The last couple of masks that I’ve posted, there have been some questions behind the meaning of the artwork on the mask. Not so with the mask of Jhonas Enroth, goalie for the Portland Pirates. It’s a combination mask between his current team, the Pirates and parent team, Buffalo Sabres.

Enroth was drafted by the Sabres in the 2nd round of the 2006 NHL draft. In late 2009 he saw his first NHL action when the Sabres sent backup goalie Patrick Lalime to Portland for 2-game conditioning assignment. Enroth made his NHL debut on 11/07/09 in a 4-2 loss at Boston.

 Enroth (17-14-1) is currently back in Portland with a GAA 2.50 and a SV% of 0.914.

(Click on Jhonas Enroth to see more pictures.)

Photo by Scott Slingsby

Photo by Scott Slingsby

Photo by Scott Slingsby

Check out other Olympic Masks - Tomas Vokun and Ryan Miller, Tim Thomas and Jonathan Quick

Nabby’s artist, Todd Miska, is a good friend of inGoal Magazine and kindly provided some shots of the new mask he has done for Russian Goalie Evgeni Nabokov. I like the in-process especially as it shows an email in the background from Nabby to Todd giving him the concept artwork he wanted.

Todd is also Kipper’s artist, but told us that as far as he knows Kipper will be wearing his Flames mask in the Olympic Games.

For more of Todd’s great work check out his web site.

Canaian Junior Team Goaltender Jake Allen returned from the World Junior Championships to find himself traded to the Drummondville Voltigeurs. His artist David Leroux kindly sent along the great new artwork he has produced for Allen’s new mask.

For more on David Leroux, check out the inGoal Magazine feature on him and of course  drop by his site for a look. Don’t let the all-French site scare you off – David is working on a translation, but can be easily contacted by e-mail as well by this link.

We’re excited to welcome a new member of the inGoal Magazine team today – professional goaltender Mike McKenna of the AHL Lowell Devils. Mike signed with the Devils after playing for the Norfolk Admirals and Tampa Bay Lightning last season. He became the first Lightning goalie to record a shutout in just his 2nd NHL start vs the Islanders. In 15 games with the Lightning he posted a 4-8-1 record and a GAA of 3.54.

Like this one? Check out Mike’s Second Article Complete Guide to Professional Goalie’s Gear Setup and Customization

Professional hockey in North America reaches much broader than the casual fan knows. Teams exist in the Deep South, the Frozen North and everywhere in between. And I’ve played just about everywhere to prove it. My 5-year pro career spans 3 leagues and 7 different teams, despite never being traded! I could be described as many things; journeyman, minor-league veteran, NHL call-up, suitcase…all of which are more or less accurate. What I’d prefer to be known as, however, is a hard-working professional who has not only paid his dues, but improved every season. To me, that’s the ultimate compliment, and what I strive for.

Given my experience, people often ask what the difference is between leagues, namely the ECHL, AHL, and NHL. The short answer is this: money. To put it in quick perspective, minimum salaries for the 2009/10 season are $400/week plus housing expenses in the ECHL, $36,500 for the AHL, and $500,000 in the NHL.

The long answer is quite complicated. Players in each league are highly skilled: there are plenty of All-Americans and high draft picks who have spent time in the ECHL, with mixed results. In general, ECHL teams are comprised primarily of free-agent players. However, NHL and AHL-affiliations are common; clubs generally loan a handful of players – and almost assuredly a goaltender – to their ECHL affiliate. The goal of NHL teams is to develop players for the AHL team, and hopefully down the road, their big club. However, the goal for ECHL franchises (almost all are privately owned) is to win hockey games and make money, and as such, putting the best team possible on the ice is in their best interest.

The AHL, on the other hand, is a bit different. Per (most) affiliation agreements, player’s salaries are paid by the NHL franchise, even if the team is privately owned. The NHL team is also responsible (with very few exceptions) of hiring coaches and hockey operations staff, which in turn gives them almost complete control over player personnel. As such, development is considered paramount: the quality of AHL teams can be directly linked to the ability of their parent club’s draft picks and free-agent signings.

