Commonwealth goalkeepers: Men's

With the Commonwealth up and running and a good chance for goalkeepers to test their mettle against some of the best teams in the world (Australia being the main one!!). So with all things goalkeeping related, here's a quick rundown of the first choice goalkeepers for each of the men's teams:

- Andrey Rocke (Trinidad & Tobago)

Andrey Rocke has been the main choice for T&T for quite some time now and whilst competition for his spot on the team may not be so hotly contested (or as close a battle as others), there is no doubt he is capable of playing at this level. A goalkeeper that can keep his team in the game; he is a battler who can make the textbook and the triple save, he is sure to prove his worth, even if his team are unable to make it out of the group stages.

- David Kettle (Wales)
Wales have juggled around their goalkeepers in recent years, but David is definitely leader of the pack right now, and rightly so. His performances at Surbiton are the reason they have gotten into Europe with the EHL and climbed the table in the NOW Pensions league in spite of them struggling in his first season; the key reason for righting the ship and shoring up their defensive line. I'd go so far as calling him the hockey equivalent of NI's Pat Jennings, in the sense that with David at the helm, Wales could really go the decent (not to say that Wales aren't up there or anything in world rankings or ability!). Even if Wales struggle offensively, I'm sure David will pull off some cracking stops that will help his ambitions regards GB selection!

- George Pinner (England)
Given his chance to shine after waiting in the wings behind McGregor and , this tournament will be a good chance for him to get some more caps and experience under his belt in the build up to bigger tournaments (i.e. Rio Olympics). After doing so well in the upset against Belgium and starting to earn his colours, the expectation is for him to lead England to a final match-up against Australia. As I have written about his move to Holcombe previously (so not going to repeat myself!), but still feel this will have a huge (and not under stated) impact on his international play as he drops down a level, as compared to Cachia, so we'll see how this goes for him...

- Jamie Cachia (Scotland)
With Allan stepping out of Scottish selection and away from international commitments, Jamie is given his first chance to shine at a serious competitive tournament (with the cameras and home arena adding to the pressure no doubt!). Taking Pinner's place at Beeston, he really is in a great position to impress at the highest levels of hockey; playing in the upcoming EHL tournament for the coming season, where he will get the chance to test himself against . Making some ridiculous saves in his time with Sheffield (standing on his head at is were quite a few times) as he tried to help them avoid relegation, I'm sure he will do well going forward.

- David Carter (Canada)
Canada's choice is an interesting one, since Kindler is seen as the heir apparent for Canada's Olympic ambitions. Whilst this is the case, as his move to play in England with Canterbury for the season goes to show, David Carter has been a stalwart performer for Canada in helping these ambitions come about. Experienced, with a wise head on his shoulders (oh so important to being a quality elite goalie!), he also has great reflexes. Splitting starts with Antoni, he actually started in place of him in the Calcup final, showing how much that experience counts for those crunch games. Interestingly, he isn't the tallest of goalies (especially compared to the giant frame of Rocke), which on a technical point proves height isn't everything and his athleticism and read skills more than make up for this (sure Tommy Alexander will back me up on this, if he ever reads this!!).

- Sreejesh (India)
Coming off a tournament at the World Cup that saw him prove his worth for an Indian side that have struggled with quality goalkeeping for a while now, he seems to have fixed their problem and give them something to base off a resurgent push on the international scene. Making some great saves that made it into the highlight reels, Sreejesh has really worked on refining his technical basis with well known coach Martin Drijver. And this hard work has really paid off, and building off the confidence of recent outstanding performances, I expect him to have a great tournament.

- Rassie Pieterse (South Africa)
Although Rassie didn't have such a great World Cup, with him being caught out a few times with awkward shots between the legs (a bane of tall 'keepers) and out of position a few times, that is not the Rassie we have come to know. And I'm sure this will be a great chance for him to bounce back, rejuvenate and show why he is such a strong 'keeper, as his displays in London showed. Another goalkeeper that fights for his team, he is sure to 'put it on the line' to get the job done!

