March 20, 2014 by Steve Davies in Advice, glove hand, Goaltending, Technique, Uncategorized

Glove Position Debate

In recent years, there has been a growing tendency for goalies at all levels to hold their glove hand high and in “a fingers up” position as opposed to the more traditional waist high 3 o’clock position. The rationale for holding the glove in the former position is that it

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May 04, 2013 by Steve Davies in Goaltending, Philosophy

In Goaltending… Patience Is a Virtue

Many years ago, as the Director of the Goalie Program at the Okanagan Hockey School in British Columbia, I had the opportunity to work with a number of NHL goalies. For the most part, they were celebrity guest instructors, hired to attract students, pose for pictures and sign autographs. Goalies

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April 23, 2013 by Steve Davies in Advice, Goaltending, Try Outs

Getting Cut Isn’t the End

On April 15th and 16th we conducted our Goalie Tryout Sessions for the York Simcoe Express. The goalies participated in a variety of drills that hopefully gave each of them a better opportunity to show their skills to the coaches in attendance. Before adopting this procedure, prospective goaltenders were given

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April 08, 2013 by Steve Davies in Goaltending, Try Outs

A Trying Time for Coaches, Goalies and Parents

With the hockey tryouts just around the corner, I know how difficult it is for everyone involved. The coaches have the challenge of putting together the best team possible and making sure all the pieces of the puzzle fit. The youngsters trying out for the teams will be paraded out

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April 08, 2013 by Steve Davies in Goaltending, Philosophy

Steve Davies: Zen and the Art of Goaltending

I have often heard it said that at the highest levels of athletic competition, the determining factor in winning or losing is not always superior skills. Of course, skill is very important and in many ways skill levels can be observed and measured. We have all seen competitions during the

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April 08, 2013 by Steve Davies in Goaltending, Philosophy

When They Pin It on Your Size!

Every year during the spring tryouts I get calls from coaches asking me to help in assessing the goalies trying out for their teams. I usually decline the invitation on the grounds that I frequently coach a number of the youngsters trying out and if they were to make the

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February 08, 2013 by Steve Davies in Advice, Goaltending, Philosophy

Some Advice to Goalies Leaving Home to Play Jr. Hockey

Some of you young goaltenders will begin chasing your dreams in earnest as you leave home for the first time to play Jr. Hockey. Several years ago, my son ventured to Pembroke, Ontario to play for the Lumberkings. His hockey dream ended last year at the age of 24 when,

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February 08, 2013 by Steve Davies in Drills, Goaltending, Training, Video

On Ice Session

Here’s an example of some drills we run during a private on ice session. The tempo is high, and the so is the quality of shooters.

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