In another not-that-important kit sighting, Patrick Smith of East Grinstead, has made the switch to elbow pads. Wearing arm pads exclusively for the past three or more seasons before that whilst at Cannock and university, it marks a change in style and approach. Elbow pads obviously give more freedom of movement at the sacrifice of full protection; at the highest levels this can mean all the difference in goal allowed or saved, but requires great confidence and skill, to avoid purple arms! Smith is also sticking with the Mercian rhp tube/crossover style glove that he was wearing last season and during international duties.
Showing posts with label Equipment sightings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Equipment sightings. Show all posts
Monday, 1 December 2014
Monday, 24 March 2014
Canada's U21's second choice now in TK
Failing to write an in-depth day by day coverage of the World Junior Cup in India (although I hope to do some analysis at some point of those involved), it's a little late offering information on the goalkeepers involved. But kit wise one thing that stood out was Canada's goalkeepers; starter and reserve, being now both in TK kit. Although I think Kevin Pereira has switched to Brabo (going by Twitter info and such), back-up Tristan Burgoyne, has made the switch to TK soft foam, having previously been in Obo. He is also using the TK plus glove, which has greater rebound than the already 'pingy' TK lhp and which also has a curved shape for controlling rebounds down like the Obo face design (designed specifically for that), rather than straight down or up and over. Using a goalkeeper stick as well versus the trend of Canadian goalkeepers for defender's sticks as goalkeeping sticks also stands out.
You can see him in action here, in an athletic dive unfortunately missing the save in question though:
You can see him in action here, in an athletic dive unfortunately missing the save in question though:
Sunday, 23 March 2014
Brighton's first choice Dave's kit changes
And being the goalie anorak I am (not really sure what else to say!), it looks like Dave has made a few changes with his set-up. Before this season, he was wearing elbow pads on both arms, with tubigrips to offer cover against astroburns when sliding in, he went down to just an elbow pad on the right, to give more freedom of movement for his left arm for those quick reaction saves, allowing greater motion with the left hand covering in front of the body on both sides (as displayed in his diving save to his right with the left glove used instead of the right to turn the ball out and away to safety, past the pitch line). But it looks as if he's gone as far as ditching the elbow protection altogether, following the trend of a lot of goalkeepers now in England, with the influence of Dutch goalkeepers.
And instead is just using a tubigrip on the right arm to offer said cover for when sliding in on hockey pitch surfaces, with the arms of a baselayer rolled up, kind of useful in this strange non-English weather we've been experiencing lately!!
As well as this he's also got rid of the square dangler that he was wearing in conjunction with his helmet/wire cage cat-eye combo. Not sure these is totally advisable, but can tuck his chin if worried about dodgy headshots. Not something seen really around the English leagues, so seemed worth mentioning on my train of goalie kit related thinking patterns...!
And instead is just using a tubigrip on the right arm to offer said cover for when sliding in on hockey pitch surfaces, with the arms of a baselayer rolled up, kind of useful in this strange non-English weather we've been experiencing lately!!
As well as this he's also got rid of the square dangler that he was wearing in conjunction with his helmet/wire cage cat-eye combo. Not sure these is totally advisable, but can tuck his chin if worried about dodgy headshots. Not something seen really around the English leagues, so seemed worth mentioning on my train of goalie kit related thinking patterns...!
Monday, 3 February 2014
TK producing indoor pad covers??
With quite a few goalkeepers wearing TK embroided pad covers for indoor hockey in England, one wonders whether they will actually be producing them in the near future. Although they look more like a design in the vein of adapted pillow cases, taped on at the sides of the pads, versus the strapping system Verbunt use, someone has still made the effort to get the TK logo embroided on them! Canterbury's Diccon Stubbings (as illustrates below) could be seen wearing them, with a few others spotted in them. James Bailey has also been spotted in them in indoor action for club side Reading and internationally with England indoor of late. Allan Dick playing for Holcombe was also wearing them at the Maxifuels Finals in Wembley yesterday. Seem to be quite a few of the England sponsored TK goalies in them, so are they going to be on the market any time soon?!
Monday, 27 January 2014
Allan changes headgear!
