Frédérik Mailhot-Landry (Freddy)
Freddy, the new Dad (congrats) is another championship goalie, winning the championship last year with the Shooters in just his first season.
Technique
If you were to ask me whose technique I would love to have in the league, it would be Freddy’s. His pure butterfly style is text book. Covering the lover net well and playing a “squeeze” fly type style, he covers the standard holes well. While it is obvious that Freddy’s style is an ice hockey type playing style, Freddy has been working to transition it to the Ball Hockey floor. At times this style has proved his undoing, as a true butterfly goalie rely’s on push slides to make 2nd saves. without the benefit of ice, it often leaves Freddy vulnerable. With a terrific high glove position, and great upper body position, Freddy’s technique and stance are Hockey card material.
Strengths
Freddy’s strengths are in his technique. As mentioned he covers the lower net extremely well. Combined with an above average glove, when Freddy is one he is hard to beat on first chance opportunities. He is normally square to the shooters, and his movements are “quiet” in that he rarely has to make elaborate movements to get back to position. An excellent ball handler as well, this lends itself well to helping his d men.
Weaknesses
Freddy’s 2 biggest challenges can be seen as the transition to the gym floor from the ice, and consistency. While at times Freddy can be one of the best goalies on the floor, he will (hopefully) agree, he at times can be found fighting the ball. When Freddy isn’t controlling his first chance saves, he will be prone to rebounds. Freddy will tend to challenge shooters, but on days he is struggling he often over commits. All these are tenancies that will diminish with experience, and with his youth, it is only a matter of time before he finds himself at the top of the stats column.
Overall
Overall, Freddy plays with strengths I wish I had. Youth and technique are 2 things that cannot be regained by some aging vets….His weaknesses, and I say that with tongue in cheek, are challenges he will be able to overcome soon enough. With one championship already under his belt, it will be interesting to see if Freddy becomes a “big game” goalie and steals some wins for Baton Rouge in the playoffs.
Tony
