GoalieU: Read & React with Rick Wamsley
- Rick Wamsley uses his own 1992-93 Toronto Maple Leafs game footage to illustrate how to read a low-to-high pass and anticipate the next play.
- Understand why managing a deflection back into the slot demands immediate rebound control and active positioning, not just a passive save.
- Recognize that core read-and-react principles on the low-high play remain consistent even as modern save selections have evolved.
- Study real NHL game clips from Wamsley's playing career to see decision-making under pressure from the goalie's perspective.
- Apply Rick-isms — Wamsley's signature teaching cues — to build faster situational recognition on common scoring plays.
Welcome to Part 6 of our 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, and while it typically features Ontario Hockey League footage and goalies, this week Wamsley had a little fun by reviewing a couple of saves he made during the 1992-93 season while playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
THIS WEEK: Kicking it Old School (Literally) on a Low-High Out and Rebound
Wamsley is facing the New York Rangers, including Hall of Fame defenseman Brian Leetch, on a play that starts with a pass out from low to high, and continues with a deflection back into the slot. While the save selections will look foreign to modern goalies, as you’ll see in the breakdown, a lot of the set-up keys and positional foundations remain the same!
🎥 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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