People often assume that there is a huge difference in the speed of the game between the levels. Truthfully, there isn’t much. The ECHL is comprised primarily of players who have been overlooked by NHL teams for whatever reason. Many players thrive in this league yet – due to size, perceived skill level, or age (among other things) – have a difficult time getting a legitimate shot in the AHL (and subsequently NHL). However, this doesn’t mean they are poor hockey players. If you take a quick glance at skills competition results from the ECHL, you’ll find that some players are just as talented on an individual basis as those in the AHL and NHL. Guys can crank the puck over 100mph. They can skate a lap in under 14 seconds.

What they can’t necessarily do is think the game on the same level as those in higher leagues. Therein lays the biggest difference: the speed of the game isn’t that different, but the intelligence and skill of the game is. While the puck may not physically move any faster, the rate at which plays are made and the creativity associated with them improves at every level.

The best way to describe this, from a goaltender’s perspective, would be to envision killing a penalty with the opposing team already in your zone. Imagine yourself, on your goal post ready to explode, puck in the corner and in possession of an attacking player. In the ECHL, there might be one or two viable options available for the opposing forward given their skill set/mental makeup. A top-end AHL player might have two or three options. But an NHL player – whose level of experience and ability to read the play (again think the game) surpasses those in the minors – might be able to create a third or even fourth option.

A great example of this type of player, whom I was lucky enough to grow up watching in my hometown of St. Louis, was Brett Hull. Everyone remembers Hull for his wicked shot, but very few realize just how good Brett was at getting open in the offensive zone. This is truly what set him apart from the rest of the snipers in the NHL: his mental game was every bit as good as his physical, if not better.

That’s not to say Brett Hull wasn’t one of the best shooters in hockey – ever. As you can imagine, each rung of the ladder features players who possess a higher skill set. However, there isn’t nearly the disparity that one might think, although exceptions certainly do exist. Top end players in the AHL can easily play in the NHL; in fact, most have at some point in their career or will in the near future. The same correlation exists between the ECHL and AHL. Becoming a full-time player at any level is ultimately decided by performance: you have to be able to grasp the opportunity and run with it.

When I talk about skill set, it covers lots of ground. Obviously, NHL players are the best shooters in the world. There’s no debating it. However, you also have to remember that the best defensemen play in the same league, a fact that cancels out a fair amount of singular offensive ability. Every team in the NHL has a superstar, but they don’t score every game. Why? Because teams have become adept at shutting down the opposition; systems and video analysis have advanced pre-scouting immensely.

From a personal standpoint, I’m glad that I spent the better part of two seasons in the ECHL before moving up to the AHL on a full-time basis. I got a chance to play for an outstanding team in Las Vegas, something that is invaluable in furthering a career. The bottom line is that NHL teams want winners in their organization. You might be the most technically skilled goaltender to grace the earth, but if you don’t have a worthy team around you, advancing your career becomes exponentially harder. Having played – and won – a number of games for the Wranglers provided the platform I needed to succeed with the AHL’s Portland Pirates the following year.

I also firmly believe that spending a year and a half in the AHL before getting my first taste of NHL action was of great benefit. I was nervous, but also knew that my four-year understudy in the minors had prepared me for just about anything. Overtime games? Check. Shootouts? Check. Playoff runs? Check. Being a backup? Check. Being sent down? Check. Getting pulled? Check…numerous times. Aside from playing against household names in the NHL, the game of hockey hadn’t changed for me.

Thankfully, the adjustment wasn’t huge. I never felt behind the play as some may assume; again, the speed wasn’t that different. During the several months I spent with Tampa Bay, the toughest challenge I faced was staying on top of my crease, especially during penalty kills. I had to trust my skating ability. Although I felt prepared to play in the NHL, I struggled to find consistency, something that many young goaltenders face when they move up to the next level. My fingers are crossed that I’ll get the call again someday. Being an NHL goaltender was always my dream. It still is – only now I’m more prepared than ever.

