Pro Drills with Matt Villalta
- Establish your sight line before pushing toward the shooter — moving into a screen while searching for the puck splits focus and slows reaction time.
- Three distinct screen types require different reads: stationary screens, sliding or moving net-front screens, and forwards positioned as pass options off the side of the net.
- Start in RVH on the post with a forward already screening so goalies practice reading traffic as it develops, not after it's set.
- The drill integrates net play mechanics, release reads, and forward skill work, making it efficient for game-day skates with limited ice time.
- Awareness of off-net options is as important as tracking the puck — Villalta must monitor both the shooter and potential pass receivers simultaneously.
Ontario Reign goaltending coach Matt Millar managed to combine a lot of different elements with one drill with goalie Matt Villalta during a late-season game day on the road.
While the focus is managing three different types of traffic, it also includes net play mechanics and making good reads off the release, as well as some skill work for the forwards.
The premise, though, is managing the various screen types.
“Long story short, it’s just three types of traffic: stationary, net front with a slide screen or moving away and then a guy off net,” Millar said. “So, Matt has got to kind of be aware of the traffic that’s developing or options that are off to the side of the net as well.”
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