FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Are there specific Camps or Skills for different ability levels?
A: Yes. Most camps and skill session that we offer at Mass Crease will have different time slots or dates for differing experience levels. We use experience level rather than age due to the fact that some goalies start playing the sport or the position at different ages.

Q: Will my goalie be grouped with goalies of the same age?
A: Not necessarily. At Mass Crease we do not break up the goalies due to age, we actually look at ability level. If we feel that there is a 10-year-old goalie ready to compete with 13-year-old goalies, that goalie will get pushed up to the older grouping. This ensures that ALL goalies will be pushed to their utmost ability.

Q: What age is best to start playing goalie?
A: This is a hard answer. Every child is different. The one thing that I can say for sure is that the ability to skate, and skate very well is almost a necessity these days. I would love to see my young goalies still play positionally so that they can continue to improve their knowledge of the game, as well as, continue to develop their skating ability.

Q: Why do you constantly mention skating? Don't goalies stand still in the net?
A: This is the biggest misunderstanding within the position. Skating is the #1 thing that ALL goalies (including myself) need to work on to improve. Better skaters have a much easier time picking up and excelling within the position. Goaltending is a unique position where balance, edge work, strength, and endurance are huge factors. We are different from skaters in the way we use our skating ability, but we need the ability to skate every bit as much as a positional player.

Q: What can my goalie do away from the rink to continue to improve?
A: Many of the drills we work on within our camps and skills can also be tailored to be done at home or away from the rink. During the sessions frequently myself (Brian) and our coaching staff will point out places and times where this can be done at home. The list is very long, but if you ever have questions please let me know.