Pro Tips (+ Drills) with Michael Hutchinson
- Hutchinson sets up at center ice using the penalty box semi-circle as a makeshift crease, avoiding conflict with teammates who need the nets during morning skate.
- The center line provides a lateral reference point that helps goalies train precise movement and lateral releases without a net.
- Goalies including Anthony Stolarz, Vitek Vanecek, and Charlie Lindgren have all used similar net-free warmup routines at the NHL level.
- Controlling body shots and developing cradle technique are a critical but often overlooked component of a goalie's game-day routine.
- A net-free warmup is viable even at the NHL level, proving that mental attachment to a crease area matters more than the physical net.
Michael Hutchinson certainly isn’t the first goalie we’ve seen warming up without a net on game days. And no, this routine is not limited to time in the American Hockey League.
InGoal Magazine has witnessed lots of goalies talking shots along the boards at center ice, including Anthony Stolarz of the Anaheim Ducks this season (video to come in a future Pro Drills), Vitek Vanacek while with the Washington Capitals last season (video below), and of course Charlie Lindgren while with the Montreal Canadiens a few years ago.
With nets at both ends occupied by teammates focused on their own game-day preparations, using the semi-circle area in front of the penalty box like a makeshift crease is convenient.
“I realized you don’t need a net for this, especially after morning skate,” said Hutchinson, who has played 137 NHL games with over 12 seasons as a pro and is currently signed with the Vegas Golden Knights and playing for their AHL affiliate in Henderson. “Guys like to take one-timers, power play usually likes to work in the other end. so instead of inconveniencing everyone, just for myself, I feel like it’s a team game and sometimes the players need the net too.”
Hutchinson sets up at center ice instead. Here is a brief sample of that game day routine:
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