- Andrew Charter (Australia)
Australia have been switching goalkeepers for quite some time within the Olympic window four year build up, seeing Andrew Charter share games even with a fair few competitors, most recently Tyler Lovell and before that 'Clemo' and Bazeley. With most squads only taking the one goalkeeper with them, it would seem the vote of confidence goes in Andrew's favourite in relation to future selection of first choice. Taking over the reins from Nathan Burger (who was also at the same club side!), he is well on his way to staking his name in Australian hockey history for upcoming tournaments and Olympic campaigns.

- Devon Manchester (New Zealand)
Like Charter, Manchester has been splitting starts with Hamish McGregor, another youngster looking to take over the spot previously filled more than adequately by Kyle Pontifex, but has been the go to guy at the World Cup and now selected to be so again for the CWG. The limited number of players allowed for the squads have helped push this, and Manchester can be happy with having the coaching staff's confidence. Still young and hungry, he will be looking to continue to carve out a name for himself.

- Hafiz (Malaysia)
With Roslan and Kumar having seen better days, Malaysia really need to look for a solid replacement for the future. Given how long Kumar has played for his country 'in between the posts', it will be difficult for a youngster to get the playing time to develop in aid of taking his crown; a bit like being stuck on the bench behind Buffon. And this is a great chance for the 22 year old to put his name in the hat for the future, getting some quality game time to help his decision making and awareness to play at this level.

http://www2.nst.com.my/business/latest/hockey-hafizuddin-one-for-the-future-1.515043

Monarch continuing to alter Pinner's RHP

With Monarch upping their production and manufacturing processes, it is no surprise that they have been working on improving and upgrading George Pinner's equipment for international play for a bespoke set-up, with a chance to filter down into their other kit users' goalkeeping equipment options.

With Pinner in action recently in the World Cup, it was a great chance for Monarch to show off their new D3O range at the highest of levels. And Pinner's RHP has seen a few changes from its previous version. And it looks as if extra D30 additions to the underside of the glove. This reinforcement will help add extra protection to the bottom of the RHP, adding support and rebound properties to the underside of the glove, showing a difference to the other gloves on offer from various kit companies right now.

http://adykerry.photoshelter.com/gallery-image/140615-England-Argentina-Bronze/G00003zgaIzhbVFY/I0000ODhbDnDgbPE/C0000qxh4OL1mRtA

Pinner unlucky in loss

Pinner did well enough in spite of England's loss and failure to place in the medal standings at the World Cup, in their final game against Argentina. Vivaldi was solid to achieve a clean sheet again, making the saves out of strong basics and awareness at the corners. Pinner was level headed, making sure he was only beaten twice, compared to Oz's goalfest, but I feel he could have done better at the second goal with a tactical approach in sliding in to tackle, given that he was already committed. And as a baseline run with no defender dealing with it, it was his responsibility arguably.

• Good strong left hand to the first PC to make the save, rebound pushed out well clear
• Did well to get the angle set and close down the shooter to push wide on the shot before that
• On the first goal, he did well to close down the attacker but ended up stranded; either needed to dive out, or alert his defender to intercept (pre-planning needed as seemed immediate and difficult to respond to)
• On the second, he could have been better to slide in; given he had already gone with that decision and committed, he really should have gone in for the block/tackle, as getting back up into the play did nothing to prevent the goal - basically flapped at it with his stick

Pinner strong against Holland

Making it to a surprise win over Belgium to get into the semi-finals in search of repayment for their 9-1 crushing at the London Olympics, England were in good form, as was their goalkeeper. Pinner didn't see loads of shots, but those that were, were quality scoring chances. And he made a fair few highlight reel saves, with the D3O in the Monarch kit being put to good use to ping out the rebound at distance. Like with diving in with the RHP at the follow-up on the PC save.

Watching the highlights, it looked like he made some great athletic stops, but on second viewing, it appeared that Pinner had help from his defenders, in the form of Middleton and Fox who made the block instead (especially important with him beat on the PC, although on the shot high, seemed to be there to cover anyway).

The goal he did allow, you kind of expect him to save given the form he was in during the game, but it seemed like he was caught out by the deceptive redirection, thus missing it with the glove. He also made a strong save closing down to block with his right arm, to keep the score at 1-0 only. It was a good display of mental composure as well, with the need to 'come up trumps' as needed, but the gap between shots meaning he had to be alert and confident.

