[Given the abject level of interest in our beloved game/position, I wanted to start adding more depth to the blog, so thought it would be a good place to start with analysis. Features and profiles etc. will hopefully feature as well at some point to give a better coverage of hockey and my favourite position within it (goalkeeping, obviously!).]
'Ketts' in cup final action (source: link, not sure on photographer/copyright)
I couldn't think of a suitable title because Dragonlords are supposed to be tamers of the fiery beasts (that's if you bother indulging in the fantasy world of literature apart from Game of Thrones!), and Dragon slayer wouldn't work as he's rightly called the Dragon (a little disappointed he can't breath fire, but I'm sure he could learn firebreathing sometime!); maybe Lord of the Dragons?!
A lot of ranking of goalies goes on in other sports, so why not hockey? In review of the national league season in England, given the problems with consistency for the goalkeepers playing or struggles with form and technical game, there wasn't much standout talent to comment on. But one goalie for me that has stood out in particular this year at the elite level was David Kettle. There are others I could mention, but he was the most obvious choice. I think that where others have struggled, he has battled his way to the top. Surbiton looked like they were struggling all over the park at times in the first few games of the first half of the season as they maintained a low position in the league, during a time when a lot of teams were bouncing around all over the place, but they kept going and got better and better, led from the back by their impressive goalie performer; the team clicked defensively and with a strong core anchored in this way, were able to rise all the way up to second place.
For a goalie that has just moved to a new team, bringing a cup to
Surbiton, taking them to second place in the league for the first time in quite some time (seasons, not decades!!) and winning a place in the Euro Hockey League,
well, that ain't half bad me son (I think that's a perochial enough colloquial
enough phrasing?!?!), and says it all really. As in goalkeeping, as they say in creative writing, it should speak for itself and Kettle's performances did just that. He has also been getting a few scalps (clean sheets, not connotative of Native American warfare, obviously) on the international arena and will offer Wales a strong depth in between the posts for years to come. Personally I
think he should be in a shout for the GB team selection (even though I'm
not at all involved in the selection process, this is sports writing
and commentary, duh!) and has shown signs of the design to keep up with self improvement to a degree that he could soon outshine any other competition in the goalie ranks at this level of representative hockey.
To me he's the Gareth Bale of the goalie world. But I don't want to talk up the talent, in case it goes to his head, although I'm definitely sure he can push himself on to greater heights though! He's got skill, flair and is a battler, which is what you need from a goalkeeper who is prepared to do whatever it takes to keep their team in it and put all on the line for those in front of them. Plus, he's Welsh (so that fits the Bale metaphor!). But I don't think Real Madrid will be signing him this summer, although Egara HC and RHC Barcelona might need new a goalie! So maybe more like Southall who got loads of caps for Wales and was a true talent?! And that's not in a derogatory fashion, because Southall was quite the goalie legend.
David has got a lot of qualities that are the make up of; that make, a
true champion. He battles, he's aggressive and strong with positioning and patience, happy to take charge of his D or make a crucial interception, doesn't quit on the play and so on. Along with his levels of agility and athleticism. Where a lot of elite goalies are struggling with the basics, he is able to do both; iron out the simple stuff and advanced with strong fundamentals and making those athletic 'miracle saves', whilst also keeping everything on track. Using his modified TK glove with a thumb strap (a system that Tommy Alexander was experimenting with a while ago, which Obo are actually bringing into their new rhp design) system has also shown his intelligence and innovativeness as a goalie. He fought for playing opportunities and showed sure signs of his talent whilst at East
Grinstead and when given the chance at Surbiton, took his opportunity
and grabbed it with both hands and went for it. And is now able to fully realise it and show off these skills at Surbiton.
Although only a singular example, the following clip is a great example of his overal developed game this season past. The double save is especially and the pick with his stick diving out after setting up high positionally to intercept a breakthrough into the D. I don't think you'll find an MVP or most improved goalie (moving from 1B to 1A goalie is still a step up the ladder) this season gone.
In the kit colours he wore at the start of the season, pinched from: link
