Science of Goaltending

Goaltending The Evolution
Science of Goaltending

Six decades. Goaltending The Evolution has been evaluating NHL and International goaltenders since the 50’s. That’s right, a time when goalies had little or no protection, where a mask was something you wore at Halloween.
The 60’s brought the slap shot and a guy called Bobby Hull who used a banana blade to light up the net releasing shots goalies got nightmares from.
Throughout the 70’s and 80’s into the 90’s the equipment was starting to meet the needs but still had a long way’s to go. Goalies during this period were for the most part trying to figure out this complex position on there own or with limited help.
The late 80’s saw the rise of goaltending instruction becoming evident and we would get phone calls asking what style do you teach, stand up or butterfly.
We found this odd because we didn’t teach style. Style for us meant the way one singer versus another singer interprets a song or how 5 sales people sell the same product, but illustrate clearly their person style in presentation.
Goaltending on the other hand is like getting your black belt 10th dan in a Martial Arts forum. The position is not strictly going down or standing, it is understanding when to stay up or when to go down, understanding when it’s a option and when going down to soon has you clearly over-reacting or over anticipating the outcome.
Knowledge is Power as we all know and creating the Goaltenders Mind Set and Toolbox is priority one.
As we move into modern day goaltending its clear to us based on our knowledge and experience that the pendulum has swung to far. In reality back in the day goalies where not allowed to go down at all, it was against the rules. The game evolved and going down now has its rightful place although still not fully understood when it’s the right decision. Today’s game it would appear the first thing goalies want to learn and are being taught is going down, playing on your knees, sliding theatrically which l might add is cool. We say theatrically because its often theatre on ice, used when its just not necessary but feels cool…
Going down playing on your knees is a part of the evolution of goaltending and has its relevance. The question rises if this is all you’re exposed to from a teaching philosophy, is your game well rounded or are you one dimensional and/or predictable?
We delve into these relevant questions and explore the When to, How to, Where to and Why for’s.
At Goaltending The Evolution we will present our findings and continue to explore, to learn, to discover and most of all Look to What Tomorrow will Bring!

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