How does stringing a lacrosse goalie head differ from other positions. What are the key components of a properly strung goalie head. Which materials are best for stringing a goalie head. How can goalies customize their pocket for optimal performance.
Understanding the Unique Requirements of a Lacrosse Goalie Head
Stringing a lacrosse goalie head is a crucial skill that can significantly impact a goalkeeper’s performance on the field. Unlike other positions, goalies require a specific stringing setup to maximize their ability to make saves and clear the ball effectively.
A properly strung goalie head offers several advantages:
- Improved ball control and retention
- Enhanced ability to make quick, accurate outlet passes
- Increased consistency in stopping shots
- Better overall feel and confidence in the stick
Key Differences Between Goalie and Field Player Heads
Goalie heads are designed with unique characteristics that set them apart from field player heads:
- Larger size and wider face shape
- More sidewall holes for customization
- Reinforced scoop for durability
- Deeper pocket allowed by regulations
These features require a specialized approach to stringing, ensuring that goalies can capitalize on the head’s design for optimal performance.
Essential Tools and Materials for Stringing a Goalie Head
Before diving into the stringing process, it’s crucial to gather the necessary tools and materials. Having the right equipment on hand will make the stringing process smoother and more efficient.
Tools You’ll Need
- Scissors
- Lighter
- Pliers
- Screwdriver
- Stringing needle
Materials for Stringing
- Mesh (12-diamond or 20-diamond)
- Sidewall string
- Top string
- Shooting strings
- Bottom string
- Nylon string (for shooters)
When selecting materials, opt for high-quality options that can withstand the rigors of goalie play. Durable mesh and strings will ensure your stringing job lasts longer and performs consistently.
Step-by-Step Guide to Stringing a Lacrosse Goalie Head
Stringing a goalie head requires patience and attention to detail. Follow these steps to create a well-strung goalie stick:
- Attach the mesh to the scoop
- Secure the sidewalls
- Create the channel
- Tie off the bottom string
- Add shooting strings
- Fine-tune the pocket
Attaching the Mesh to the Scoop
Begin by folding the top row of diamonds over the scoop of the head. Use a top string to secure the mesh, ensuring it’s evenly distributed across the entire width of the head. This step is crucial for creating a consistent pocket and channel.
Securing the Sidewalls
Work your way down the head, attaching the mesh to the sidewall holes. The pattern you choose will determine the pocket’s depth and shape. For goalies, a deeper pocket is generally preferred, but be sure to stay within legal limits.
Creating the Channel
The channel is the path the ball takes when traveling from the pocket to the scoop. A well-defined channel helps goalies make more accurate outlet passes. Use strategic knots and tension adjustments to shape the channel effectively.
Customizing the Pocket for Goalie-Specific Performance
Every goalie has unique preferences when it comes to their pocket. Customization is key to achieving the perfect feel and performance.
Pocket Depth Considerations
Goalies are allowed a deeper pocket than field players, but there are still limits to consider. A pocket that’s too deep can hinder quick ball release, while one that’s too shallow may not provide enough control.
To find the right balance:
- Experiment with different sidewall patterns
- Adjust string tension throughout the pocket
- Test the pocket’s performance with various shots and passes
Shooting String Placement
Shooting strings play a crucial role in a goalie’s ability to make accurate outlet passes. Unlike field players, goalies often benefit from multiple shooting strings to enhance ball control and release.
Consider these shooting string configurations:
- Two U-shaped shooters for added hold and control
- One straight shooter at the top for a crisp release
- Nylon shooters for fine-tuning ball flight
Advanced Techniques for Optimal Goalie Head Performance
Once you’ve mastered the basics of stringing a goalie head, there are advanced techniques you can employ to elevate your game further.
Double-Up Method
The double-up method involves using two layers of mesh in certain areas of the pocket. This technique can provide extra hold and consistency, particularly useful for goalies who face high-velocity shots.
Channel Lock Technique
By creating a tighter channel, goalies can improve their ball control and accuracy on outlet passes. The channel lock technique involves strategically tying off certain diamonds to form a more defined path for the ball.
Bagged Mesh Integration
Some goalies prefer to incorporate bagged mesh into their stringing setup. This can offer a unique feel and performance characteristics, particularly in wet conditions.
