For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated by the technical and tactical breakdown of goalies. The breakdown of a goalies style, strengths and weaknesses has long been something I strived to perfect. In doing so, I have often become more of a coach/mentor than that of an opponent.
While in minor hockey, all the way through University/Junior, I would spend countless hours watching goalies, trying to find pros and cons to each of their tendencies. Patrick Roy’s statue of liberty glove saves, Martin Brodeur’s paddle down technique, Ed Belfour’s wide stance and high gloves. Each of their styles reflected strengths in their play, and attempted to hide weaknesses from the opposing shooters.
I had the pleasure at a young age to be taught by a Russian goalie named Alexander Tyzhnych. He helped me see behind goalies tendencies. I read once that Grant Fuhr would often take a step towards his blocker side each time a shooter would line up, giving them the impression more room was on his glove side, and tempting them to shoot there, only to at the last second take it away.
The Goalie breakdowns I will be putting together will by no means reveal any hidden secrets. The goal will be to give an on point view of what one goalie sees in another.
Paul Richard
I am starting with Paul as he is the longest serving goalie in the FBHL, and with that sometimes the most jeered…er ah…respected….
Technique
Paul’s style and technique can be compared to that of a Tim Thomas. Whilst not a true butterfly/hybrid/standup goalie, Paul utilizes the tools in his arsenal to make the most effective saves possible for the situation at hand. Not possessing the best butterfly, glove hand etc. Paul relies on his knowledge and experience of the shooters in the league to compensate. Paul challenges shooters, and a sure sign he is set is the challenge he makes with his glove hand as shooters prepare for the shot. Not usually found far out of position, Paul’s ability to stay centered in the net allows him to maintain awareness of his net easily.
Strengths
Paul’s greatest strength is his focus and drive. Very few times will he give up on a play. An uncanny ability track down rebounds, Paul lets very few loose balls away. Combined with a relatively quick glove, Paul is usually at or near the top of the league in wins.
Weakness
I thought long and hard about including weaknesses, as this is not meant to offend. If you were to ask around the league, many would credit Paul’s 5 Hole as his greatest weakness. I will take a different path. While Paul’s lower net coverage does suffer at time, Paul’s greatest weakness tends to be something he cannot control…Size. Paul is by no means a big man and in such gives more net for most shooters to pick. In doing so, Paul tends to compensate at times more so than others. This at times leaves space in places such as his 5 Hole. Paul if asked my say his greatest weakness would be the sound of an imposing Frenchman yelling “Shutout”, or a certain D man with his love of Passes up the middle. Paul, unfortunately we all share these weaknesses.
Overall
Paul has been part of many winning teams in the FBHL, as well as some not so winning teams. I myself have had the pleasure on many occasion to dual it out with Paul Save for Save. This includes a finals appearance a few years ago that could have went either way. If I were ever a captain I would not hesitate to have Paul as my backstop, and this is evidence in his appeal to captains both this year and in years past. Always present is the flash of grin behind that rusty cage, and a astute knowledge of who’s GAA is better than his.
Next up…Mark Scott Farrell
Tony