• Great coverage diving out to cover the second chance on the first PC
• Good save against the second shot going low on the second PC
• Good coverage and aggressive with great timing rushing out to block low on the final scoring chance
• Alert and hard working; 'wanted it' and showed 'battle'
• Stockmann himself made a great stop getting behind Ashley Jackson's shot, standing tall and looking big, with strong angles to get behind the ball

Pinner changing sticks at 'shuffles'

With a lot of goalkeepers mentioning the use of the stick for penalty 'shuffles', akin to that of Gucassoff's stick alterations, it's been interesting to take note of George Pinner changing to a longer goalkeeper specific stick at the 'shuffles'. Competing for England this weekend in some friendly games against Australia, it was obvious to see that he changed sticks for the shootout round. Finally a kit sighting worth mentioning (huzzah!), the stick can have its advantages at 'shuffles', with the extra reach and extra surface area for shot blocking during the 1-on-1's faced in the penalty round.


Pictures courtesy of Ady Kerry's great photography, illustrating the point.

http://adykerry.photoshelter.com/gallery-image/140524-ENG-AUS/G0000Xn9gKQZqEZI/I0000p85L3Noi3Ng/C0000qxh4OL1mRtA

It would appear that Edge are an Australian company, ironically, so not sure what the link is here, or whether Pinner managed to borrow one of the Aussie goalies' sticks!

Bailey makes World Cup squad

With the World Cup just around the corner, James Bailey has made the cut for the England squad. With George Pinner looking to take hold of the mantle after waiting in line for the chance, he will be eager to prove himself in the tournament. Patrick Smith, who has been his reserve (presumably more so when Bailey is unavailable) at other times, has been left out, with Bailey having picked up his first cap, getting the nod. If anything should happen, they have a young, emerging goalkeeper, ready to call on. Though, as mentioned before by myself, I still hold to believing in greater competition. James Fair for instance, has a good track record. Belgium kept a good rotation going between Leroy, Vanasch and Gucasoff with Van Rhysselberghe.

If looking at the bigger picture of GB selection, David Kettle would be in for a good shout. Taking Surbiton back to Europe and having a strong debut campaign in the Euro Hockey League are just an indication of how much further he can go with his playing career. Competition and camaraderie will only push the team forward, not just via individual success of the goalkeeper.

http://englandhockey.co.uk/news.asp?itemid=28811&itemTitle=Bobby+Crutchley+names+World+Cup+squad&section=22

Pinner obviously conscious of injury

As has been reported by the BBC and other notable sources, George Pinner is back from injury and is straight into action for England, with the World Cup just round the corner, after he plays in the Euro Hockey League Easter tournie. Pinner injured his knee and has been pictured using physio style muscle type around his right knee. A lot like the tape you'll see Gareth Bale and Balotelli wearing, the tape is designed to offer support to the muscle area injured/tender to help the athlete rehab it and prevent further problems.

You can see him with it whilst obvious during warm-ups here, courtesy of Ady Kerry:

http://adykerry.photoshelter.com/gallery-image/140410-Eng-v-IRE/G0000T.PZaRIHgbs/I0000JYUTzY5V2Rs/C0000qxh4OL1mRtA

Just goes to show that goalkeepers can make use of tricks used by outfielders too!

Season in review: reflecting on best goalkeeper votes

With the season done, the votes are in for the best XI for each division of the NOW Pension's English national league. And with the focus of this blog purposefully centering on goalkeepers, it's a ! And as for votes, Pinner was voted best for the Premier division. Hibbert for East. Rob Turner for North. And Mason without a doubt the best in the West. You can see the rest of the team sheets here: link

Pinner the best?
With Pinner making some eye catching saves in international games recently (which from a non-goalkeeper and spectator view can seem better than getting it done with a technically sound approach which can seem more dull), I think this is a reflection of his selection. For a goalkeeper to be considered the best around, they've got to "shut it down" and get the job done when it counts the most, to be the 'best gun in town' (cowboy style). With a strong defense in front of him and a high scoring team, getting clean sheets out of a power house is not the same as playing so well you can guarantee your team points when the squad in front of you is technically poor (a la Cesar at QPR). So on the this one, I can't say I honestly agree. Is there another goalkeeper worthy, or is voting made harder by lack of options?

