Claimed:Molding Young Goaltenders

[Mook 120]

Goaltenders can be hard to find. In higher leagues your goaltender is one of the most important members of your team and skaters will do everything they can to support and protect their net minders. Where does the dream to become a goaltender come from? Why do children choose stand in a semi-circle of blue paint and have rubber shot at them while forcing themselves to get in front of it? One goaltender that understands this is Fedir Okranitz, he knows the reasons behind the choices that goaltenders make and has taken a step in helping to mold young goalies to step up their game and be the best they can be.


Over the weekend, the Yukon Rush helped run a hockey camp for young hockey players. Okranitz was quick to volunteer to help out the young goaltenders of the group. He has had experience with hockey camps before, assisting in several back in the Ukraine. One of the experiences he believes was key was attending a similar camp when he was younger. Some of the advice he received has stuck with him throughout his career and he imparts his wisdom with every young goaltender he has the chance to meet. Some goaltenders he has had the chance to work with before have gone from being a house player, to being picked up for young national teams and are on their way to great hockey careers.

 

 

 

 

At the start of the ice time, he separated the goaltenders from the rest of the group and began a warm-up. Goaltenders need to be flexible, they have the uncanny ability to find themselves in weird positions and being able to do the splits and cover as much area with your body as possible is an invaluable asset. Skating for a goaltender, however minimal, is a very important part of their skill set. He worked on their ability to move backward during a breakaway and make big cuts to move forward to cut off angles for the big shots. Finally the goalies had the chance to face some pucks, although they are not the shots they would be facing in the VHL, an 8 year olds shot to an 8 year old is still a rocket. While some children became distracted and began doing their own thing, the few that you could tell truly enjoyed being goaltenders stuck with it and worked hard to show their teacher what they had to offer.


Developing young goaltenders is vital for hockey to prosper. With goalies finishing their careers every season, a similar number needs to enter hockey programs to complete the cycle. While you don’t receive the same glory as a sniper racking up 30 goals a season or a playmaker clearing 30 assists, the glory you receive as a goaltender has no equal. Earning a win is a feat in itself, but having the ability to turn the win in to a shutout is an incredible challenge taking intense focus and hard work. Goaltenders work hard to earn the respect they receive, and they deserve it.

[Da Trifecta 1,899]

Content: 3/3 It is hard to find good goalies. If you can get a proper build that works, stick to it. Many have tried and failed, so don't be discouraged.

Grammar: 2/2 One thing

Appearance: 1/1

 

FINAL: 6/6

 

warm-up - warm up

[James 77]

Claimed