Pheonix Copley ProRead 1
With Pheonix Copley
Post Anchor Keys and Arm Position in Reverse
The #1 goalie vision & cognitive training tool trusted by over 50 NHL & AHL goalies.
“Vizual Edge has added a quality element to my preparation as a goaltender. I use the game day drills every game before heading to the rink. It’s a combination of recognition, reaction and focus that activates my brain and eyes to feel ready for what’s to come.” — Jordan Binnington
Save 10% on Vizual Edge monthly and annual plans using code INGOAL at check out! (InGoal Members receive a 20% discount – why not join today? )
Pheonix Copley is coming off a breakout season with the Los Angeles Kings that included a 24-6-3 record while playing 37 games, more than doubling his career NHL total in games played in the previous 10 pro seasons. We caught up with the North Pole, Alaska native for a recent episode of the InGoal Radio Podcast and he was kind enough to stick around for a video session after.
THE SAVE SEQUENCE
Copley’s Pro Reads debut is a two-part sequence against the Edmonton Oilers historically good power play, starting with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins below the dot with the puck on his forehand:
Looking at the freeze frame, is Nugent-Hopkins the most dangerous threat on the ice? What other options are you looking for, and perhaps more importantly, what factors are you considering when trying to assess what is the biggest concern as a goalie.
As Nugent-Hopkins works towards the goal line, Copley enters his Reverse:
Do you agree with that post-entry decision? What factors can you see that might lead to it?
THE SEQUENCE
There’s a second part to this power play sequence, but rather than splitting up the freeze frame breakdowns, watch the video with both plays and ask yourself the same questions in terms of Copley’s positioning and post-entry decisions, and then as the puck ends up down in the corner to Copley’s left, see if you can identify the most dangerous player in the next part.
How soon did you identify Nugent-Hopkins as the biggest threat in the second part? Watch it again and see if you can identify any keys to how Copley was able to handle it so well. He dropped into Reverse in the first part, but not with Leon Draisaitl holding the puck in the second – what factors do you think might have played a role in making a different second choice?
THE PRO READ
Now let’s hear Copley on his approach to Nugent-Hopkins and Draisaitl in both parts.
Watch Pheonix Copley break down the full video for you
Join thousands of goalies, parents, and coaches who train smarter with InGoal.
15+ years as the #1 goaltending resource
Already a member? Log in
Think you're seeing this in error? Contact support
Looking for a goalie coach?
Browse coaches in our directory — powerful search tools, contact coaches directly.
- Copley breaks down his saves on the Edmonton Oilers power play, facing Ryan Nugent-Hopkins below the dot and Leon Draisaitl in a two-part sequence.
- Copley chose a Reverse post entry as Nugent-Hopkins moved toward the goal line and into a sharper angle, explaining the specific factors that drove that decision.
- Copley made a different post-entry choice against Draisaitl in the second part — his own breakdown explains what changed between the two situations.
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.
You must be logged in to view and post comments.