Goalie on Goalie with Joakim Bruden

[Brrbisbrr 207]

 

 

It has been a very long time since I have done a goalie on goalie story and with theme week being this week I figured it was a good time to revive this special. Today I am going to study my understudy, Davos backup Joakim Bruden. Joakim was drafted 15th overall in the season 72 draft after a stellar vhlm career with Ottawa. A first round pick from Ottawa, that sounds familiar. That's about the only similarity between Joakim and I as Joakim stands at a monumental 6 feet 8 inches tall. In 3 years at Ottawa, Bruden put up a record of 121-25 with 7 shutouts and a career 2.53 goals against average. When you add in all of the playoff experience, it's easy to see why he was drafted so high. In his rookie year with Davos, Bruden has a record of 4-4 with a 2.39 goals against average and a save percentage of .928. Now, I'm going to attempt a deep dive into his game.

 

Size-

 

At 6'8" and 250 pounds there is plenty of size in this goalie's game. He has no problem taking up the net which is a major part of his great save percentage this season. Joakim does not have to move much to stop the puck and I am sure his size intimidates more than a few shooters, even if they are scared to admit it. The downfall to this is sometimes Bruden makes himself smaller when trying to make a save. With his huge frame, there are a lot of moving parts and a few holes are exposed.

 

Agility-

 

Agility is probably the weakest part of Joakim Bruden's game, but once again (I'm sensing a theme here), at his size I can't say it's a negative. Bruden may not be the quickest post to post, but with his long legs and rangy frame, he doesn't have to be. Although it may sound like I'm being negative, I'm not trying to. At this point in Bruden's career, even though it his week spot, it doesn't hurt him at all. As long as he can keep stretching from post to post agility isn't a real solid need for him.

 

Rebound Control-

 

This is one of the strengths of Bruden's game. He has no problem with rebounds, whether it is deflecting them to the corner or not allowing them at all. His frame seems to swallow pucks. To be a key goalie in this league, this is one of the areas Bruden needs to keep focusing on.

 

Reflexes-

Every goalie has to have good reflexes and Joakim is no exception. He has no problem making standard glove saves. Although his glove and blocker hands have lots of space to cover, they do it almost flawlessly so far. He does a good job of being disciplined once he is in stance. While not a true stand up or butterfly goalie, he has no problem handling either of those styles. I almost never see him out of position and see him flail helplessly even less. This is the strength of Bruden's technical skills. I hope he keeps working on them.

 

As a locker room presence, Bruden is a great guy. He doesn't talk a whole lot and has a calm demeanor which should only propel him in his goalie career. If he keeps working it is going to be a tough decision on what to do at goalie for Gustav.