Like this one? Check out Mike’s Second Article Complete Guide to Professional Goalie’s Gear Setup and Customization

Jaroslav Janus

Admirals’ goalie Jaroslav Janus recorded his second win of the season (2-5-0) with a 5-3 victory over the Monarchs. Janus stopped 17 0f 20 shots on the night.

Norfolk picked up its second win in a row, and 19th on the season (19-23-2-0). Admirals forward Radek Smolenak had two goals and an assist while Mitch Fadden turned in his second straight two point performance with a goal and an assist. Adam Hall scored the game winning goal, his ninth of the season, at 3:01 of the third period breaking a 3-3 tie.  

(Click on Admirals vs Monarchs to view more shots of the game.)

Janus gets some help from defenseman Lukas Krajicek when Bud Holloway tries a centering pass to Gabe Gauthier late in the third period.

Kevin Westgarth watches the puck roll past Janus and into the net during third period action.

Jeff Zatkoff

Jeff Zatkoff (8-5-0), took the loss for the Monarchs, dropping them into a first place tie with the Lowell Devils in the Atlantic conference. He stopped 44 of 48 shot on the night, with the final goal being an empty netter at 19:18 of third period.

Gabe Gauthier started off the scoring for the Monarchs in the first period when he took a short pass from Bud Holloway and blasted the puck past Janus. The Monarchs, down 3-1 late in the second period, started chipping away at Norfolk’s lead. Geoff Walker scored his third goal of the season when he fired a shot from the slot past Janus . Manchester’s third and final goal came when Kevin Westgarth jammed the puck past Janus’ right pad and tied the game 3-3 at 10:13 of the third period. (See above photo)

Monarchs goalie Jeff Zatkoff stops a wrap around shot by Admirals forward Ryan Craig in the second period.

Zatkoff watches as defenseman Joe Piskula tries to clear the puck out of the crease.

Predators’ goalie Dan Ellis had his artist Dave Gunnarsson create a new design to go with Nashville’s Third Jersey this year. You’ll see it has elements that reflect his original design, while presenting them in a unique way that reflects the jersey design. First have a look again at the design of his regular 2009-2010 mask :

And here are the images of the third jersey design:

Of course on the back you’ll see the Care Bears for his kids again – if there is a bigger contrast between the front design and the back plate design in the NHL I don’t know what it is….and I assume that is a cross on the left, which was on the original mask. On this one he has added the Proverbs 16:3 reference which for those of you who are curious:

“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”

The great artwork is courtesy of inGoal Magazine friend Dave Gunnarsson. Check out all of Dave’s great work at DaveArt.com.

Follow him on Twitter, or become a fan on Facebook.

(Images copyright and courtesy of Dave Gunarsson, All Rights Reserved)

Over the last couple of weeks I have had the opportunity to work with Steve McKichan’s new FuturePro Live subscription site. Steve invited me as his guest to spend time and review his site and I was happy to do so as Keeks has been generous in his support for inGoal Magazine.

For less than $10 a month FuturePro Live members get access to content and expert coaching – billed as “your own personal NHL goalie coach.”

For a recently launched service, FuturePro Live is off to a great start and I would encourage you to check it out. Most of the content is delivered via a forum system—if you’ve spent time on the Goalie Store site you’ll know what it’s all about.

Screen shot of forum section - click for more detail

FuturePro Live might share a similar interface, but the content is vastly different. You’ll find forums with regular postings by no less than seven experienced coaches – three with NHL experience including Keeks, Mitch Korn and Mike Valley. Check out their regular writing, post some questions and look forward to their answers.

One of the most powerful opportunities is the member video reviews section. You post a video of yourself, or your child, and Keeks and his team will get back with answers. Not only can you benefit from analysis of your own game, you can also check out other members’ videos and see what the pros think of them.

This resource is good for a goalie, but it might be even better for a coach. You get to see young goalies and hear what top coaches comment about them. This is a great chance to improve what you do for your athletes.