Maintaining and Adjusting Your Goalie Head String Job
A well-strung goalie head requires regular maintenance to maintain its performance over time. Proper care and adjustments can extend the life of your string job and ensure consistent play.
Regular Maintenance Tips
- Clean your mesh and strings after each use
- Check for wear and tear, especially in high-stress areas
- Re-tighten loose strings as needed
- Rotate shooting strings to distribute wear evenly
When to Restring
Even with proper maintenance, you’ll eventually need to restring your goalie head. Signs that it’s time for a fresh string job include:
- Significant fraying or breakage in the mesh or strings
- Inconsistent ball control or release
- Difficulty maintaining proper pocket depth
- Noticeable changes in the head’s overall performance
Legal Considerations and Regulations for Goalie Head Stringing
While goalies have more flexibility in their stringing options compared to field players, there are still rules and regulations to follow. Familiarizing yourself with these guidelines is essential to ensure your goalie stick remains legal for competition.
NCAA and High School Regulations
The NCAA and most high school leagues follow similar regulations for goalie sticks:
- The pocket must not be deeper than 5 inches when measured from the top of the sidewall
- The ball must be visible above the sidewall when the stick is held horizontally
- Shooting strings must be within 4 inches of the top of the scoop
Youth Lacrosse Considerations
Youth lacrosse organizations may have additional or modified rules for goalie sticks. Always check with your local league for specific guidelines.
Innovations in Goalie Head Stringing Technology
The world of lacrosse equipment is constantly evolving, and goalie head stringing is no exception. Stay informed about the latest innovations to keep your game at the cutting edge.
New Materials and Mesh Types
Manufacturers are developing advanced mesh materials that offer improved performance in various weather conditions. Some innovations include:
- Weather-resistant coatings for consistent play in wet conditions
- Ultra-lightweight mesh for faster stick movement
- Hybrid materials combining the benefits of traditional and synthetic mesh
Smart Stringing Systems
Some companies are exploring “smart” stringing systems that use data and technology to optimize pocket performance. These systems may include:
- Tension-measuring tools for precise string adjustment
- App-guided stringing processes for consistent results
- Performance tracking features to monitor stick efficiency over time
As technology continues to advance, goalies can expect even more options for customizing and optimizing their stick performance through innovative stringing techniques and materials.
Developing Your Personal Goalie Head Stringing Style
As you gain experience in stringing goalie heads, you’ll likely develop preferences and techniques that work best for your playing style. Embracing this personal approach can lead to improved performance and confidence on the field.
Experimenting with Different Techniques
Don’t be afraid to try new stringing methods and pocket configurations. Keep a record of what works well and what doesn’t, allowing you to refine your technique over time.
Seeking Feedback from Coaches and Teammates
Collaborate with your coaches and fellow goalies to gather insights and ideas. Their experience and observations can provide valuable input for improving your stringing skills.
Adapting to Different Game Situations
Consider creating multiple string jobs tailored to specific game conditions or opponents. For example, you might have one setup for wet weather and another for facing teams with powerful shooters.
By developing your personal stringing style, you’ll not only improve your own game but potentially contribute innovative techniques to the broader lacrosse community.
The Impact of Proper Goalie Head Stringing on Overall Performance
Understanding how a well-strung goalie head affects various aspects of play can help motivate goalies to invest time and effort into mastering this skill.
Improved Save Percentage
A properly strung goalie head can significantly impact a goalkeeper’s save percentage. The right pocket depth and channel configuration can help with:
- Better ball retention on high-velocity shots
- Improved ability to react to bounce shots
- More consistent performance across different shot types
Enhanced Clearing Ability
Goalies play a crucial role in transitioning from defense to offense. A well-strung head contributes to more effective clearing by providing:
- Increased accuracy on long outlet passes
- Better control for quick stick passes in tight situations
- Improved confidence in ball handling under pressure
Mental Edge
The confidence that comes from using a properly strung and maintained goalie head can have a significant psychological impact. Goalies who trust their equipment are often better able to focus on reading shots and making saves, rather than worrying about equipment inconsistencies.
