The Power Within II: Excerpt with Winnipeg Jets Connor Hellebuyck
- Hellebuyck shifted from studying what happens around him to focusing primarily on his own game as he advanced to the NHL level.
- During games, Hellebuyck combats mental wandering by actively watching plays unfold rather than allowing passive distraction.
- When the puck is in his zone, Hellebuyck reads individual skaters' movements to predict their next move and prepare for the next shot.
- Hellebuyck's development from a late-blooming NAHL walk-on to Vezina Trophy winner included a significant off-ice physical transformation led by trainer Adam Francilia.
- The Power Within II by Justin Goldman and Mike Valley features in-depth mental game conversations with elite NHL goaltenders including Hellebuyck, Robin Lehner, and Jake Oettinger.
Photo courtesy of Stars (photo by Jeff Toates)
We’ve written a fair bit about the evolution of Connor Hellebuyck into the reigning Vezina Trophy winner over the years, covering everything from his lower hand position early in his career, to the off-ice transformation led by trainer Adam Francilia in the off-seasons.
Hellebuyck himself talked about his path from relatively late-blooming NAHL walk on to Vezina winner on the InGoal Radio Podcast shortly after accepting the award last fall, so with that evolution in mind it was interesting to hear that the way he studies the game has changed as he has moved up the level. He talked about that shift from studying what goes on around him to focusing more on his own game in The Power Within II, the latest book from co-authors Justin Goldman and Mike Valley, and we’re pleased to share some of those thoughts here:
Remember, you can also hear more from the authors on Episode 101 of the InGoal Radio Podcast, and we’ve already featured a pair of insightful excerpts here at Premium:
Robin Lehner shared how he’s slowed the game down visually and mentally
Florida goalie coach Robb Tallas shared a lesson from Roberto Luongo on handling mistakes
How Jake Oettinger stayed in the moment on path to, and preparing for, first NHL start
We’ve got more excerpts planned for Premium Members, so stay tuned.
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