Mitch Korn (L) and Steve McKichan (R)

In the instruction section of the site you can tune in to weekly podcasts where Keeks interviews a goalie or a coach, as well as see video clips of various teaching situations. The podcasts I heard were very interesting and the videos professionally produced. Most of the segments up now were excerpts from Keeks’ own DVD release; however, there are two original ones Mike Valley has uploaded with Nicklas Backstrom and Brian Elliot. They have lots of video ready to go and will continue to upload new content each week. You can expect to see lots of new videos – perhaps even some that are created in response to users’ questions.

The NHL game of the week analysis is an intriguing section. Steve comments on one of the games, letting you know what he thinks of the goaltenders’ play. It’s a fun way to enjoy the game and learn what a pro like Steve sees as he’s watching. Right now there is only one game up there, but the start is promising. You can tune in while the game is live and also post your own comments. In the future will be able to vote on which game gets covered.

Finally, there is a blog where Keeks posts daily tidbits – coaching tips, pointers to new information on the site – and more often than not great photography from inGoal’s own photographic editor Scott Slingsby.

New York Islanders Goalie Dwayne Roloson by Scott Slingsby

This isn’t just a site to check out information they post – members can contact the coaches directly for advice whenever they want – this ability really makes the connection personal. If you have a question as a member of FutrePro Live you’ll have your own NHL coach effective on retainer – just fire them your question and look forward to the result.

If you drop in for a look there are a number of freely available examples on the site so that you can see what you should expect as a subscriber. I can vouch for the quality of the content, and they have worked hard to see that there is a good deal of initial content. I have had several long sessions on the site and still haven’t made it through everything that is there. Be aware though that the service is new and still growing. In time the volume of material will grow as will the number of members who are interacting on the site.

Considering what we all invest in our goaltending $9.95 per month to get access to great information from top coaches every day is a great opportunity and I would encourage you to check it out.

As the site grows and Steve and his team refine it I would suggest they consider a few things:

1. Look at ways to expand and improve on the current live game analysis. They have a good start but there must be ways beyond the forum to build on this key feature. I could see people subscribing for this alone if I could have my laptop open and hear from Steve while the game is on.
2. I am concerned how they will manage as the volume of subscribers grows. The scalability of their service – to review all the videos submitted, to answer all the questions – when hundreds or even thousands of goalies have subscribed will be a significant challenge.
3. I think there is a significant opportunity to take personal online coaching to another level. Rather than just reacting to questions, I’d like to see Keeks put together a package with him designing personal training programs and guiding goalies directly – similar services in other sports though range from hundreds to even thousands a month – and one could never expect this for the bargain price of $9.95 a month. But it is an opportunity to help goalies and coaches while growing their business.

I understand that they have partnered with iCoach.com, founded by Steve Shields, and will be able to offer some great online coaching tools soon.

FuturePro Live is off to a great start and for a low price you can have access to fantastic and very personal content and coaching. With so many young goalies still lacking in coaching support today, this is an opportunity well worth checking out.

Every netminder has their own way to prepare for a game, their own habits and superstitions that dominate the hours leading up to the puck drop. In the coming weeks, InGoal Magazine will explore some of these rituals with the NHL goaltenders that swear by them. InGoal caught up with Ondrej Pavelec of the Atlanta Thrashers in the visitor’s locker room after a morning skate in Tampa.

Pavelec, 22 years old, is a native of the Czech Republic. After leading the Czech Republic Under-17 team to second place finish in the 2004 Junior World Cup, he was selected by the Trashers as their second round pick in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. His first start in the NHL was on November 3, 2007, when he defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Selected as a member of the Czech Republic Olympic Team for the upcoming 2010 games, Pavelec supplies an interesting viewpoint on growing as an NHL netminder and the challenges a young man faces in a demanding game.

Atlanta Thrashers Goalie Ondrej Pavelec Spoke with inGoal Magazine's Lonnie Herman

InGoal: What is your typical game-day routine?

OP: If I’m at home, I wake up at 8 a.m. or 8:30; I live just five minutes from the rink, so I’m there quickly. In the morning skate, I’m looking to take a couple of shots and then we have a team meeting. I’ll have lunch at the rink after that – usually pasta, soup, chicken, nothing changes. I like to take a nap after that – two hours or maybe sometimes more. I don’t think it’s that good to sleep that long, but I like it. So I wake up around 4 p.m. and just get some coffee and arrive at the rink two hours before game time and get ready for the game.

