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B ET W E E N T H E P I P ES P R E S E N T E D B Y 22 // APRIL 2021 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM No Stopping These Goalie Coaches k Even a pandemic can't slow down the efforts of USA Hockey goalie coaches who continue to push the progress of young puckstoppers from coast to coast. So far this season, a number of coaches working with various Districts and Affiliates have been trying to outdo one another by staging on-ice clinics for their young goalies. According to Steve Thompson, USA Hockey's manager of goaltending, the real winners in this friendly competition has been the kids. "We are always looking for new ways to grow the position and these clinics have been an awesome way for these kids to train," Thompson said. Even during these challenging times, coaches in various parts of the country have found a way to work with kids and create fun learning environments. "There have been some hurdles to getting back on the ice in some parts of the country, but those who have had rinks open have been creative and respective of local health guidelines," Thompson said. "Overall, it's been a positive year for many young goalies because [goalie coaches in chief] have taken on responsibilities and have made the best situation possible for their kids." GOALIE DRILL OF THE MONTH This drill can be done with multiple players or utilize goalies as passers. Only one shooter is needed. Start: X1 passes to X2 then onto X3, who shoots for the goalie's midsection so he/ she can make a cradle save. As the goalie follows the puck from X1 to X2, he/she will use a feet-to-feet movement (FF) and continue to follow from X2 to X3. Purpose: This drill emphasizes the importance of angling before squareness, taking a more direct route and not losing depth. Make sure the goalie creates an angle to where he/she is going first instead of squareness. Goalies need to make sure their stops are crisp and hard. After the cradle save, the goalie will recover knees to feet back (KF) down to the post. Variation: Do five to 10 reps (depending on time and how many goalies you have) and then repeat on the opposite side. By Stephanie Yates The SoCal Goalieology Drill GOALIE TERMS THAT COUNT Flow: On rushes and dekes, a goalie must have some backward motion or flow. Flow provides rhythm and momentum and eliminates being caught flat-footed. Too much or too quick flow forces a goalie to be too deep in the crease. Goalies and goalie coaches use a precise language to communicate. Here is another term to help par- ents, coaches and young goal- ies speak the same language. TO THE VICTOR GO THE SPOILS. Or in this case, to the top puckstopper goes the championship belt. Peter Megariotis, USA Hockey's goaltending development coor- dinator in Southern California, came up with the idea to award the hardest working goaltender at his weekend clinics with bragging rights and a title belt, adorned with the USA Hockey logo. Megariotis and Stephanie Yates, the female goaltending coach in chief in the area, host BLING BRINGS OUT THE BEST IN SOCAL GOALIES REWARDS two clinics per weekend, one for 14 & Under goalies and another for more advanced netminders all looking to improve their skills. According to Yates, a big part of the Goalie of the Day award is that it encourages all the qualities that USA Hockey's Goalie Nation is all about and fosters a camaraderie among netminders of all ages and skill levels. "It's not only about stopping the pucks but being coachable, sup- portive to the other goaltenders and a hard worker," she said. X3 X1 X2