Head Shots and Mind Games
Key Takeaways
- Rittich's mask-shot ritual started October 14, 2017 in the AHL after a coincidental head shot preceded a 36-save shutout.
- Calgary goalie coach Jon Sigalet typically needed six attempts to land two clean shots off Rittich's mask at center ice.
- The superstition followed Rittich to every NHL stop, requiring each new goalie coach — including Jason LaBarbera and now Steve Briere — to carry it out.
- Fellow NHL goalies questioned the ritual, highlighting the fine line between superstition and meaningful pre-game preparation.
- Goalie superstitions, however irrational, can serve a psychological purpose in establishing routine and mental readiness before a start.
David Rittich caught his new goalie coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs off guard with a strange request following their first morning skate together on Tuesday when he asked him to hit him in the head with two shots.
“I was just telling the coaches I’ve seen it all now,” Steve Briere said in a text message, adding a laughter emoji.
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