GoalieU: Read & React with Rick Wamsley
- Track the puck carrier and players behind the net simultaneously to position yourself for a low-high pass out from below the goal line.
- Carter George's read against the Memorial Cup champion London Knights demonstrates how to manage down-low chances at the junior level.
- Rick Wamsley uses real OHL game footage to teach goalies the 'why' behind positioning decisions, not just the technical mechanics.
- Bill Ranford-style puck tracking behind the net is a teachable, repeatable skill that applies at all levels of play.
- GoalieU delivers a new video breakdown every day — 365 situational reads and technical tips per year from a 28-year NHL goaltending professional.
Welcome to part 4 of our OHL video series with Rick Wamsley, who spent 13 seasons in the NHL as a goalie and another 15 as an NHL goalie coach.
In this new series, Wamsley takes us inside his process for reading the game and making decisions under pressure. Each episode is based off the daily video work Wamsley does at GoalieU, breaking down a real game clip to help you see what the goalie sees – and understand the “why” behind each choice they make. The series will run weekly as he works through the 10 most common ways goals are scored, before shifting to a monthly format.
THIS WEEK: Tracking a puck behind the net, Bill Ranford-style
Today’s breakdown features Owen Sound Attack goalie Carter George, who is also a Los Angeles Kings draft pick, playing a down-low chance against the Memorial Cup champion London Knights. The focus is tracking pucks and players behind the net and setting yourself up to manage a low-high pass out from below the goal line.
🎥 Watch the full breakdown:
About Rick’s Read & React
Each month, Wamsley will dissect a different game situation – from rush chances to net-front battles – showing how elite goalies process the game in real time. Think of it as a “film room” for your goalie IQ. As Wamsley explained on a recent episode of the InGoal Radio Podcast, his approach was influenced by a visit to Europe as part of group of Hockey Canada goalie coaches and learning how Finland broke down the 10 most common ways to score. His analysis is anchored in that philosophy, and how goalies can counter each.
Want More from Rick?
Wamsley’s GoalieU program offers a new video breakdown like this one every single day – 365 days of situational reads, technical tips, and what he calls “Rick-isms” to help you think (and stop pucks) like a pro. InGoal readers can save $50 on an annual GoalieU membership join InGoal Today to reveal the checkout code!
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