fb
Subscribe Now
SUBSCRIBE FOR LESS THAN 75 CENTS (US) /WEEK

Learn from the Pros.  For goalies, coaches and goalie parents.

Subscribe for less $1 / week

by | 0 comments

Skip the reading - show me the video!
Thatcher Demko emerged as one of the NHL’s top goalies last season, and while he’s currently out with a lower-body injury that also slowed his start to this season, the time off provided an unexpected chance to sit down with the Vancouver Canucks star for his first Pro Reads.
Demko walked us through video breakdowns for close to an hour and did not disappoint in his ability and willingness to explain how he sees the game unfold in front of him, and how he chooses his depth, save selections and post integrations based on a variety of factors.

THE SCENARIO

We’ll kick things off with Demko with an odd-man rush against the Buffalo Sabres:

As this play gets over the blue line, what factors are you looking for as the goalie?
Are you treating this like a 3-on-2, or is it shaping up more like a 2-on-1?
Who is the most dangerous player at this point?
We know this second freeze frame gives away some of the answers above but since we already teased the “skate or slide” choice in the headline, you probably already had an idea what was coming. So, looking at the photo above, which one are you choosing? What factors go into that decision to come across on the up on the skates or down on the knees?

THE SAVE

Now watch the entire sequence and see if any of your answers change once the speed of the attack is added.

Seeing it in real time, are there any specifics about how Demko played this that stand out?

THE PRO READ

Now let’s check in with Demko to see how he read this rush as it transpired:

Become a Member to Read the Full Article

We're working hard to bring you the best exclusive goaltending content whether you play goal,  you are a coach, a parent of a goaltender, or a fan of the greatest position in sports.

Learn what you get as an InGoal Subscriber for less than $1 a week.

Become a Member Now
Give the Gift of Goaltending

Already a member?

Thatcher Demko ProRead 8

Thatcher Demko ProRead 6

Thatcher Demko ProRead 4

Thatcher Demko ProRead 2

Thatcher Demko ProRead 7

Thatcher Demko ProRead 5

Thatcher Demko ProRead 3

Thatcher Demko ProRead 1

InGoal Radio Episode 136with Thatcher Demko

Practicing Desperation, with Tips to Improve Coverage

Pro Drills: Building Bottom-Up Coverage

ProTips: Thatcher Demko and the Vancouver Canucks Warm-Up Routine

Pro Tips with Thatcher Demko: Toe Ties

Pro Drills with Canucks Demko, Martin and Silovs

Demko and the importance of letting go in big-game preparations

Comments

Let's talk goaltending!

We welcome your contribution to the comments on this and all articles at InGoal. We ask that you keep it positive and appropriate for all - this is a community of goaltenders and we're here for each other! See our comment policy for more information.

Submit a Comment