Don’t Forget…You Can Still Use Your Stick

In December of 2002 I splurged on tickets for my father and I to attend an Oilers game vs. the Avalanche.  The primary purpose was to see Patrick Roy play, in person.  We were at the rink early enough to see the entire warm-up and so on.  You can learn a lot from watching NHL goalies warm-up.  While my learning curve regarding goaltending changed dramatically, from seeing the greatest goalie to ever play the game. There were several things Patrick Roy would do that, as Kramer would say, blew my mind.  One of those skills was Roy’s ability to make the puck deflect 12-15 ft in the air on most shots along the ice.  From that night forward I committed myself to bringing the stick back into my game.

When MTN instructs beginner goalies we work tirelessly to stress the importance of proper stick positioning and use.  As goalies get older they still work on keeping their sticks in optimal position, full blade covering the space between the legs with an angle towards the goalie’s torso.  Now, most goalies play a pro-fly style, which covers the low net very well, and can control rebounds very well with the pads.  In fact with advancements in box style pads a lot of goalies would not need a stick to cover the five hole.  There is one problem with only using the pads to control low shots; most of the rebounds go back into play, though some would be in the corner. 

If your team is killing a 5 on 3 power play and your defenders are starting to run around why would you put the puck back into play when a break is needed.  Instead of keeping the puck in play, why not direct one of the low shots over the glass or into the torso for a whistle.  Of course, there are moments when a stick save is appropriate and when that stick must stay in proper position, covering the five hole.  If there is traffic or a chance of deflection proper position is required but if there is no chance of deflections or scrambles, use the stick to make the puck do what you want.  The stick is still a valuable weapon for a goaltender; remember to use it.

Just a tip:  A rebound that is airborne whether over the glass or in tight has less likelihood of becoming a goal.  Watch how Mikka Kiprusoff will make rebounds bounce high into the air off his chest at different points in a game.