Devan Dubnyk and Lyle Mast: The Science of Head Trajectory (Ep. 369)
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Coach Lyle Mast explains that head trajectory affects goaltender balance through vestibular function and influences movement and save preparation — not just puck tracking after a shot. Devan Dubnyk, now coaching younger goalies, says Mast's Trac Optics goggles solve the in-season tracking consistency problem by providing instant feedback on whether a goalie is on or off the puck.
- Head trajectory affects goaltender balance through vestibular function, making 'just watch the puck' an oversimplification of a complex biomechanical process.
- Proper head movement influences a goalie's movements and save preparation before a shot arrives, not only during active puck tracking.
- Lyle Mast's Trac Optics goggles provide real-time feedback that tells goalies whether they are on or off the puck, solving the in-season consistency problem Dubnyk identified from his playing days.
- Devan Dubnyk now coaches younger goalies and applies Mast's head trajectory principles to their development.
- Dylan Garand's Pro Read debut features a breakdown of a low-high pass across the slot line, illustrating how game fundamentals enable readiness for unexpected plays.
Episode 369 of the InGoal Radio Podcast, presented by The Hockey Shop Source for Sports, features a deep dive on head trajectory with ex-NHL goalie Devan Dubnyk and coach Lyle Mast.
Feature Interview
presented by NHL Sense Arena
In the feature interview, presented by NHL Sense Arena, Mast breaks down the science behind head trajectory, including how the way we move our head affects balance through vestibular function, why it’s not as simple as “watch the puck,” and how it affects movements and save preparation as much as tracking a puck once it’s been shot. Dubnyk rides shotgun, explaining how all those elements translated for him when he was playing in the NHL and now that he’s coaching younger goalies, as well as why it was sometimes hard for him to hold onto good tracking during a season, and how Mast’s new Trac Optics goggles solve that problem by providing instant feedback that lets you know if you’re on or off the puck. If the conversation leaves you wondering where to start, our seven-part Scott Murray series walks through the same definition of tracking applied to three very different NHL goaltenders.
Parent Segment
presented by Stop It Goaltending U
In the Parent Playbook, presented by Stop It Goaltending U the App, Hutch moves last week’s talk about the importance of building good habits and routines up to game time.
Pro Reads
presented by Vizual EdgeWe also review the latest Pro Reads, presented by Vizual Edge, featuring the debut of New York Rangers goalie Dylan Garand with a fantastic breakdown of a low-high pass across the slot line, and how the foundations of his game allow him to be ready when the unexpected happens.
Weekly Gear Segment
presented by The Hockey Shop Source for SportsAnd in our weekly gear segment we look at the latest iteration of Bauer’s GSX pants and chest protector, a lower price point option that’s also great for ball hockey.
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