By recognizing the far-reaching effects of proper goalie head stringing, players can approach this aspect of their game with the seriousness and dedication it deserves.
Resources for Continued Learning and Improvement
Stringing a lacrosse goalie head is a skill that requires ongoing practice and learning. Fortunately, there are numerous resources available to help goalies refine their technique and stay updated on the latest trends.
Online Tutorials and Video Guides
The internet offers a wealth of information for aspiring stick stringers. Some valuable resources include:
- YouTube channels dedicated to lacrosse stringing techniques
- Stringing forums where enthusiasts share tips and troubleshoot issues
- Manufacturer websites with specific guides for their goalie heads
Stringing Clinics and Workshops
Many lacrosse camps and clinics now offer specialized sessions on stick stringing. These hands-on learning opportunities can be invaluable for:
- Learning from experienced stringers
- Practicing techniques under expert guidance
- Networking with other goalies and sharing ideas
Books and Publications
While online resources are plentiful, don’t overlook the value of traditional books and magazines. Many comprehensive guides offer in-depth explanations and diagrams that can be helpful references.
By utilizing these resources and committing to ongoing learning, goalies can continue to improve their stringing skills throughout their lacrosse careers.
Mastering the art of stringing a lacrosse goalie head is a journey that combines technical skill, creativity, and a deep understanding of the position’s unique demands. By investing time in learning proper techniques, experimenting with different setups, and staying informed about the latest innovations, goalies can significantly enhance their performance on the field. Remember that the perfect string job is a personal matter – what works best for one goalie may not be ideal for another. Embrace the process of finding your optimal setup, and don’t be afraid to make adjustments as you grow and evolve as a player. With dedication and practice, you’ll develop the ability to create a goalie head that not only meets regulations but also becomes an extension of your playing style, helping you reach your full potential between the pipes.
Central Regional’s Lewis Displays Athletic, Academic Prowess
Hannah Lewis advances the ball toward the goal for the Central Regional High School Golden Eagles. (Photo courtesy Mike Franco)
BERKELEY – Put a lacrosse stick in Hannah Lewis’ hands and there’s excellence.
Put a soccer ball at her feet and there’s excellence.
Put a football in her hands and there’s excellence.
Put a textbook in front of her and there’s excellence.
Put a computer in front of her and there’s excellence.
By now, you probably get the idea – the recent Central Regional High School graduate is excellent in all that she does.
Take lacrosse for example.
All the attack did was turn the Golden Eagles’ record book into her biography, setting school records in career points (353), single-season points (123), career goals (320), single-season goals (110), single-season ground balls (98), career ground balls (260), single-season draw controls (108) and career draw controls (289).
As a senior, she added 13 assists, 87 ground balls, 90 draw controls and 39 forced turnovers. Lewis, whose freshman season was lost to the COVID-19 pandemic, played three varsity seasons.
She capped her career with Shore Conference Class A South Player of the Year, first-team All-Ocean County, first-team All-Shore and third-team All-Group IV honors.
Take soccer for another example.
Hannah Lewis (7) was one of the Shore Conference’s top soccer players for the Central Regional Golden Eagles. (Photo courtesy Mike Franco)
She erupted for a Shore Conference high 23 goals and added three assists as a senior. She was named the Class A South Player of the Year, the Ocean County Player of the Year, first-team All-Shore, first-team Class A South, first-team All-Ocean County, third-team All-Group IV and among the top 20 players in the Central Region of New Jersey. And she was honored as the Golden Eagles’ Most Valuable Player.
And for yet another example, she earned All-Shore honors, starring at quarterback, wide receiver and defensive back as a member of her school’s first-year club flag football team.
She tossed three touchdown passes, caught eight touchdown passes and made four interceptions. Lewis excelled in lacrosse and flag football although the sports were played simultaneously during the spring.
Despite keeping a pace that would exhaust an Olympic marathon champion, Lewis starred in the classroom as she was a member of the National Honor Society, the Math Honor Society, the Science Honor Society, the English Honor Society and the History Honor Society as a sophomore, junior and senior.
