Ireland with young options

At the time of David Harte's rise to prominence in Ireland and on the international scene, there were three goalkeepers in the running for the first team spot. In goalkeeping terms this meant that the talent they had was young and promising; the years have passed and Ireland has its own goalkeeping star, with a capable second choice in David Fitzgerald waiting his turn should he ever be needed. Which, unfortunately him, won't be too often, as Harte is considered the heir apparent, much like trying to get playing time when you're benching for Buffon. I.e. it's not going too happen pretty much, unless because of injury!

Though David (Fitzgerald; there seem to be a few famous David's in the Irish Goalies Union!) is getting his chance in friendlies, and with England getting some warm up games in before the World Cup over the summer, and for the coaching staff to get a look at some of their options going forward, he is getting a chance to add to his caps for his home nation.

That is alongside youngster Stephen West. West, a goalkeeper for Three Rock Rovers, has come up through the junior ranks and impressed enough to get included in the larger training squad (in comparison to the slimmer version, where cuts are made for the starting 11 and subs!) and is considered Ireland's future in goal.

You can read more about the three way battle for the no. 1 jersey from a few years back here:

http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2011/08/fitzgerald-bides-time-for-major-euro-call-up/

Harte making an impression in India

With David Harte having signed for the Mumbai Magicians and currently away from Holland playing in the HIL, he has made quite the impression already with some spectacular saves. Such as the amazing p-stroke save linked below. The first Irish player to be selected (as well as the first goalkeeper!), he will be brimming with confidence on his eventual return to Holland and then international fixtures. Planning in arguably the world's strongest league already, there's not much else he can do but win praise and laudits (and a second season or more perhaps after this one in India!), but it will be good to see how he plays on his return and how far he can take his club Kampong in the Euro Hockey League in Easter.

https://www.rte.ie/sport/hockey/2013/1128/489741-irelands-harte-selected-in-hockey-india-league/

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=746447935365842&set=vb.167355543275087&type=2&theater

Cachia making use of ice hockey 'dangler'

With a few goalkeepers now wearing them in the national leagues globally, it's interesting to see Jamie Cachia as the only goalie in the British national league system to be wearing an ice hockey goalie 'dangler' that attaches to the mask and cage, offering extra protection to the neck area. After a potentially catastrophic injury whilst playing in the Hoofdklasse, David Harte has also been seen wearing one (although not sure if it is/was unrelated to the incident) in the Dutch elite league. Australia's George Bazeley, who has made the switch to Obo sponsorship and foam from Mazon, was wearing one whilst wearing a helmet/cage style combo, and is now also wearing one with an Obo mask. I was mucking around with one about fear seasons back, taking the idea from my ice hockey playing days (I get around as a goalie!!) to the dismay of Reevsey at Surbiton! But it's another option for us goalies other than foam padding around the neck so long as you don't mind the clanging, although a bit of noise pollution is worth it if you ever have any hairy (scary) moments involving shots to the neck area for those more protection wary.

http://adykerry.photoshelter.com/gallery-image/EHB-Picture-service-2013-2014/G0000WDa_LRS.izM/I0000wCXR0htaoNI

Harte to play in India?

With the second season of the official Indian professional league, the HIL, set to get under way in a couple of months, it looks like Kampong and Ireland goalkeeping star David Harte could be taking part. Hart is part of the shortlist draw potentially on his way over there, which runs a lot like the American drafting system for upcoming talent (i.e. NHL, MLS etc.). His Hoofdklasse side would be on winter break with the indoor season underway, and much like Cortes did last season at Den Bosch, would be back in time to wrap up the Dutch season, Euro Hockey League (in which he is also competing in, with his Dutch team mates, having helped them break into the competition last season) and onto international fixtures over the summer. George Pinner is another name that has been bandied about concerning the HIL, but haven't heard any other names as of yet.

You can read more about Harte and the Indian league here via Irish reporting here:

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/other-sports/david-harte-on-shortlist-for-india-hockey-league-1.1572471

Harte showing it how it's done on consecutive save making

With videos finally being uploaded on the Euro Hockey League website, one of the best showcases on display was Harte's string of consecutive shot stopping against a short corner, which suitably demonstrates technical ability and that fiery desire not to be beaten. On each shot Harte is in great position, allowing himself to get behind the shot to cover and make sure he has the best chance for success. He doesn't take himself out of the play or look small, but looks big and makes himself hard to beat (which is what you want to achieve as a goalie!). And more importantly is incredibly swift like quicksilver getting to each save as the next shot cames at him as fast as they do.

The series of saves starts at 0:41 where he begins initially with a good reaction dive out to his right, blocking with the rhp strongly, before getting up incredibly quickly for the instantaneous secondary save, going from the upright splitting across, again getting a piece of it with his right hand, before springing up again to cover the near post, again blocking with the rhp, this time from the upright. Each save demonstrates good angle coverage and positioning, attacking each shot, along with good hand-eye co-ordination with a great visual connection to each shot. This level of technicality, along with the desire not to be beaten are what makes the elite stand out from the crowd. His quickness, acrobatic athleticism and high energy play sees him be unbeatable at the short corner against Rott Weiss. It's a great display that any goalkeeper can learn from. Just watch and learn!

Harte back in the Euro Hockey League with Kampong

Ireland's standout first choice goalkeeper David Harte has been back in action again in the Euro Hockey League since his days with Pembroke Wanderers where he was able to display his potential at the time. Having helped his Dutch club Kampong in the Hoofdklasse qualify for the European tournamnet and in strong form internationally and domestically, he has been performing well in his second taste of the cross-national tournament set-up. This weekend saw him in between the sticks in the first round. For Kampong it is their first taste of EHL action, having pushed out Amsterdam for their place in the competition, joining compatriot sides Rotterdam and Oranje Zwart who also seem ever present, and it will be interesting to see how they adjust to this standard of play over the course of the season.

http://www.ehlhockey.tv/club/kampong

You can see footage of him and his strong performances to help his team to success in the Euro playoff campaign the season just gone:

And here playing against Rott Weis at the weekend, where he made an important short corner save in the first half of the game to keep his team in with a chance of getting ahead and keeping the lead:

Harte using Obo elbow pads

Another TK goalkeeper using Obo's elbow pads is David Harte. Not exactly news given how long he's been wearing them, but interesting to note that he has made the switch. Harte used to use ice hockey elbow pads during his time with Pembroke Wanderers in Ireland and then in his first season or so in the Hoofdklasse, but made the switch to the Obo foam, rather than hard shell, design. South Africa's Rassie Pieterse is another TK goalie using them and interesting just to see a number of goalkeepers who use different foam, wearing them.

Here's Harte in action with the Obo elbows:

Harte

And here you can see the ice hockey elbow pads Harte used to use: