presented by the Stop It Goaltending U app

In our Parents Segment, presented by the Stop It Goaltending U app, we share 5 tips for goalies and their families on how to get the most out of this holiday season and stay sharp over Christmas.

Summary

This week I have some thoughts and 5 tips for goalies and their families over the holidays.

You may be a family who is new to the sport or perhaps new to competitive or rep hockey and worried about falling behind. But even if you are more experienced – going in with a bit of a plan is always a good idea.

For many this is a mini off-season whether you’re getting a week off or 3 weeks. And it is an important opportunity to reset physically and mentally. Rest and recuperation are tools just like training hard and you should make use of the opportunity to have your young goalie ready to hit the ice with enthusiasm in the New Year – or whenever you’ll next be on the ice. Honestly healing nagging injuries and getting rid of the feelings of burnout that can come after a long grind and just letting your body get back to normal will set you up for a better season this spring. You’ll have more energy on the ice, and you’ll WANT to go to the rink.

My top 5 thoughts:

1. Sleep

Kids need sleep – more than the 7-8 hours recommended for adults. 9, 10 or more hours. How you manage this is of course up to you but keeping some sort of routine for as much of the break as possible is a good idea. Late nights playing video games followed by sleeping till noon might still get you the hours of sleep you’ll need but you’ll be in trouble when you have to get back to school and hockey. It will undo a lot of the good you just did and waste the opportunity you now have.

2. Nutrition

Similar advice. While there will be plenty of treats on the break – some moderation is important as healthy eating is also a key part of your recuperation. So have a candy cane here and there if you want but eat healthy meals and avoid the junk food where you can. Fruit and Vegetables are your friend and will help you stop more pucks!

3. Stay in touch with the game

NHL goalies and coaches we talk to all agree – kids don’t watch enough hockey. And we mean games – not highlights on social media. Watch with a purpose. What do you like about a particular goalie? How are they playing things compared to the goalie at the other end of the ice? IS the goalie you are watching doing what YOUR coach wants you to be doing – or do they play differently?

Quick story

My son’s team had a community skate after their last game – hundreds of kids and families on the ice after for some fun and inevitably he meets all kinds of goalies out there. One young man I wish I had met was in Matty’s words under 10 years old and asked “Why do you play so deep in your crease? My coach wants me out way more!” What a great question and what a great observation.

That young goalie clearly watched the game with a purpose that day.

Oh and Watch some ProReads! Easily digestible for kids they watch a save by an NHL goalie, have a think about what they saw with some guidance from our article and then they get to listen to a few minutes of the NHL goalie explaining what they saw and what they did. One pro read yes you maybe 5 minutes and it’s a mini goalie lesson all on its own.

4. Stay fit, stay ready

Lots of goalie schools will have camps this time of year. If that is a refreshing thing, a fun change of pace for your kid, a chance to touch base with a coach they love after a half a year with little goalie coaching on their team – go for it! But if it’s not in the cards for your family for whatever reason, or your goalie just wants a break – that’s OK. Don’t feel guilty. You are not falling behind. I don’t think our son ever went to a Christmas goalie camp.

But stay physical. If your team only gets a few days before it’s off to a tournament then it’s no big deal but some good mobility work (see links for Maria Mountain in our Christmas article) and some exercise…a run, bike ride if you live somewhere in the sun, cross country skiing are a good idea. I’d say mobility work most days (specific not just “stretching”) and something aerobic half the days is a great idea.

5. Have fun

Ping pong, shooting some hoops, stick and puck – especially as a forward! Just about every sport has benefits for a goalie and more importantly we want them with a smile on their face – but still excited to get back on the ice when its time.

Enjoy the holiday goalies and parents and best of luck in the New Year!

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.