Upcoming international talent

When scouting, it's good to look for talent not just on your home shores; especially so you know who'll be difficult to beat in the future! At present, there are a few protege (rather than prodigal, don't think they spend their money wastefully, oops!) goalkeepers rising through the ranks of hockey. Here's a few of the most talented youngsters to watch out for in the future:

Pirmin Blaak

Blaak is one of Holland's bright stars and will soon be on his way to international fame and glory, having already been included in the recent Olympics squad. As well as being selected to represent his country in the Junior World Cup in Singapore about three years ago, he has easily taken hold of the starting spot for Rotterdam in the Hoofdklasse; a role testament to his ability. He possesses the ability to control his area and defence well, with good reflexes and shot stopping skill, but can sometimes make the odd wrong decision; at this level though and at his prime age, that is not such a big issue as the rest of his play is consistent and confident. With Guus Vogels recently announcing his retirement, I don't think it will be long until Blaak steps between the posts for his nation (he is starting to, but regards to full time!). With his skill and young age, he could have a long and illustrious career for club and country.

Leon Hayward

This fast-rising protege is one to watch out for. Another competitor in the Junior World Cup, he was quickly added to the Australia indoor and A side squads. With the retirement of world class Mowlam and then Lambert, Australia has some big boots to fill in its goalkeeping department, but this prodigy is quickly rising up the ranks with speed. Having already spent a few seasons in the AHL, he recently won a bronze medal with Australia U21s in the FIH Junior World Cup. He has since been called up to the  Australian 'A' team and won a surprised cap representing his country in an indoor tournament in Germany.

Leon plays a very forward thinking game, wanting to be in position before the shot, with a very set and prepared style of goalkeeping. He wears the lightest set-up I've seen with ice hockey shoulder caps and rugby padded shorts for maximum movement, but has since upgraded his protection to Mazon body armour and elbow pads, with padded shorts. Thankfully for those that worry about injuries!

 

Niklas Sakowsky

Sakowsky is another shining star from Europe. The young German goalkeeper was the starting 'keeper in the junior world cup, playing a lead role in Germany's gold medal triumph. Especially good on short corners, he also commands his D well. Another reflex style goalkeeper, he is one of the only German goalkeepers I've seen going 'Dutch'. Sakowsky has started to get more starts over Christian Shulte (the well experienced ex-German senior international), playing for his club side Crefelder HTC for a number of games and was part of his indoor 1^st team games this season, as well as playing a few games outdoor this side of the year. The future looks bright for Sakowsky, who should soon eventually take over full time and push to replace Max Weinhold when he retires.