During her senior year, Lewis was enrolled in Advanced Placement psychology, Advanced Placement literature, Honors calculus, Honors anatomy and Honors physiology, physical education, nutrition and sports performance and history through sports. She was a volunteer at the New Beginnings Church as an eighth-grader and freshman, working with children ages 3-12.
“I managed to do well both in the classroom and on the field by maintaining a healthy balance between my studies and training,” Lewis said.
“I take school very seriously and always put academics first. However, my constant drive to complete assignments without procrastination allowed me to have more time and freedom to train and also focus on athletics. Doing well in the classroom and on the field was definitely tough, but staying focused and constantly working hard helped me see success in both areas.”
Lewis began her day around 4:30 a.m.
“I managed my time by waking up early so that I could get in the gym each day before school,” she said. “I was always super busy after school with practices, games and homework. I got my lifts and runs in during early mornings. I developed a lot of strength in the gym. I am mentally tough when it comes to sports.
“My drive to reach my fullest potential has been a huge motivator for me to do well in sports and academics. I yearn to excel and succeed in everything I do and work extremely hard in order to fulfill that.”
Lewis lives by the slogan, “Prove all wrong.
” One of her coaches, Lauren Koenig, provided her with the words, which adorn a bracelet she wears. Koenig presented Lewis with the bracelet as a graduation gift.
Hannah Lewis competes in flag football at the club level for Central Regional. (Photo courtesy Mike Franco)
“It has played a big role in all of my success,” Lewis said. “I wish I had the bracelet with me for my whole career. It’s a good reminder to have – to never let others bring me down. She never let me doubt myself. She always gave me confidence. She always had my back.”
Central lacrosse coach Cayla Linfante is impressed with Lewis’ mental makeup.
“Hannah is so successful because she is determined and works hard toward achieving her goals,” Linfante said. “She sees either a challenge or an obstacle and rises to the challenge. She continues to perfect her craft and works hard during the offseason.”
“I am never scared to take on a challenge,” Lewis said. “I don’t let obstacles hold me back. No matter the deficit, I always have a positive attitude and a positive mindset.
”
Lewis brings several athletic gifts to lacrosse.
“Her natural athletic ability is a huge advantage,” Linfante said. “She brings skill, speed, quick footwork and vision for the next play and goal.”
“My strength is the way I read the field,” Lewis said. “I am always thinking. I try to be creative. I work hard at ripping the ball from the outside to the eight-meter line. I usually put it in the net. I also work hard on dodging. Lacrosse is my favorite sport. I love the game and the people around me. It’s a good environment.”
The 5-foot-11 Lewis puts her height to good use.
“Her length creates opportunities and puts her in a good position to attack on the field from either the draw or on defense,” Linfante said. “Her long extension forced many turnovers and draw controls throughout her career.”
A 150-pounder, Lewis attracted plenty of company from defenders.
“She faced many double teams,” Linfante said. “She was also face guarded.
Hannah took it as a challenge and kept fighting for the ball and a shot on goal.”
While serving as an opposing coach. Linfante saw Lewis play for the first time during her sophomore season.
“I noticed how greatly skilled, athletic and knowledgeable she was of lacrosse,” Linfante said. “Since I have known Hannah, she has grown into a blossoming young woman and athlete. Her desire to always want to be better and improve her game and herself is the growth you want to see in a high school athlete. She took charge during her senior year and paved the way for her teammates.”
Lewis displayed strong leadership.
Recent Central Regional High School graduate Hannah Lewis signs her National Letter of Intent to play women’s lacrosse at James Madison University. Observing from left to right are her dad, Allan Lewis; brother, Addison Lewis; and mother, Jennifer Lewis. (Photo courtesy Central Regional School District)
“She is competitive by nature,” Linfante said. “She is a natural leader and athlete who is always looking to improve her game and herself.
Her competitive spirit does not interfere with the compassionate and supportive nature she brings to the people around her. She always looks to go above and beyond to be nice to her teammates and peers and be a role model. She is always looking to give pointers to her younger, learning teammates. She helps direct and put her teammates in good positions to be successful.”
Lewis will be missed.
“The legacy she leaves is her love of the sport, her desire to be great and the support of her teammates,” Linfante said. “Her leadership, compassion and drive will be greatly missed on and off the field.”
“I am glad I was able to bring a good name to Central lacrosse,” Lewis said. “I am glad I was able to inspire other girls to try playing it. There is no feeder program here. I am sure there are a ton of girls who will love it if they try playing it.”
The Golden Eagles won a program record 16 games and lost four during Lewis’ senior season. Lewis, senior middie Riley Coltenback and senior goalie Evelyn Rauscher captained the team, second in Class A South at 6-1 in 2022.
“It’s the record that I am most proud of,” Lewis said. “It shows that our work paid off. We all played for each other. We all worked for the same goal – to put Central on the map. There was a ton of chaos. A lot of us were not big lacrosse players but we all contributed in our own ways. At times, it was a little bit messy, but it all worked out.”
“Hannah’s drive to win really pushed her teammates to want the same outcome as well,” Linfante said.
Lewis said she enjoyed playing for Linfante.
“I loved playing for her,” Lewis said. “She is a very intense and very driven coach. She had our best interests in mind. We butted heads quite a bit, but she taught me how to persevere and stay determined. She constantly wanted us working hard. If we did not play our ‘A’ game, she told us to wake up. If not for her telling us to work hard, I don’t feel we would have had the success that we had.”
Recruited as an attack, Lewis will continue her career at James Madison University, winner of the NCAA Division I Tournament in 2018.
She chose the Dukes over Rutgers University, the University of Connecticut, Boston University, Stanford University and Hofstra University.
“Prior to the recruiting process, I had no idea what JMU was,” said Lewis, who will study kinesiology. “The recruiting process began during my junior year and I noticed that the coach (Shelley Klaes, who guided the Dukes to the national title), had a ton of energy. I spoke to the coaching staff and the team and visited the campus (in Harrisonburg,Va.) and fell in love with it.
“Signing my National Letter of Intent was crazy. It was such a feeling of accomplishment as I knew that all of my hard work paid off. Everything fell into place after years of hard work. It was a really great feeling.”
The collegiate game features a 90-second shot clock.
“I have to get used to the college level and speed of play,” Lewis said. “The college game is way faster than the high school game because of the shot clock. In high school, there is no shot clock.
You can hold the ball for five minutes if you want to before shooting it at the goal.”
Lewis was one of 10 JMU signees. She’s the lone signee from New Jersey.
“A crafty lefty that wants to score, Hannah uses her length to make big plays,” Klaes said on the Dukes’ website. “She is passionate about the sport and wants to compete at the highest level.”
Lewis exploded for four hat tricks and seven multi-goal matches during her senior season on the soccer field last fall.
“The key to my success during my senior year was the positive, family-like atmosphere that my coaches (head coach Marykate Sullivan and assistant coach Carly Setaro) created,” Lewis said. “I received support from my family and teammates and constant encouragement and motivation from my coaches. They never let me put my head down. They always supported and pushed me.
Hannah Lewis advances the ball toward the goal for the Central Regional High School Golden Eagles. (Photo courtesy Mike Franco)
“I really have to thank my teammates, family and coaches for helping me reach my fullest potential this past season.
I just genuinely had the most fun high school sports season ever,” she said.
Lewis was chosen the Ocean County Player of the Year by a unanimous vote of the Shore Conference Soccer Coaches Association. She netted three goals as a junior and two goals and two assists as a sophomore.
“It was super crazy leading the Shore Conference in goals because I definitely hadn’t had an established soccer career going into my senior season,” she said. “And this season was so special because I just let myself have fun and in doing so put up some awesome numbers. I helped my team have an incredibly successful season, which was most important to me.
“Everyone on the team was so close with one another. We did psyches before every game and took part in pasta parties before every game. We just all had each other’s backs.”
Sullivan was impressed with Lewis’ play during her senior year.
“She earned this honor as she had an incredible breakout season,” Sullivan said.
“She always demonstrated good sportsmanship and was extremely humble, which made her a perfect candidate for this honor.”
Sullivan said Lewis brought “many” strong points to the field.
“Her overall ability to finish (score) was her strongest,” Sullivan said. “She could strike a ball like no other. The power and accuracy of her shot was something I had never seen before. Even our goalies hated being in the net when she was shooting during practice. She had the ability to slip off defenders, which is extremely difficult to teach. I think lacrosse helped her with that. She was able to slip off defenders to create space for herself and our midfielders were very good at finding her.
