While normally the goaltender cannot be a
Captain or Assistant Captain, this does not mean that the goaltender forgoes
the responsibilities of being a team leader. In fact being involved in a positive
leadership role can assist the goaltender in actually being more effective at
their position. To be a good leader a goaltender must have a good understanding
of communication skills (Physical and Verbal).
The following are just a few ways in which MTN feels the goaltender can be an effective leader on and off the ice
Off Ice Communication
The goaltender must be aware that the communication process begins before they even step on the ice.
The goaltender needs to communicate any positional
and/or team related issues with teammates. The goaltender needs to discuss with
defensemen, where and how they want pucks set up for the breakout. The defensemen
need to know how the goaltender wants to play odd man rushes, screen situations,
and penalty kills. As well as key
words that the defensemen need to hear during certain plays.
Another aspect of being a leader is trying to rally your teammates. Often things like the goaltender’s body language or some encouraging words can help build team confidence and camaraderie. If a teammate has done something that you like, let them know. If you think someone needs to pick up their game pull them aside and positively let them know how much more they are capable of. If a teammate has royally screwed up, it is not your job to berate them in front of the rest of the team and if this mistake has resulted in a goal, remember you are the one whose job it is to cover up for that mistake (see Goalie Responsibilities).
Analyze the other team’s goaltenders for strengths
and weaknesses. If you spot a weakness
of the other team and/or their goaltender make sure you inform the players on
your team. Your teammates may not
take the scoring advice to heart and worse yet if that scoring advice works
they seem surprised. Keep giving
the advice because no one knows better how to score on a goaltender, than a
goaltender.
On
Ice Communication
During the game the goaltender is the quarterback.
The goaltender is the one player who gets to see the whole play develop
almost all of the time. The goaltender should be the eyes for the entire team.
When you are verbally communicating with teammates make sure that you are loud enough that the fans can hear you. If the fans can hear you your teammates will too.
Three important aspects of verbal on ice communication are:
1) TIMING: If the timing of the communication is not correct then a teammate could get hurt or a goal could be scored.
2) VOLUME: If your teammates cannot hear what you are saying they will not do what you need them to do. With a mask on, and a noisy rink it is doubly important the goaltender is LOUD and CLEAR. Let your teammates know what is needed, with authority, so they know you are serious.
3) SHORT PHRASES: Communicating, on the ice, requires that the goaltender use short phrases to describe what actions need to occur. Hockey moves too fast too be able to fully explain a situation. Of course, everyone needs to be on the same page as to which short phrases will be used.
Some short phrases that can be used during a game are:
MAN ON!
The goaltender is letting a teammate know they are under pressure.
MOVE!
SCREEN! CAN’T SEE!
These indicate that the opposition or a teammate is screening
the goaltender.
SHOT!
The goalie wants the shot. The
defenseman should take away the passing option.
BOARDS!
GLASS!
The goaltender lets the teammate know that the boards or glass are a
safe play.
BACK DOOR!
There is an open attacker at the opposite side of the crease. Defensemen should watch for the passing option.
FREEZE IT!
ICE IT!
Both signals indicate a face-off or line change is needed.
Use these instructions if your team is scrambling in your own end.
HIGH MAN!
There is an open man in the slot that should be covered.
ICE!
Tell your teammates the opposition has iced the puck.
SKATES!
FEET!
The puck is in the skates of your teammate.
Teammates need to control the opposition’s sticks and control the body
to avoid a sudden scoring chance.
OVER!
BEHIND! If your teammate
has control of the puck and it is safe to pass to another player across or behind
the net this is a good command. This
may also be a way of indicating that the puck has been rimmed around the boards
to the other side of the rink.
GOT IT!
MINE!
This indicates that the goaltender has an idea of what they want to do
with the puck. The goalie may want
to play the puck or freeze it for a whistle.
UP!
The puck has gone into the air, possibly after a save.
There is an open teammate up the ice.
REVERSE!
The defenseman’s best option is to pass the puck back in the opposite
direction they were heading. The
reverse pass is a hard pass made off of the boards.
WHEEL!
TAKE IT!
Let your teammate know when they have a chance to rush the puck.
SET UP!
BACK! If the breakout
is not working properly instruct your defensemen to start from scratch.
NET’S OFF! Let the ref know if the net is off its moorings. Get the whistle to prevent a deflating goal from happening.
*** Remember:
Hockey happens at a fast pace so communication is important. Proper
communication will help make everyone’s job easier. ***