InGoal: What about when the team is on the road? Do you vary the routine?

OP: No, but I can sleep a little longer because we get on the ice after the home team, so maybe I’ll sleep till 9:30 a.m. I’m at the rink at hour before practice as usual, take a few shots on the ice and head back to the hotel.

InGoal: Are you trying to hydrate and get as much water as you can into your system during the day?

OP: No, none at all, really, during the day. But I do have some bad habits – I never eat a breakfast, either. Maybe I’m too lazy. Probably I like to sleep longer.

InGoal: You think not eating a breakfast on a game day is a bad habit?

OP: I think it’s a bad habit. Everybody has told me it’s a bad habit.

InGoal: So you have nothing to eat before the morning skate?

OP: No, I actually don’t.  But I have lunch and go home and take a nap. I think the lunch is my only meal on the day of a game. I’ll eat a banana or orange before the game and that’s it. I drink coffee and a couple of bottles of water before the game and I’m ready to play.

InGoal: When you know you are starting in goal that day, is your preparation different than when you know you won’t be?

OP: Absolutely. But in this league you never know what is going to happen so you have to be ready to play. But if you are playing, it’s good to know who you are playing against and who the best players are that you’ll see.

InGoal: So that’s what you’d be thinking about?

OP: Yeah. You can’t really put that out of your mind. It’s hard. In the morning skate, I just try to relax a little bit and not think about the game that night, but when I nap, it’s starting to be in your head a little bit. Usually, two hours before the game, I start to really focus for a game. I know the players on the other teams, what they are like – do they like to shoot or pass? Playing against a team like Tampa tonight – you know those guys already but you have to still be ready because you never know what will happen or what the skater will do. It’s bad to focus only on one or two players. Everybody can score and everybody can make a play.

InGoal: If you expect a player to pass but he shoots, that can really throw you off?

OP: I’ll give you an example: against the Boston Bruins, we went to a shootout and Patrice Bergeron is up. I saw the guy a couple of times and he shot either high glove or he made a play on the backhand – but he didn’t do that against me. So, I was ready for it but he just made a sick play and scored a goal. Guys like that never do the same thing. They always try something different.

InGoal: So is it better not to anticipate what you think a shooter might do?

OP: Yeah, I think so, but it’s hard to do that. You have to react, but if you are in a situation thinking of what the guy will do, like go high glove, it’s in your head., and if it’s in your head and it doesn’t happen like that…so I know what the guys do but they always try something different, so I try to react right at the moment.

InGoal: How do you shake off a bad goal?

OP: That’s the biggest key, I think. That’s the difference between a good goalie and a great goalie. A bad goal – you have to put it behind you. I mean, you’re not going to change anything by thinking about it.

InGoal: Is there a trick to doing that? How do you do it?

OP: It’s hard to do that. Sometimes, it’s still in your head. Especially because I’m young. I have three years in the NHL and still, two bad goals and it’s still in your head. But like I said, it’s the difference between good goalies and great goalies. Brodeur and those types of guys – bad goals? They don’t care. I think it’s the same thing with a bad game. An example again – Brodeur played in Atlanta and got pulled in the first period; six shots, three goals. But next game he played against Pittsburgh and shut them out. I think it takes some time to realize it’s very important and to learn how to do that. It’s a process. It’s not a race. It’s taken me a long time to find the ways how to put bad goals and bad games behind you.

InGoal: In the locker room, when you start to focus on the upcoming game, are you a social guy or do you like to be left alone?

OP: I’m not a superstitious guy. I focus in my head. But we play a little soccer before the game. I’m not a guy that has to be in the corner and be left alone. I’m like I am on a normal day; nothing special. I know some goalies won’t talk to the newspapers and stuff like that but I’m not a guy like that. Two hours before the game, I prepare in my head. If you’re not prepared in your head and you sit alone in the corner, that’s not going to help anyway. You have to be ready.