“All she needed was a split second to put the ball in the back of the net. She also was a lefty, which made her dangerous as most defenders are taught to force players to the left since the majority are righty. Aside from finishing, she is also very fast and very strong.”
Lewis used her length to best many a defender.
“Her athleticism shined on the soccer field,” Sullivan said. “Her height always gave her an advantage against her defenders. Using her speed, she created many dangerous scoring opportunities and capitalized on the majority of them. She could finish with either foot.”
Lewis, a forward, senior forward Christina Jimenez, junior defender Lindsay Smith and senior goalkeeper Allyson Smith captained the Golden Eagles to their first winning season since 2015.
“Hannah helped put Central soccer back on the map,” Sullivan said. “She also inspired all of the underclassmen and taught them the true meaning of hard work. She began the season as not one of our starting 11 players – crazy, I know. She put in the work every single day at practice until she proved us coaches wrong. When we needed someone to go twice in a drill, it was Hannah who always stepped up. She earned her spot, her confidence soared and she never looked back.
“Hannah will be missed in so many ways. We will miss her leadership both on and off the field.
We will miss her work ethic in practice and making everyone around her better. We will miss her outgoing personality and all the laughs at practices. And of course will we miss her scoring goals out on the field. Our forwards have some very big shoes to fill next season. She was more excited for the successes of her teammates and team more than her own. Hannah is extremely coachable and always looking for ways to improve her game. She is one of the hardest working people I know – both in the classroom and on the soccer field.”
Let’s go back to last August. Lewis had doubts about trying out for the Golden Eagles.
“She told us she wasn’t sure if she wanted to play soccer and was thinking about just being our manager,” Sullivan said. “We are so glad that she changed her mind. She went from wanting to be a manager to becoming the Ocean County Player of the Year. Unbelievable! Us coaches are so proud of her for all that she has accomplished and we can’t wait to see all the big things she’s going to accomplish at JMU.
”
Coming off a knee injury which cost her a large chunk of the preseason, Lewis began her senior year as a second string striker.
“I almost quit the team after our first game of the season,” Lewis said. “Coming off the bench was a huge mental challenge for me as for the past three years I had been a starter, playing most of every game. So the start of the season was definitely a struggle – well, more of a mental battle – for me as I constantly contemplated whether or not I was good enough to represent the program”
Photo courtesy Mike Franco
Turns out that Lewis profited after enduring hard times.
“The challenge aided my growth as a soccer player and athlete,” she said. “It pushed me to work hard and earn a starting berth, which I did and fortunately enough was able to have the best season I could have ever asked for. Not only did this obstacle of earning a starting spot help me improve from my junior year to my senior year … my coaches definitely helped me improve just by being so positive and supportive and creating a positive environment.
”
Central flag football coach Billy Kvalheim said it did not take Lewis long to excel.
“She picked up on things very quickly,” he said. “Lacrosse took priority because it is a varsity sport, but she was a game changer when she was able to get here. She attacked the ball as a defender and was athletic enough to throw and catch the ball. She was very coachable. She was positive with her teammates and a great role model for the younger girls on the team. My wife was her head coach in lacrosse at Central for two years and she always said how coachable and athletic Hannah was. It’s a blessing that I had the opportunity to coach Hannah Lewis.
“Hannah will go down as one of the best athletes to come through Central Regional High School. She loves competing and gives back to the community. She is a positive influence on everybody she is around.”
Ranked in the top three percent of her class, Lewis graduated with a 104.3 grade point average.
Lewis enjoys surfing at Lavallette and Seaside Heights and on Long Beach Island.
“It’s an outlet for me to relax and have fun,” she said. “There’s no pressure when I am surfing and while I feel that I thrive under pressure it’s soothing to have a hobby just for fun!”
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Anaheim’s new hope is a fragile American. He works magic and bets for a hundred bucks on face-offs – Striped Hockey – Blogs
Hockey player from the future.
When the media giant Disney decided to launch an NHL team in California, no one imagined that it would eventually make it to the Stanley Cup, give hockey iconic jerseys and several legendary players.