Pinner getting bored in game with little work to do!

The potential truth doesn't really reflect the reality of Pinner getting voted. Not in an overly critical way, just stating... Just watching Pinner play here, you can see some of his weaknesses (that can constructively be worked on). The first PC he goes the wrong way, something you don't want to expect of a goalkeeper considered top of the range quality; expecting the level of focus to see them follow the ball in the correct direction. He does work well with his defenders and communicates well, but fails to make the most of his size. Perhaps learning off a mentor like Mason and the way he makes the most of his height, rather than passively sitting deep all the time, could draw the best out of his abilities.

To be fair, goalkeeping in the Premier division has been a pretty mixed bag. Ironically a goalkeeper who has more work to do has the chance to prove their ability, because they going to have to pull off more saves than the psychological agony of making sure you achieve that one game defining save at perhaps the end of the match! Harry Gibson had been called into action repeatedly over the course of the season, making a difference even if his team couldn't score enough to save them from the brink of relegation.

Jamie Cachia has been solid for a team that has just been promoted, proving he can play at this level, making a series of outstanding saves in some of the final games of the season for example. So, no, I don't really think Pinner is up there just right now. More in the sense that because there has been no clear cut out standout goalkeeper capable of doing everything required to be that. Reading's Bailey can make some flukey saves, and then fall to pieces, not helping his team to keep it tied and confident and so on. Without Kindler Canterbury were in a state of goalie confusion (although they were really before then); Stubbings was able to make spectacular saves or keep the scoreline down, but conceded quite a few. Smith struggled too, Fair coming in to save the day in the second half of the season to avoid the drop.

So all in all, it has been quite the mixed bag this season for the ten best team's goalkeepers in English hockey.

Hibbert a fair choice
For me, Chris Hibbert has been worthy of accepting the best voted goalkeeper in the East conference. Hibsy has helped Southgate for quite some many promotion winning seasons, which have essentially seen the team yo-yo between Prem and conference over the past five or six years! Hibbert may not always make the 'best looking' saves but he has arguably been one of the most consistent goalkeepers in English hockey for a decade, not making too many glaring mistakes or errors that cost his time.

There have been some quality goalkeeping performances but the competition for Hibbert's voting place was a bit weak. Although saying that, a good second choice would have been David Forrester, achieving his own tally of clean sheets, whilst Brighton's Dave proved his ability to play at this level. Phil Carr had a bit of an up and down season again with Oxted, struggling with concentration issues, with others not being obvious stars this season. But for goalkeepers at this level, the level of high performance needs to be consistent across the season, not just one game!

A save like this is definitely highlight and ability worthy, but Allan would be one of the few elite goalies, if he could pull this off more regularly:

Hibbert has been a rock for his team, just like you would want your goalkeeper to be, if you're the team coach (at whatever level!). Supposedly retiring at the end of the season, I can't see how Southgate will cope without him, just as Mason makes Guildford Guildford and Turner is Bowdon's rock. Without them, the team has no chance; the idea of the first player to be selected actually a great goalkeeper to lead them team ahead of them and be that much of a difference maker, "building from the back"!!

Mason the best in the West
Simon Mason being the top voted goalkeeper in the West conference is pretty unanimous choice. Only goalkeepers like those at Isca, Fareham and Havant have had as match work to do as Mase has lately. Mason's level of ability to read the game and command the players in front of him, as well as making match winning saves, has been the difference maker. At the season break for Christmas, it seemed as if the Surrey side were doomed for relegation. But rebuilding a squad around their solid goalkeeper between the posts, with his ability to keep things tied up, such as a surprising win at home against Havant, allowed them not only to avoid second bottom place, but also to ensure they pushed on up the table.

