From the Editor: For the Love of Goalie
Posted on 07. Aug, 2011 by Clayton Hansler in From the Editor
How often have you been stuck in a crowded elevator? The average elevator car can hold 16 people at one time. This means in less than two elevator rides – or perhaps a race between cars in separate shafts – all of the league’s starting goaltenders could be transported. Talk about being elite.
In an evening where the NHL’s schedule has a full docket with 15 contests between 30 teams, dressed will be approximately 360 forwards, 180 defenceman and 90 coaches – yet only 60 netminders. And this is precisely why these masked men, defenders of the twine castle and blockers of all that is rubber, are well deserving of their own issue. Welcome to HQ’s second annual netminder edition.
When broken down, it is amazing to me that anyone grows up dreaming to be a netminder (I played centre). Goal is the only position on the ice in which it’s keeper is left stranded on a blue island, restricted in movement and ability to play the puck. Aside from perhaps the curve of a forward’s blade, I have seen no other piece of equipment come under as much scrutiny for its size or shape than a netminder’s pads, blocker and catcher. And when a game has been lost, especially by a despairingly large margin, it is to the goalkeeper that the eyes of the fans usually turn to for a explanation. It is without question the league’s toughest job.
In preparation for this issue I glanced over our 2010 edition on the same topic. Nashville’s uncanny ability to churn out top netminders was one of the primary stories – interesting when one of this summer’s top free agent steals was Washington’s signing of Tomas Vokoun. A look at the AHL article last summer gave way to insights on goaltending with the Hamilton Bulldogs, a team that went on to rank second during 2010-11 with only 193 goals allowed against and knocked on the door of Calder Cup Finals for the second straight year but falling short in the semis.
As the editing staff dished out assignments for this latest issue, it was with excitement that we realized how HQ would be able to offer a far more rounded picture over last season. Anthony Nicholson, resident CHL aficionado, made it known that it was his wish to present an inside look at young Malcolm Subban, tender for the Belleville Bulls – a desire we easily granted him (and to you). Our newest addition to the writing team, Carly Sartori, brings her insights into the NCAA and USNTDP prospects to staff and readers alike, digging deep to present to you the Kenny Reiter story.
Hockey Quarterly is also happy to welcome Ben Fisher back into the fold. As part of HQ’s initial launch covering the Northwest division, Ben will continue his analysis of five NHL teams though now his focus will be a little more central. In his submission a year ago he pointed to James Reimer as a possible solution to any crease troubles for Toronto – and boy was he right.
We are happy to have you, excited to welcome you back and ecstatic that you have decided to thumb the digital pages of what I believe is our most exciting issue. I may not understand why one may choose to become a goalie, but I am sure thrilled to be able to write about them. I do hope you enjoy.
Clayton Hansler
Hockey Quarterly, Editor in Chief