Table of Contents
Size
Goaltenders come in all shapes and sizes, so it makes sense that the hockey scouts would want to see what the players are made of. There are three basic measurements to consider – height, weight, and reach. Of course, having the right physique doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be able to perform well – it just means you’ll fit the bill of what the scouts are looking for. The best goalies are usually between 6’1” and 6’3”. They also typically weigh around 200 pounds, and have a 71” to 73” reach.
What this essentially means is that the best goalies are tall and lanky, and have a bit of an endurance requirement. In today’s game, speed is also crucial, due to the increased emphasis on offensive play. This is why big, strong goalies with good reflexes are highly coveted.
Style
This one’s pretty self-explanatory. If you’ve ever watched a game or seen highlights of the Calgary Flames, you’d know exactly what I mean. The best goalies tend to have big sticks and poke the puck away with their arms, or use their pads to deflect shots. The most successful goalies in the history of the game used this exact style – Jari Kurri, Ray Bourque, and Tony Esposito (arguably the greatest goal scorer of all time), to name a few. The fact is, the style doesn’t matter nearly as much as what you can do with it. The best goalies are usually found in the mold of a Swiss army knife: they can plug in any position and perform well. This is especially useful for teams that struggle with keeping their backups fresh due to the high number of injuries – the Flames have had seven goalies go down with injuries in the last two years. The scouts are often forced to put in more road trips and watch more games, which is why style and performance matter so much more than what category you fall into.
Comfort
In addition to size and style, the scouts want to see how comfortable the goalie feels in high-stress situations. This can be anything from stopping a power play, to making a save during a shoot-out. While style and size affect how you perform in those scenarios, comfort will determine how well you deal with the pressure. Many people confuse comfort and confidence, but they are completely different. When you’re comfortable, this doesn’t mean you’re not afraid – it just means you’re used to dealing with high stress situations and can perform well under pressure.
If you’re looking for a comfortable, confident goalie, then you’ve come to the right place. Take a look at the Ducks below, for example. Their goalie, John Gibson, is a 6’2” and weighs about 210 pounds. He’s been described as both comfy and confident, which you’ll often see in top-level goalies. This is the type of goalie you’ll see between the pipes for the majority of the NHL’s top teams.
Intangibles
These are all of the things that aren’t explicitly measured, such as your character, professionalism, and hockey skills. Basically, everything else that doesn’t fit into the other categories. A lot of times, it’s not about what you have or don’t have. Instead, it’s about what you are capable of doing, and how you react under pressure. Intangibles are what separate the good goalies from the great ones, and are often the deciding factor in whether or not a goaltender will be successful in the NHL. Of course, it all depends on what you mean by “succeed”. The best goalies typically have a strong personality, and can be determined, driven individuals.
What Do Hockey Scouts Look For In A Goalie?
So, what does all of this mean? Essentially, the hockey scouts want to see evidence of all three categories: size, style, and comfort. These three attributes will determine how you perform in all situations – they aren’t just limited to the defensive end. In fact, the better your overall rating on all accounts, the better your chance at making the NHL.
If you’re a goalie, and want to know what the scouts are looking for, then take a good hard look at yourself in the mirror before your very next game. You’ll be better off for it.