Mason's performances have not just been proof of the need for a quality goalkeeper but also his own levels of athleticism and goalkeeping ability. Let's not forget that Mason stepped aside at Reading to allow Nick Brothers the playing time (Brothers has since retired due to work commitments and Mason is still playing, an interesting point of reflection), convinced to join Guildford by Ian Jennings and continue his hockey career. Mason has repaid the side with this opportunity, and whilst football commentators are scratching heads over goalkeeping choices, the same could be said of England's hockey choices. Although it might sound strange, Mason still has 'it' and could arguably still play to a higher level than the one he is competing in.

The ever present commanding presence of Mason.

Turner solid for Bowdon
Rob Turner is another goalkeeper like Mason or Hibbert. A constant in Bowdon's games and plans, the former England trialee and member of the GB Super Leagues (a sort of equivalent of the Australian Hockey League for development and scouting selections), he has also be consistent and reliable. Without him Bowdon would not be able to push promotion as usual, although unfortunate this time round. I don't have too much knowledge of the North conference, but having seen footage of Brooklands' goalkeeper don't think he would have been in the runnings.

Turner in his own time in the Prem, closing down an attack in close.

So in summary, I agree with three out of four choices. Having seen Mason play so well this season, and knowing how well he has been playing, versus say that of Pinner (who has been up-and-down, probably due to commitments and the difference in standard of international hockey perhaps). Arguably I think he's like the Dino Zoff of hockey; he's still got it and probably do for quite some time so long as his body stays in good shape! Interested in the analysis levels of scouting, he could definitely still play to an incredibly high level; his wisdom from age and experience merging with his talents and communicative abilities. Not knowing enough about the North conference, but knowing how strong Turner is week in week out at the back for them, it's not surprising he was voted top, whilst Hibbert is and has been too.

And on top of this, I think the voting scenario a great idea. It's a nice touch to the season coverage (which could still be built upon, definitely so!). In the NHL, goalies are voted for the Vezina Trophy according to how well they have helped their team, which is arguably the strongest factor in picking how well the goalkeepers have performed over the season. And there are also records for goals against averages and shutouts. A kind of incentive but also a tool for the analyst to work out who has arguably been playing objectively better (but best to factor in best scoring chances!).

Food for thought anyhow!

Mercian releasing indoor pad covers?!

Quite old news/rumour wise now, but Jamie Legg was trialling some indoor pad covers which seemed to be prototypes for a design said to be potentially produced by Mercian in his time playing indoor with Reading. I think they were from last season. Either way, it would be good to see another company producing pad covers. Although not many goalkeepers swear by them, I think they would offer less restricted movement when sliding, an important feature in indoor whether closing down an attacker on through or charging a short corner, and only Verbunt stock them as far as I know, with Brabo producing them. A lot of goalkeepers make their own makeshift covers out of pillow covers for the short indoor season, but it would be good for a British company to produce them as well as help push more coverage of the indoor leagues in the country, helping with development a lot like the German system.

Monarch also seemed to have produced some for George Pinner last season, as he made the switch to their sponsorship (helping cover up his mainly-still-Mercian-gear at the time!).

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=456252631091191&set=a.447193308663790.91209.143037619079362&type=1&theater

Stubbings in mask and Pinner using his new Monarch rhp design

Though not particularly earth shattering, keeping up with "gear sightings" as with other sports and their goalie forums, one of the things to notice kit wise from the recent indoor games was Canterbury's Stubbings, starting in goal for the squad, wearing an ice hockey mask. Normally seen wearing a "helmet/cage" set-up, it is a bit of switch considering he has worn that type of head gear for his entire playing career so far, as much as I know (as long as it's him in goal, if I'm not mistaken!).

George Pinner was also wearing his new Monarch rhp design that he had prototyped and suited to fit his style of play. Pinner has been wearing it recently in outdoor game action for his club Beeston and is obviously more comfortable in it now having made the switch from the new style Mercian rhp. The glove will be on sale soon according to the Monarch website, with the new design hitting shelves soon for retail.

