June 7, 2013

Scouting Report June 2013

If you've been following my recent blog posts about my transition from stand-up to butterfly and the many hours on the ice learning new techniques along with adding newer equipment, you no doubt expect a pretty marked improvement in my play since January when I started.

I know I was... until I watched the new video.

So here is a self-written scouting report on the Ancient Netminder based on the 3 minutes of footage available in this post. It should go without saying that I am disappointed in my progress and have a lot of work ahead of me.



Ancient Netminder

6'2, 260 (Not verified, the scale broke)
Catches: Left

Born: After A. Lincoln but before W. Gretzky in Ontario, Canada

Drafted: Never, but left the window open one night and caught a cold.
Last Season: Played 7 games for local Adult Instructional League aka The Bottom of the Barrel

Scouting Report:

  • 
Relies on posts to determine where he is
 and is forced to check his position often.
  • He likes to stay further back in crease which is hurting his angle and position to the shooter. 
  • He has average reaction time and his movement is slow and deliberate.
  • Drops into butterfly for everything within the circles and then reacts to it
- often leaving the top part of the net open.
  • He leaves open net to his left and right and tries to use his blocker and catcher instead of making little adjustments to center his body toward the puck
.
  • Covers a lot of net down low but is very immobile once down.
  • Little evidence of advanced butterfly technique (slides, pushes etc)


Recommendations:
  • 
Drop some weight. I mean a lot of weight. Seriously, he's too fat.
  • Find a way to build confidence and challenge shooters to reduce angles and open net.
  • Get more mobile when in the butterfly. Where are his slides and pushes?
  • Diet and exercise. How is he not breaking through the ice he's so fat.

June 4, 2013

Getting Called Up

The Hockey Director at our local rink has been doing a great job of rebuilding the minor and adult hockey programs in the year since he took over. One example is our Adult 'D' League which is currently hosting 12 teams- up from only 4 a year ago.

In the break between I-League seasons, I was approached to play on one of the new D teams, "The Whale". I was thrilled to be asked and jumped at the chance to move up in skill levels.

In my dizzying weekly schedule of ice-time I have been a regular at drop-in hockey sessions at different rinks in my area and I feel like I hold my own against all but a few players each time I'm on the ice. Yes, I get torched by blazing fast skaters and there's little to no defense played in these sessions but it has been great experience to play against higher level players.

Last night I stepped onto the ice with my new team to play our first game of the Spring session. I had noticed that our ranks were pretty small when in the dressing room but looking at only two extra skaters sitting on our bench made me realize what a tough night we were in for. 8 goals later we had dropped our first game (8-6) and I let in at least two softies I'd like back.

I was expecting to do better and was pretty disappointed to have let so many get past me in my first D game. I even let a little doubt creep in that the team may want me to continue through the season but the chatter in the locker room was about how they hadn't helped me on defense.

Do I Need an Agent?


On the heels of my first- and less than stellar- D league game, an email drops into my inbox from a team captain from a nearby rink who are looking for a goalie. "Goalies play half. Let me know if you're interested," was all the message had but this is the second D team to request my services. Of course I will jump at the chance to join another team.

I wonder how much hockey my poor Amy will put up with?

My next entry will feature some fresh video. I am anxious to compare my game to where it was a few months ago. <fingers crossed>