Not the most exciting of gear sightings (I really should probably write something about the new TK isoblox design at some point!), but interesting to note that Holcombe's starter Allan Dick has finally made the changeover from the ice hockey player's helmet and cage set-up to a mask. The mask is one of Obo's ones with a Grim Reaper paint job (enough to make me jealous!). Good to see him making the change to a more solid ridged design to protect the grey matter needed to help with decision making (and to separate ourselves from the rest of the team, as goalies, obviously!), but on a serious note, would be interested to take note of how much he has found the change to peripheral vision and sight lines as a result!
Pictures here:
Sunday, 8 December 2013
Cachia wearing new Obo rhp design
With Obo's new rhp design, an improvement on the existing version of the Obo hi rebound rhp on its way into shops in the not-so-distant-future, Sheffield Hallam's starter Jamie Cachia has been spotted wearing the glove in the NOW Pension's premier league division. Scottish international Cachia who has experimented with using the TK rhp design previously, and making the switch over to the Obo design more recently, making good use of it in Sheffield's promotion winning season, he's giving the new version a run out having tried the new Monarch D3O design (made in conjunction with George Pinner's input) early on this season, as blogged about previously. Obo has been testing the design of late with Kyle Pontifex giving it a run out at the London Olympics before going into production stages. With the chance for more movement and wrist turning/rotation to angle rebounds up and away when saving to the right, the glove has been redesigned to allow this, going along the lines of Jimi Lewis and Tommy Alexander's mods that gave the same results.
You can see Cachia here with the glove in use against Surbiton recently:
You can see Cachia here with the glove in use against Surbiton recently:
Monday, 18 November 2013
Smith has definitely made the switch to Mercian rhp!
Having seen Smith star for Cannock in a recent game away against East Grinstead (which I should probably do a write-up on at some point!), it's safe to say he has made the switch to Mercian's new rhp design in the trivial pursuits of keeping track of gear worn by the elite level goalies in our beloved game! Having switched from the Obo larger profile hi rebound rhp to thinner hi control to Mercian tube style rhp, he has since made the recent switch back to a more blocking style rhp. Showing signs of interest in developing his technique and evolving and growing it (which is key to staying at the top!), it's interesting to see him go back to a more blocking style of rhp that also offers key ground work skills for a hybrid style (which is definitely important at this standard of competitive play). And you can see him using it here, pointing away at his defence!
Sunday, 10 November 2013
Gucasoff switches to Obo elbow pad
Not exactly another groundbreaking (or not as the case may be!) equipment sighting, but it's noticable that Belgian goalkeeper Gucasoff has changed up his arm padding again, moving to the current Obo elbow pad design.
Gucasoff has gone from a "Dutch" approach (with no arm padding at all for maximum movement at the arms possible for those reflex glove saves etc.) playing for Brucelles, as seen here:
And is now wearing the Obo elbow pad, again, still just on the right, with the left unpadded for more freedom getting across uninhibited by padding, as seems to be the most popular kit style in Belgium:
Gucasoff has gone from a "Dutch" approach (with no arm padding at all for maximum movement at the arms possible for those reflex glove saves etc.) playing for Brucelles, as seen here:
And played like this as he was involved in the international set-up in the build-up to the London Olympic games:
And then moved to an elbow pad on the right arm only, which he moved to in the
latter point of last season, wearing a Mazon elbow pad (which seem quite
popular in Belgium interestingly, though they're made by an Australian company!):
The Obo pad gives more padding at the inner and outer elbow, with more padding at the elbow joint, giving more substantial protection, which is important, from protecting against shots to these areas, which could be disastrous for the goalkeeper in question.
Birmingham's starter also now in Monarch
With Monarch upping their business profile and the opportunities provided for players with their new D30 innovations, there seem to be a few goalkeepers around the English national league wearing their foam. Along with long time Monarch wearer Giles Rooke and Ben Dudley, others are joining Monarch's team. One of these new sponsees includes the University of Birmingham's starter, prefering the plain black/white edge colour combo as Tom Millington at Wimbledon has been seen wearing.
As you can see it here in all its glory:
As you can see it here in all its glory:
Saturday, 9 November 2013
Stockmann using Obo arm guards?
Having been able to find some better photos of Holland's current number one, Jaap Stockmann, in action, I think it's safe to say that he is also now wearing Obo arm pads. His compatriot, he was the travelling reserve for the London Olympics, Pirmin Blaak has worn them (on both arms versus the "traditional" no arms/only right padded) since he took over for Rotterdam as first choice there. Stockmann previously wore just an elbow pad on his right, but it appears he's made the switch to covering more of the bare arm to protect when making a barrier block with the body (sliding, "logging" etc.). Not sure how long ago this was, so probably not the most up-to-date gear sighting! But still interesting to make a note of considering the more general slimmed down equipment approach in Holland and Belgium and Spain as well.
Here you can see him warming up with both arms (like Scanlon at HWHC does, although he removes both arm pads for games!) before removing the left arm to play, whilst in the HIL league in India last year:
Versus in his days wearing only a right elbow pad, it's interesting to make note of the switch and also in relation to the more pro-active, reaction, athletic style seen in Holland versus the blocking, percentage based approach of other countries, like Australia, potentially.
You can also see him here in his days playing for Holland U21's at the 2005 Junior World Cup, wearing Obo's prototype (their now current elbow design) at the time:
And here for Bloemendaal:
With Obo arm pads proving popular in Germany as well, with Reuss using them and other Bundesliga goalkeepers too, it's interesting to consider current trends in the modern game in terms of thinking about more/less padding for the goalkeeper. Germany seems to mix it up with a more blocking style, but Holland have always seemed to encourage active hands and a reactive mindset with their save making, so on a wider level, interesting to think about these things that might seem trifle, but have a big impact on the way a goalkeeper plays. Not sure if trends will swing back to a more protective style or a mash up hybrid of blocking and actively responding to shots, but interesting to consider either way!
Here you can see him warming up with both arms (like Scanlon at HWHC does, although he removes both arm pads for games!) before removing the left arm to play, whilst in the HIL league in India last year:
And here, wearing both arms for a shoot at a goalie clinic, akin to Blaak's set-up:
You can also see him here in his days playing for Holland U21's at the 2005 Junior World Cup, wearing Obo's prototype (their now current elbow design) at the time:
And here for Bloemendaal:
With Obo arm pads proving popular in Germany as well, with Reuss using them and other Bundesliga goalkeepers too, it's interesting to consider current trends in the modern game in terms of thinking about more/less padding for the goalkeeper. Germany seems to mix it up with a more blocking style, but Holland have always seemed to encourage active hands and a reactive mindset with their save making, so on a wider level, interesting to think about these things that might seem trifle, but have a big impact on the way a goalkeeper plays. Not sure if trends will swing back to a more protective style or a mash up hybrid of blocking and actively responding to shots, but interesting to consider either way!
Thursday, 31 October 2013
Gucasoff switches to TK Plus LHP too?
Another goalkeeper that seems to have made the switch to the TK1 Plus left hand glove (based on the old vision glove and often refered to as the "soft" version like the Softs pads and kickers range), is Jeremy Gucasoff. Belgium's second choice, who has been playing in the Euro Hockey League of late, this weekend gone, was previously using the standard TK lhp. I think it is the Plus version, as currently used by Pirmin Blaak, as blogged about previously, otherwise it looks to be a Rags glove, as the noticeable target symbol is missing, as can be seen from playing footage. Interesting to know whether it is due to weight of glove or saving properties etc.
You can see Gucasoff in action in the clip below, with the equipment change, he is in the green jersey and white helmet:
You can see Gucasoff in action in the clip below, with the equipment change, he is in the green jersey and white helmet:
Sunday, 13 October 2013
Smith switches to new Mercian rhp design?
Another weekend of hockey and another potential gear sighting, with Cannock's Patrick Smith sighted wearing Mercian's newer 'cross-continental' rhp design. The England A goalkeeper had previously been using the pure tube style glove, with the Mercian design offering a larger blocking surface, for shot stopping, than say Obo's hi-control tube style design, but used for the attributes of making slide tackles and ground work easier with the horizontal surface. Having used the hi-rebound Obo rhp whilst at Southgate, it's interesting to see him return to a similar style glove with differing properties, like the fixed stick position, but gives him more options regards shot blocking prone and diving, although technique doesn't seem to have made much difference in conceding:
Tuesday, 8 October 2013
Harris using new Mercian lhp
In other equipment sighting news, it looks like Fareham's George Harris is also trialing the new Mercian LHP design. Going by photos it seems to be the case, but will probably have to try and have a look see in person at some point. Will be interesting to see how it performs on release after having been tested, having been proven to be a good enough glove for national league standard goalkeeping.
Millington in Monarch
Another kit sighting is with Tom Millington's new Monarch foam set-up. The Wimbledon starter moved from Mercian to Monarch for the new season and is trying out their new D30 range. I haven't been able to see it in person, or him in action so far, but you can see a good example via the link below. I think he was trialing blue colours but looks like he's gone for a black/white combo on the legs, as you can see thanks to Ady Kerry's photography here:
Thursday, 26 September 2013
Pirmin switches to TK Plus left hand glove
In Holland, another kit sighting for the season so far, for switched kit/changes, is Pirmin Blaak using a new TK Plus lhp rather than the Brabo one he switched to previous (presumably using the Brabo after international training sessions and competition involvement with Stockmann). Interesting to see as it seems to be a glove that's more easily available in Germany, with Reuss and Weinhold and co. using them. With all three of Blaak, Stockmann and Jenniskens all having used the Brabo left hand quite recently, it's interesting to see the change, even if it's not a huge scale! Not totally insignificant, as these style of gloves are seemingly harder to come by these days (although Kindler is using one over in Canada!) and offer different saving properties to the generic square shaped TK lhp. But it will be interesting just to see over the course of the season whether or not he will stick to the equipment change, or whether he'll change his mind! Obviously with Stockmann being sponsored by Brabo and presumably as well (assuming!!), would be interesting to know if it's also due to the saving style offered (more rebound, more downward direction on the rebound due to inner curve), although they are all still using the Obo hi rebound rhp for its blocking properties, which says something about its advantages and the Dutch style of patient, upright goalkeeping and their reactive approach to save making.
Monday, 16 September 2013
Cachia switches to new Monarch GP01 rhp design
Just a quick post about an equipment sighting, possibly one of the first for the new season. You can see more on Hockey Images; I had hoped to get along to the East Grinstead home game but in the end life conspired against me, so no such luck to use some photos of my own!
So, it appears that Jamie Cachia of Sheffield Hallam is trying out the new Monarch GP01 rhp (right hand protector/glove) given its crossover qualities, merging the flat held stick with the Obo hi control and other tube style gloves and the new blocking rhp with a larger surface area for save making opportunities, in a different style than Mercian's new cross-continental shot blocking one. It's an interesting conceptual design given what it offers in comparison to its competitors in the goalie kit industry. He used to wear the TK rhp for its ground work capabilities and hybrid options for getting more behind a raised shot at hand or more height, as David Kettle does, but then switched to the Obo hi rebound last season (I think! Having experimented with it at international level practise games). This could be given his Obo sponsorship possibly, although a lot of companies are relaxed with their approach to kit allowances to suit the goalkeeper's style and needs, as is a gift really for elite level athletes looking for financial etc. sport given the cost of hockey kit, in a bespoke sort of way, as Nick Brothers and others have played in). And this allows him to play in a strong hybrid style that is appropriate to the way he plays, and has come to define how he plays and thus plays so well (not fixed in a particular system of playing or thought).
The new rhp design is based around a glove that can block like the Obo hi rebound, but also one that can be used for strong stick tackling and stick clearances, when diving in or sliding along the pitch to get the ball off an attacker. This then allows more of a hybrid style, making it easier to "log" or go down for barrier saves, but also to block from the glove from a standing position away to the right, without having to bring the left hand across or possibly over rotate with disastrous consequences. It offers the best of both worlds potentially, that goalkeepers want to be able to do everything possible technique and saving wise, otherwise requiring a distinct change in technique, which is difficult for those "old dogs" that don't want to learn new tricks and are used to making saves automatically in a certain sort of way! It will be interesting to say what it plays like (will try and get my hands on it at some point to review it!). And given its stylistic features that offers the goalie these things.
And you can find more info and images on the Monarch site:
So, it appears that Jamie Cachia of Sheffield Hallam is trying out the new Monarch GP01 rhp (right hand protector/glove) given its crossover qualities, merging the flat held stick with the Obo hi control and other tube style gloves and the new blocking rhp with a larger surface area for save making opportunities, in a different style than Mercian's new cross-continental shot blocking one. It's an interesting conceptual design given what it offers in comparison to its competitors in the goalie kit industry. He used to wear the TK rhp for its ground work capabilities and hybrid options for getting more behind a raised shot at hand or more height, as David Kettle does, but then switched to the Obo hi rebound last season (I think! Having experimented with it at international level practise games). This could be given his Obo sponsorship possibly, although a lot of companies are relaxed with their approach to kit allowances to suit the goalkeeper's style and needs, as is a gift really for elite level athletes looking for financial etc. sport given the cost of hockey kit, in a bespoke sort of way, as Nick Brothers and others have played in). And this allows him to play in a strong hybrid style that is appropriate to the way he plays, and has come to define how he plays and thus plays so well (not fixed in a particular system of playing or thought).
The new rhp design is based around a glove that can block like the Obo hi rebound, but also one that can be used for strong stick tackling and stick clearances, when diving in or sliding along the pitch to get the ball off an attacker. This then allows more of a hybrid style, making it easier to "log" or go down for barrier saves, but also to block from the glove from a standing position away to the right, without having to bring the left hand across or possibly over rotate with disastrous consequences. It offers the best of both worlds potentially, that goalkeepers want to be able to do everything possible technique and saving wise, otherwise requiring a distinct change in technique, which is difficult for those "old dogs" that don't want to learn new tricks and are used to making saves automatically in a certain sort of way! It will be interesting to say what it plays like (will try and get my hands on it at some point to review it!). And given its stylistic features that offers the goalie these things.
Following link is a great vlog style review from Josh Olphin (who is a Monarch sponsee) who is at Sheffield Hallam (and might be the missing link as to this change: who knows!
And you can find more info and images on the Monarch site:
It will be interesting to see how things progress over the course of the season in terms of what use Jamie plays in and the use and technical approaches can get out of the new glove versus what he is used to, and see how it gives an extra dimension to his game. Chris Hibbert at Southgate quickly changed back to his Obo hi rebound rhp after making the switch to all Mercian foam and didn't go back. So it's food for thought and will be interesting to keep tabs on over the course of the new season.
Good morning Australia!
Trying to take a line from Anchorman (i.e. "Good Morning San Diego" - edit, d'oh! - the film makes me giggle on off days so who cares really) in a failed attempt to lighten your day, although it is actually appropriate, given that as I post this, it's approximately 2:40 AEST in the morning according to timeanddate.com (!), but either way, I just wanted to intro in a jovial way, the league system and talent on offer in Australia. I was planning on trying to provide coverage for this, but having not got my act together and the club game standard season pretty much over now that it's turning to winter, I'll have to plan ahead for next year after missing the boat completely almost.
Hockey is a massive sport of interest with a big following in Australia, a good reason why they have teams that have had quite the medal haul each decade for quite some years. But this is not just because they have a strong player to choose from (Canada has about 1400 - I think! - registered hockey players and yet can still compete to Olympic standard in the men's - where there is even less via the split - as well as women's formats, so few but incredibly talented athletes on offer), but because there is quality that is not always seen in other nations, perhaps because of the sports programme run even at state school level education. Another reason why the AHL (Australian Hockey League as opposed to the second tier below the NHL in the States' ice hockey leagues!), which is about to start at the end of next week, is considered one of the strongest league/tournament formats in the world, along with the Hoofdklasse.
Australia school representative standard squads actually compete against some of Europe's and the world's best year in year out, proving their quality in depth; if you think about it, this means their sort of C team at juniors is playing the A team of other country's national standard representatives. With forward thinking, progressive and able coaches who are pushing the game to its best, like Ric Charlesworth and a tried and tested method of doing things for bringing talent through rather than letting into plateau or stagnate. Todd Williams (an ex-Olympic) has also brought his skills and breadth of understanding of the game over to the British Isles, turning around the fortunes of Slough women's, then HWHC and Surbiton men's, just to prove another case in point.
And because of this, they also happen to have a history of strong depth in goalkeeping talent, and world class goalies, like Stephen Mowlam, who was considered the world's best for some time in his playing days. They also happen to stay patient with their goalkeepers, entrusting them with a chance to develop on time rather ahead of it, making sure their confidence is not shot to __ after perhaps struggling with the pressures of goalkeeping made even more substantial by playing at the elite level. With great talent comes great responsibility (as opposed to power, to rearrange that Spiderman quote - again with the randomness) and there is more impetus on letting goalkeepers mature before throwing them to the wolves, but at the same time, making sure there is competition for places, which is an incredibly important factor for success at the Olympics and similar, but ignored largely in another countries across the world. If you look at the squad right now they actually have 4 (yes, four!!), goalkeepers involved in the Olympic build-up training schedule, each given opportunities to prove themselves at international standard during a number of friendlies played over the course of the year outside league standard competition.
First impressions
Below are some quick thoughts on what I've seen so far on doing some independent research to try and get a feel for the hockey out in Australia and therefore have a better understanding of the way their goalies potentially play and know more about what's on offer for them.
Kit
In terms of playing kit, there is quite a lot of variation which is great to see. Rather than moulded copycats or "cookie cutter" goalies as they say in the U.S./Canada in ice hockey (relating to robotic goalies that look good but can't bring the goods when needed in crunch games where the odds are stacked against them), they seem to play in styles that suit their abilities and thus kit to match. Or possibly the opposite, going on what they have available, depends how you look at things I guess!
The helmet/cage combo that's more popular in Holland, Spain and Belgium, is quite popular, a solid but affordable option for those on a budget. With good ventilation for playing in the hot of Australian summers.
And an interesting alternative, is that ice hockey helmets seem more prevalent; Itech's plastic one being the one of choice seemingly, even at lower leagues. This along with Obo masks seem just as popular. So there is a good mix that you might not see so much of say anywhere else than Holland or Belgium perhaps (English goalkeepers seeming to prefer the ice hockey mask/helmets more now). Not sure on the objective data though! Guess it's quite a balance in lots of places.
It seems like although Obo are geographically closer, goalies have to rely on moreso domestically produced kit to play with. Which means there's more users of Gryphon, Mazon and Grays, which could be a good thing, but depends on if it does the job the goalkeeper wants it to and matches their playing style i.e. a tube glove for ground work, larger one for shot stopping upright and so on. And this is even at international level: where George is the only goalkeeper in Obo, 'Clemo' in Gryphon and Charter and Lovell in Mazon. Atlas is a new company in Australia that also makes goalie BA's (it's a good body armour apparently, need to have a look-see though!) and goalie shorts and sticks.
You can even see the goalie in this instructional video wearing all sorts of kit! Including the Brabo lhp which is (not sure how/where he !):
Jerseys
One of the minor things that stood out for me, was the professional looking standard of goalie tops. You get this in footie (soccer) and the Italian brands make great shirts (think Wapping brought them in for their first team), so I can't see why they can't be used in hockey. It also gives a sense of that competitive/pro outlook for players and motivational tools etc. Personally, I think they look pretty snazz and cool (but that's just me, and cool isn't probably called that anymore!) and look a lot like American Football or ice hockey jerseys with the bold, brash style and large size (with air gaps useful for keeping the kit not so sweaty!).
Technique
Technique is also an interested myriad. The stereotype of the "X stance" being widely used is not true as I had first believed. Although some of the junior international goalies do make good use of it to challenge the shooter through visual perception and taking away more of the goal visually by looking big and being closer to the ball as it comes at them. The "Y stance" seems more commonplace and put to use at lower levels, although the high, raised hand position at shoulder height for moving into high shots or drag flicks at penalty corners from a standing position, instead of having to lift them up in a shortened time frame. There is also a bit of inventiveness, with drop kicking used and more active glove use and a challenging style for loose balls (an innovativeness that is brought into equipment customisation as well).
Standard of hockey
The standard of hockey is very high throughout. You don't have to be incredibly talented to be working hard and have that competitive desire to take your hockey seriously. Leagues seem to be structured around townships and regional systems due to the ridiculously long distances to travel for a national league system, hence why the AHL is at a centralised location. You can see the action in one of these regional systems below, with Hamish Coates for the University of West Australia (he has played for Wimbledon and HWHC in the English national leagues as blogged about previously) in action in black and yellow Obo pads. The university sides are also very strong, like in Holland, with youngsters continuining on their high level of play whilst studying. Some of the Olympians are also supported in this way, with a sort of scholarship set-up to make sure they benefit in the long term for education and then career whilst taking time out of work for the serious commitments of playing at that level.
You should be able to find more footage of the league games for similar via banner links.
Thoughts
On review, there is a lot to offer Australian goalkeepers or overseas goalies that want to come over to experience a different culture and different style of play. The goalkeepers are of a high standard, especially at the elite level, and Australia has great depth throughout, which is something that should make other countries considerably jealous. Goalkeepers seem to play their own game in a way that suits them, aware of what kit they need and are serious about their hockey. And it will be fun to anaylse the AHL games over the next coming weeks to discuss this in more detail!
