Geoff Howell wrote lots of good stuff about goalies on the ice.  I'd add
like to add a couple of things.
 
Regardless of one's ability to stop pucks; regardless of one's style; no
goalie will succeed if he/she cannot concentrate on the game for the entire
length of the game.  This is very hard to do.  Believe me.  In all my years
of play, the ability to concentrate has been my highest priority.
Concentration allows the goalie to apply the correct technique for the
situation.  If the goalie isn't prepared, then luck must be added to the
athletic skills.
 
Now, I've never played varsity hockey.  The women's club game is something
most of you have never seen.  It's a joy for everyone involved to get 2
balanced teams on the ice.  Most clubs in my playing circle seem to have a
lot of beginners and one or two ringers; or one team is just heads and
shoulders above the other.  Try keeping your mind on the game when you've
been standing around in the cold of an outdoor rink for 45 minutes and
haven't seen a shot for 20.  (This stuff happens!)
 
On the other hand, when your team is the weaker team, it's mighty hard to
convince yourself that you are a skilled 'keeper--especially when the
scoreboard is lighting up the second digit column.
 
The more evenly matched the teams, the easier it seemed to be for me to
concentrate.  The action is well-paced and there is usually some recovery
time between scoring chances.
 
In addition, a goalie must be a great communicator:  on the ice as well as
off.  Off the ice, I remind my defensewomen of my preferences and
weaknesses.  On  the ice, I have the best seat in the house for watching
*all* of the action.  I can let my team know our opponent's tendencies,
quirks, etc.  I can also help my players retain their level of concentration.
 
Again, I may have played a different game, but I think these two
non-athletic skills are just as important as the ability to stand on one's
head in a flurry of scoring chances.
 
:-)
 
Jill.
 
 
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Jill Maser                                           [log in to unmask]
Director, Operations Analysis                        phone:  (215) 898-1007
University of Pennsylvania                           fax:    (215) 573-2069
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