Pinner in new Monarch foam with new rhp design

Readying for further international action next year with the World Cup and so forth, it looks like Pinner has changed pads from the orange/white set he has been wearing in action for Beeston in the national league and Euro Hockey League recently. With a new shiny blue coloured kit seen in action this weekend, is the rhp redesign he has been working on with Monarch. The design of the rhp was spotted already, with George uploading a look-in on Twitter earlier on in the month. But it will be interesting to see how much of a change there is with the design and function of the rhp, and how it plays.

https://twitter.com/GCP01/status/400722314901590016

http://www.flickr.com/photos/plumtreelad/11034367853/in/pool-941053@N23

Beeston's goalkeepers ranks: stacked with talent

Beeston has some of the strongest depth throughout the England, with it being so from top to bottom; or at least first to second choice, reflecting the system of depth of that of a professional football team! In comparison to other teams, they have other goalkeepers to Pinner that can step into the breach if required, which is especially useful for them considering Pinner's international commitments and the four year Olympic cycle and preparations and tournaments. Reading tried this with Nick Brothers and Jamie Legg, but it didn't work (I feel Jamie will make a good national league goalkeeper, especially with his opportunity at Richmond, but doesn't seem to have the innate elite talents to play in the premier league).

Beeston used to have Tom Skinner about (who is now at Bath and doing well there, after Bailey's departure, helping them compete for the top spots) for cover, but again, Beeston weren't getting the three points all the time as Pinner was away at training camps for GB for the Bejing Olmypic build up. It would be like Hugo Lloris or Cassilas essentially leaving on international duty and the team struggling to compete without a world class talent behind (or in front of, depends how you see the goalkeeper on the pitch and leading!) them. But with Beeston as strong as they are right now, I'm not sure it will matter too much who ends up playing in between the posts for them!

In at first choice, we have George Pinner, who is obviously now England's number one and the potential GB starter for the Olympics in Rio. He must have been at Beeston for about eight seasons now, playing with them whilst at university and then staying on to keep his spot, from the age of 18. Almost like a Casillas type then. He was at Ipswich before then (who were a national league side at the time, they have since been demoted back into the regional leagues) and came straight into the squad, taking over from Matt Simkins, a Welsh international at the time, who ended up at HWHC (and was beaten out of incumbent status by Scanlon before his retirement). George had been scouted early on at these times (BBC report), with interest building and performances for the England U21's, and has now finally got his hands on the England shirt after waiting patiently for the opportunity, having been at the Olympic Park as the travelling reserve (not that there was too much travel I think/hope!), just in case Fair went down injured and he was need to fill in for him. A possible reason for why Brothers stepped away from elite level hockey, because of his hard work being ignored in relation to his personal commitments to playing at that level and work/holiday time sacrificed etc.

But for me, there is still room for improvement, or at least, a chance for self reflection on his style. If there is a criticism (and a constructive one), it's his over thinking and hesitation that lets him down from being a new Mason or Vogels or Mowlam. I feel he has been over coached to the point where decisions are not off the cuff but too pre-programmed and thus not going to work in an arena where anything could possibly happen due to the skill level and creativity of players at the upper crust of the international sphere. That and playing too deep and disadvantaging himself, where controlled decisions and aggression would suit him better. Getting more and more international experience, as with the new World Cup set-up and his interest in playing in India's professional HIL season in between December and January as Ashley Jackson is, there is more opportunity to do well for club and country as he gets experience worth its weight in gold under his belt.

With his size he could really dominate the space, like Reuss does for Germany, with a challenging depth, attacking style with diagonal dives out in front and cutting that angle, in order to really take away the visual and literal space for a shooter staring him down. This is something that Ben Cowling, another national league goalkeeper struggles with considerably, opting to stay deep for reaction times but then not exploding out to stop the flick etc. Both he and Pinner could effectively play like Mason and Triggs used to back in the day where they made use of the gigantic profiles to get themselves and their limbs behind any shot. I know that George has the attributes, but it's a case of playing big even though he's big already I guess. Rather than sitting deep as he does, I feel he could step up and push himself to use those fast reactions to react without over analysing, simply through sub-conscious trained eye and reaction, and react to what goes on in front of him, a lot like Cortes does when playing confidently.

