GoalieU: Read & React with Rick Wamsley
- Read your defenseman first: if he is taking away the passing lane on an odd-man rush, you can hold your angle more aggressively rather than sinking passively.
- After the save, immediately back up to protect the net and sort out the next play — Wamsley praises George specifically for this habit.
- Wamsley breaks down four distinct scoring threats: an odd-man rush, a low-high on the PK, a low-high lateral on another PK, and a 5-on-3 PK run from behind the net.
- Reading and reacting is a learnable process — Wamsley's GoalieU method uses real game clips to train goalies to see what the goalie sees and understand the 'why' behind each decision.
Welcome to Part 9 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 monthly as Wamsley continues to work through the 10 most common ways that goals are scored.
THIS WEEK: Four Sequences with Canadian Carter George
Today’s breakdown Los Angeles Kings draft pick Carter George, also of the OHL’s Owen Sound Attack, as he heads into his second world junior championships with Canada.
The focus this time is not limited to one type of save situation. Instead, Wamsley takes us through multiple scoring threats, including an odd-man rush, a low-high out on the PK, a low-high lateral on another PK, and finally a 5-on-3 PK being run from behind the net.
🎥 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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