Hockey is a massive sport of interest with a big following in Australia, a good reason why they have teams that have had quite the medal haul each decade for quite some years. But this is not just because they have a strong player to choose from (Canada has about 1400 - I think! - registered hockey players and yet can still compete to Olympic standard in the men's - where there is even less via the split - as well as women's formats, so few but incredibly talented athletes on offer), but because there is quality that is not always seen in other nations, perhaps because of the sports programme run even at state school level education. Another reason why the AHL (Australian Hockey League as opposed to the second tier below the NHL in the States' ice hockey leagues!), which is about to start at the end of next week, is considered one of the strongest league/tournament formats in the world, along with the Hoofdklasse.
Australia school representative standard squads actually compete against some of Europe's and the world's best year in year out, proving their quality in depth; if you think about it, this means their sort of C team at juniors is playing the A team of other country's national standard representatives. With forward thinking, progressive and able coaches who are pushing the game to its best, like Ric Charlesworth and a tried and tested method of doing things for bringing talent through rather than letting into plateau or stagnate. Todd Williams (an ex-Olympic) has also brought his skills and breadth of understanding of the game over to the British Isles, turning around the fortunes of Slough women's, then HWHC and Surbiton men's, just to prove another case in point.
And because of this, they also happen to have a history of strong depth in goalkeeping talent, and world class goalies, like Stephen Mowlam, who was considered the world's best for some time in his playing days. They also happen to stay patient with their goalkeepers, entrusting them with a chance to develop on time rather ahead of it, making sure their confidence is not shot to __ after perhaps struggling with the pressures of goalkeeping made even more substantial by playing at the elite level. With great talent comes great responsibility (as opposed to power, to rearrange that Spiderman quote - again with the randomness) and there is more impetus on letting goalkeepers mature before throwing them to the wolves, but at the same time, making sure there is competition for places, which is an incredibly important factor for success at the Olympics and similar, but ignored largely in another countries across the world. If you look at the squad right now they actually have 4 (yes, four!!), goalkeepers involved in the Olympic build-up training schedule, each given opportunities to prove themselves at international standard during a number of friendlies played over the course of the year outside league standard competition.
First impressions
Below are some quick thoughts on what I've seen so far on doing some independent research to try and get a feel for the hockey out in Australia and therefore have a better understanding of the way their goalies potentially play and know more about what's on offer for them.
Kit
In terms of playing kit, there is quite a lot of variation which is great to see. Rather than moulded copycats or "cookie cutter" goalies as they say in the U.S./Canada in ice hockey (relating to robotic goalies that look good but can't bring the goods when needed in crunch games where the odds are stacked against them), they seem to play in styles that suit their abilities and thus kit to match. Or possibly the opposite, going on what they have available, depends how you look at things I guess!
The helmet/cage combo that's more popular in Holland, Spain and Belgium, is quite popular, a solid but affordable option for those on a budget. With good ventilation for playing in the hot of Australian summers.
And an interesting alternative, is that ice hockey helmets seem more prevalent; Itech's plastic one being the one of choice seemingly, even at lower leagues. This along with Obo masks seem just as popular. So there is a good mix that you might not see so much of say anywhere else than Holland or Belgium perhaps (English goalkeepers seeming to prefer the ice hockey mask/helmets more now). Not sure on the objective data though! Guess it's quite a balance in lots of places.
It seems like although Obo are geographically closer, goalies have to rely on moreso domestically produced kit to play with. Which means there's more users of Gryphon, Mazon and Grays, which could be a good thing, but depends on if it does the job the goalkeeper wants it to and matches their playing style i.e. a tube glove for ground work, larger one for shot stopping upright and so on. And this is even at international level: where George is the only goalkeeper in Obo, 'Clemo' in Gryphon and Charter and Lovell in Mazon. Atlas is a new company in Australia that also makes goalie BA's (it's a good body armour apparently, need to have a look-see though!) and goalie shorts and sticks.
You can even see the goalie in this instructional video wearing all sorts of kit! Including the Brabo lhp which is (not sure how/where he !):
Arm protection also seems to be used less at this moment in time, with a move away from the percentage based blocking style favoured oft times more so in the past. Merging styles with a more reactional, acting style for the better, with a hybrid with elbow pads and so on.
So all in all, it's a real mix of kit and styles rather than one specific approach. Which is interesting considering the idea of an established programme of coaching that often doesn't suit each goalkeeper's needs and sometimes become an instiutionalised way of thinking that doesn't work.