Beeston also managed to sign deputy Ashley Watson, who has a lot (well, a significant!) of national league game experience from his time at Doncaster in the North conference. And his ability has showed how much they needed him as they ended up relegated through poor performances without him to steal games for them, last season. He did well against Beeston in a cup game where he kept the score tight about two seasons ago in the semi-finals, and from there impressed enough to manufacture a move to the club down the road. Now he has the chance to play in the premier league division when George is away, a dream for many representative and elite level players here in England.

Actually a year older than Pinner, he likes to stand up and react to shots with active hands (as seen here: link), in spite of his incredibly low hand positioning, which is interesting to see, and in his cameo in the Euro Hockey League qualification tournament looks at ease, which is essential for himself to be confident, and his team to be confident in him for them to play well as a unit. He wears an ice hockey body armour chest set-up with the , in a sort of "half-dutch" set-up to protect the shoulder (in case of the rotator cuff getting hit and causing trouble) and biceps/upper arms in case of missing the ball or when charging down shots, as blogged about previously.

You can see him in action, noting his style of diving and split attempts even with his tall frame, in the following the links below (I couldn't get them to embed for some reason) where he is the goalkeeper wearing all Obo, with the orange/blue inner colour co-ordinated leg guards:

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCk2sSItNWk

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7WpeUhWu84

Dan Darby is their third choice and has already been rising up the ranks and has been considered a future star, from the age of 14, which is quite something in itself. Part of England U18s and U16s before that, he was also able to get more experience being around a national league side, before re-signing. At Belper for a season (before last), he , although I'm not sure whether he not or played for them. He has a great opportunity to learn from the goalkeepers above him; training with them and regularly with some of the best shooters in the country which should really help him improve with great speed. It is only matter of time and how much he wants to push himself, as university should offer him the chance to play for a national league side that would definitely be interested in using his services, where can get game time (the only place you get the experience, training just isn't the same!) and learn on the job, having already proven himself. If he can deal with the shot speeds at this age, then he's sure to cope well wherever he goes or whatever opportunity at this level presents him with.

You can see him play via the following link, in all Obo (and yellow jersey!):

SPAIN -ENGLAND U-18 (4 Nations Valencia 2013)

For this season and predictions, I can see George having another strong season, but what like to see him get more clean sheets rather than be let down by those single concessions as happened last season! I think Beeston could win the league back to back, but they will have competition from a resurgent Reading who have made key signings, including the addition of star striker and England international Dan Shingles, as well as others. It would be good to see him push himself to go back to the Euro Hockey League competition and try and surpass the standard he has set himself with previous performances, stepping up to the challenge of going for those medal places. His style works really well in the indoor format and should really be put to good use (I'm sure he can get Beeston atop the Super Sixes as well), although whether England will push to use him in the indoor international scene where he would  unfortunately remains to be scene (with indoor hockey being less of a focus for us in that regard, although Germany, Holland and Australia find it useful for their player's development for good reason).

Monarch seeing use at top level

With George Pinner starting for England after waiting his turn for quite some time behind James Fair and other competition, having impressed early on for Beeston at a young age and at U21 level, his new kit is seeing use at the highest of levels, playing internationally in the World Hockey League at the moment. The range he has been working on with Monarch to make use of the D30 foam possibilities, as well as the new rhp design, has been seeing action against some of the world's best shooters. And should therefore be an indicator of its ability for use by those interested in the new range! Colour wise, Pinner's gloves look to be black, whilst his pads are going for a white and orange looking mix.

You can see the kit in use here:

Monarch's new range promo video

With George Pinner working with sponsors Monarch to produce a new specialised range which makes use of D30 to potentially improve protection and rebound at the same time (would be interesting to know more, but Monarch should be releasing more information in the near future!), the first video interviewing him has been put out by the company. It's not the first time an England international has helped work on a range, with Simon Mason producing his own line with Mercian a while ago but the first time D30 has been introduced to foam, after it was introduced into other sports. It will be interesting to see how Pinner gets on with using the kit, as considering it's being used in the premier league and internationally and in the Euro Hockey League as well, it's facing the highest levels of shots around. Not bad for a testing environment!

You can watch the teaser video below: