be a succesful goalie: Relax. Play the angle between the shooter and your net (remember, it's your net and nobody is allowed to put the puck in it without your permission.) See the puck, stop the puck.

on 11/22/2005 Have patience with yourself. Always keep your eyes on the puck. Try to shift your body weight so you block the path to the net. Stay low and rely on the glove more than the stick for medium to high shots. Remember - you can only get better by practicing.