Stand up style

The stand up style is very useful also. Being a stand up goaltender you can move easier and faster, and you are in position more often. Low shots are tougher to stop. Stand up goalies can see more of the ice surface ahead of them. This enables them to see if there are any more plays developing. While using this style it usually opens up the goaltenders so called 5-hole, leaving them vulnerable for a quick shot between the pads. Rebounds are easier to stop because of the increase in mobility. For those low shots to the corners, goalies need to have very quick feet to be able to perform skate saves. Last, while being a stand up goalie, you still have the option to go down. It is much easier to go down than it is to get up.

In conclusion, you have to decide what style is best suited to you and your abilities. When going to goalie camps do not be forced to learn one style or the other. A good goaltending school will not try to change your style of play, but instead try to enhance it. My suggestion to you is, combined both styles so that the players can not figure out how to score on you. Also try varying your style from period to period. Lets keep us goaltenders smarter than the players.

By : Mike