GoalieInGlasses

I signed up for some 1-on-1 goalie coaching a couple of weeks ago. Right now, I paid for 5 session at 30 minutes each, just to get a feel for it. Previously I've only played on ice once, and it was hilariously bad as I slipped and flopped around the crease :). Since then I've been going to open skates at a nearby arena to get a feel for skating normally. Last week was the first coaching session. Nothing too difficult...we worked on some basic ice movements such as going from post to the top of the crease, shuffling left or right to following the puck, and a couple of butterfly drills. Today was the 2nd session, and I figured it would be more of the same with some basic drills to continue getting a feel for the ice. Oh how I was not prepared for what was ahead :)

The first drill involved the coach sweeping the stick across the ice and I had to jump over it and maintain my balance and stance. It's hard enough jumping while wearing skates, but when you add about 20lbs of goalie gear, it gets pretty challenging :). Aside from a couple of slip ups, it wasn't too bad. Not perfect mind you, I was shaky on landing each time, but it was an unique exercise.

Next was a drill where I faced the net, and when he said "Go!" I had to quickly turn around and stop the puck. I definitely wasn't used to doing a full 180 before. It will definitely be something I'll try to work on next time I go to an open skate. Though I suspect I'll get some weird looks from people while I practice that :)

And finally, the barrel roll. I go on all fours off to the side by the net, and on "Go!" I had to roll all the way towards the net, quickly get up and get into stance, stop a puck, and prevent a shooter from getting a rebound in for the next 5 seconds after the initial save. I thought the jumping was awkward, but rolling around in full goalie gear was something else :). I just wish I had someone filming me doing that drill, it would have made for a hilarious YouTube video.

I had a blast with all these unique drills. I was super tired and sore at the end, but it was the most fun I had in a while.