InGoal: Have you ever gone out on the ice and felt unprepared? Maybe the day didn’t go right and you’re not as prepared as you’d like to be?

OP: Many times. Many, many times. If you know you can feel that way, it’s important to stay in your routine. I do the same things before a game and it works. One bad game can’t change anything. The next day you have to go right back to the routine. Sometimes you feel more tired or feel like you do everything wrong. Those games happen, and when they do, I know it’s going to be a long game.

InGoal: Some goalies feel the toughest time for them is after the game, not before. There’s the build-up to game time, and then it’s over. Does that affect you at all?

OP: It’s hard to go back home after a game and be there alone. If you have a family I think it’s easier to wind down – you play with the kids and your wife is there, but I have no girlfriend and no family here. It’s hard to go home and turn the TV on and there’s hockey everywhere, like on the NHL On The Fly, where you can see the highlights again. But I don’t mind seeing mistakes again after the game. You can see the mistake on TV and you can realize what you did, both bad or good, and then put it away. The next day is the next practice, and it’s very important to focus on the thing you might have done wrong the game before so you can work on it. There are so many good goalies in this league – those who can do that; learn from a mistake and put it behind, and then focus on the next day and the next game, he’ll be the best. It takes time, I think.

Lonnie Herman is a writer for Tampabaylightning.com and contributes to several other hockey publications.

Update: Goalie Matt Zaba gets into first NHL game

This was published a while back, but tonight Matt has gotten into his first NHL game with the Rangers as Montreal chased starting goaltender Henrik Lunqvist jumping out to a 4-0 lead.

Goalie Mask, Matt Zaba

During a Wolf Pack pre-game warmups, I was able to get some mask shots of Hartford Wolf Pack goalie Matt Zaba. His mask appears to be a tribute to Ranger goalie greats Ed Giacomin and Mike  Richter.

Zaba, in his second season with the Wolf Pack, was signed by the Rangers in August 2007 after being drafted by Los Angeles in 2003.

(Click on Goalie Masks to view more masks.)

It doesn’t happen too often that coaches in developmental leagues call out their goalies in the media, but Jim Playfair, coach of the Abbotsford Heat, did just that a week ago today.

It’s buried at the bottom of this article in the Abbotsford News, but it’s damning all the same:

Not to be forgotten in the aftermath of the thrilling comeback was the fact that the Heat’s goaltending situation remains a question mark. Playfair gave Keetley a vote of confidence last Saturday, anointing him the team’s No. 1 goaltender after the third-year pro backstopped Abbotsford to four consecutive victories.

But Playfair ended up pulling Keetley twice in the past week – in the second period of an eventual 4-3 OT loss to the Manitoba Moose on Tuesday, and again on Saturday – prompting the Heat head coach to issue a challenge to his netminding tandem.

“I’m getting sick of changing goaltenders,” Playfair said. “I expect one of these guys to get real serious about their careers and to make a heavy push for wanting the responsibilities of the No. 1 goaltender. Other than Keetley in the Texas series (last weekend), I think both goaltenders have been average, and that’s not good enough.”

As for Keetley’s emotional stick-snapping display, Playfair said it was a case of too little, too late.

“Show me some emotion, but do it in the game when you can do something about it,” the Heat head coach said.

Leland Irving, who leads the team with 30 starts to Keetley’s 18, didn’t so much answer the bell as completely ignore it in a 7-1 shellacking on home ice Friday night after a long All Star Game break. He drops to 11-15-2 with a GAA of 2.68 and a .909 save percentage, as his team allowed the Houston Aeros to convert on 5 of 7 power play opportunities.

Keetley is a slightly better 8-5-1 with a 2.57 GAA and .917 save percentage.

Both tenders are Calgary Flames draft picks, Irving being a first round pick and Keetly a fifth-rounder.

(H/T to Andrew Ferraro at The Third Intermission for this story)

Matt Keetley is screened by
Houston Aeros winger Colton Gillies
- Photo by Jason Villanueva