Many hockey scouts and coaches are looking mainly for a size when choosing a hockey goalie.
Some goalies flex in the hips and bend over their goalie pads, which results in a small appearance in the net. Goalies believe that this type of stance will give them stronger push to slide or that they will go down quicker. Bending over your goalie pads does not make you quicker, but smaller. This contradicts coaches believe that bigger goalies will cover more net.
How to play big?
- Analyze game video and check if you play small. You have to see it, to believe it.
- Work on the leg strength and explosiveness.
- Keep your chest up so your jersey logo can be seen during goalie specific skating.
- When the shooter is closer you can widen your stance and bend your knees, but don’t lean over top of your pads.
I seen many 5’11” (180cm) look as big as 6’2” goalies thanks to keeping chest up. They made in on the team thanks to playing big.