Jerseys
One of the minor things that stood out for me, was the professional looking standard of goalie tops. You get this in footie (soccer) and the Italian brands make great shirts (think Wapping brought them in for their first team), so I can't see why they can't be used in hockey. It also gives a sense of that competitive/pro outlook for players and motivational tools etc. Personally, I think they look pretty snazz and cool (but that's just me, and cool isn't probably called that anymore!) and look a lot like American Football or ice hockey jerseys with the bold, brash style and large size (with air gaps useful for keeping the kit not so sweaty!).
Technique
Technique is also an interested myriad. The stereotype of the "X stance" being widely used is not true as I had first believed. Although some of the junior international goalies do make good use of it to challenge the shooter through visual perception and taking away more of the goal visually by looking big and being closer to the ball as it comes at them. The "Y stance" seems more commonplace and put to use at lower levels, although the high, raised hand position at shoulder height for moving into high shots or drag flicks at penalty corners from a standing position, instead of having to lift them up in a shortened time frame. There is also a bit of inventiveness, with drop kicking used and more active glove use and a challenging style for loose balls (an innovativeness that is brought into equipment customisation as well).
Standard of hockey
The standard of hockey is very high throughout. You don't have to be incredibly talented to be working hard and have that competitive desire to take your hockey seriously. Leagues seem to be structured around townships and regional systems due to the ridiculously long distances to travel for a national league system, hence why the AHL is at a centralised location. You can see the action in one of these regional systems below, with Hamish Coates for the University of West Australia (he has played for Wimbledon and HWHC in the English national leagues as blogged about previously) in action in black and yellow Obo pads. The university sides are also very strong, like in Holland, with youngsters continuining on their high level of play whilst studying. Some of the Olympians are also supported in this way, with a sort of scholarship set-up to make sure they benefit in the long term for education and then career whilst taking time out of work for the serious commitments of playing at that level.
You should be able to find more footage of the league games for similar via banner links.
Thoughts
On review, there is a lot to offer Australian goalkeepers or overseas goalies that want to come over to experience a different culture and different style of play. The goalkeepers are of a high standard, especially at the elite level, and Australia has great depth throughout, which is something that should make other countries considerably jealous. Goalkeepers seem to play their own game in a way that suits them, aware of what kit they need and are serious about their hockey. And it will be fun to anaylse the AHL games over the next coming weeks to discuss this in more detail!
Sunday, 18 August 2013
Gryphon's new helmet on the way
In goalie equipment news, it looks like Gryphon are set to sell their own helmet design, having sold a more open cage design for greater peripheral vision but with a smaller chin (as opposed to the ice hockey mask versions that Obo etc. sell) that Grays and TK also produce. The design itself has a flatter top, but still curved to reduce impact, unlike (and as an alternative to) the ridged designs that are available. The cage also seems to be open with a larger cat eye, like the new Obo design that they are prototyping at the moment in the effort of boundary pushing regards size of cage in relation to the chance of a hockey ball getting through.
You can see it in use here:
And more detailed photos on the FHF forum:
You can see it in use here:
And more detailed photos on the FHF forum:
Millington to Monarch
It looks like Monarch have signed up another national premier league goalkeeper with Tom Millington of Wimbledon joining their foam wearing ranks. The goalie has been spotted displaying his new kit on the interwebs, which having provided evidence, will appear slightly stalkerish I guess (but a journ's role is a little I guess, and social media seems to make that a lot easier)?! Anyhoo, it will be interesting to see how D30 makes an impact on the game, in terms of whether or not it can be a game changer, and what it offers goalkeepers technically at the highet level of domestic level in the country.
Wednesday, 17 July 2013
Blaak using arm pads with a twist
Literally! Title suggests it all really. Bit of a boring insight, unless you're a kit obsessive/nerd (like moi!) but seems like an interesting twist (not sure you can get a pun out of that or not?!). I think the theory must be that it allows greater flexiblity around the elbow joint, versus the usual way of wearing them facing out and forward with the padding in the middle which could see bunching and possible loss of movement when worn that way, but instead, is turned outward, whilst keeping protection a the outer side of the elbow for anything in close when sliding out to block etc. The shaping of the arms also sees more movement for glove use, so that the ends don't infringe or restrict the hands when making those important glove saves.
I think the arms are worn in conjuction with the TK chest pad that Cortes also uses (the big - now- old blue one). The jersey he wears looks pretty tight fit and would keep the arm pads in place well.
I think the arms are worn in conjuction with the TK chest pad that Cortes also uses (the big - now- old blue one). The jersey he wears looks pretty tight fit and would keep the arm pads in place well.
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