At the same time, “Anaheim” was not very associated with magic. Yes, you can remember Paul Kariya, but, for example, Selanne – fantastic speed, which served as the basis of greatness. Perry and Getzlaf are a decent set of skills, but the main one is balls of steel and penetrating power.
The owner of the team is no longer Disney, and the face of the new Anaheim after the restructuring will be different – Trevor Zegras elegantly blows up the new NHL season and quickly rushes to the leaders of the team, which for the first time in several years seriously claims the playoffs.
People were talking about Zegras at the age of 10 – it all started with a cheeky tweet
Have you heard about Matvey Michkov? Well, this is a Russian supertalent that has been on the news for 15 years.
Zegras was a little more modest – one tweet that TV presenter (and then student) Kyle Galliver can recall in the style of a grumbling grandfather: “I told you so!”
Remember the name Trevor Zegras. The kid is super talented, could be in the #NHL one day. #hockey #futureNHLstars #thebricktournament
— Kyle Galliver (@KyleGalliver) July 5, 2011
Galliver saw Zegras at the 2011 Brick Invitational Hockey Tournament, one of the most prestigious tournaments for very young hockey players, where for the first time many can feel like stars. Broadcasts of matches, small interviews during breaks – this is a real holiday, which many dream of attending.
As time has shown, Brick Tournament-2011 turned out to be crazy in terms of talent concentration.
In the 2019 NHL Draft, 31 hockey players were selected in the first round – 14 played in that tournament. One of them was Trevor Zegras.
“Back then, it was like an NHL game. For the first time, I thought, “Wow. And I like this hockey game of yours.” It was really cool, and the tournament was different from other children’s competitions,” Zegras recalled in an interview with The Athletic.
He started skating at the age of 3 – his father instilled a love for hockey, who himself was fond of this sport.
At 16, he entered the NTDP, America’s national training system, often referred to in hockey as the “barracks.” The bottom line is that the best juniors in their year are combined into one team, and it plays in the USHL, the top junior league in the United States. Rivals there are 1-2 years older – so the golden boys are not expected to have an easy walk. This approach makes the Americans a dominant force at the junior level – every year they come to the YJWCH as the main favorite.
Yes, and with the MFM a similar story: since 2013 they have already taken away three gold medals from the tournament.
“I added stability. When I first came to NTDP, I wasn’t sure about my game when I had the puck or played plays. By the end of the year, I had more confidence as I played against players older than me and realized that I can do it, ”Zegras recalled his first season in the USHL.
Trevor became king at the youth level: knocked out decent statistics in the junior league, moved to the NCAA, where he averaged a point per game. He has a rather unique statistical achievement: for 14 YJWCH 2019 matchesand MFM-2020 Zegras scored 0 goals but made 14 assists – amazing skills as a playmaker. And a year later, he surprised everyone even more powerfully – he collected 7 + 11 at the youth world championship, showed that he could throw, became the champion with the US team and MVP of the tournament.
All these were just steps on the way to Trevor’s main goal, about which Kyle Galliver wrote about in 2011 – NHL.
Zegras is a rising superstar. He has a radar in his head, amazing technique, and his tricks are effective even at the top level
Do you remember this goal? Well, yes, the goal of the year, which was built by Zegras and Milano – after which the players of American colleges and schools began to massively repeat the super pass. Really fantastic!
It’s sort of the hockey of the future – Crosby and Ovechkin put on a galactic show, but new wave stars like McDavid, Svechnikov and Zegras make us look at hockey from a different angle.
For them, hockey is not a line or a rail along which you can fuss back and forth. They think of hockey more like a Rubik’s Cube – they twist the game in different directions and try different options to win.
Before Svechnikov, no one in the league had scored lacrosse.
Pavel Bure was a rocket, on McDavid brought speed to a new level and added even more impressive decision-making speed.
Pavel Datsyuk made tricky side passes from behind the net, but his teammates didn’t score – the Wizard failed to prove to the world that his technique could be effective.
Zegras and Milano’s hit made it clear that the area behind the goal is suitable not only for Wayne Gretzky – Trevor now tries to repeat the trick in almost every match. And it’s not the attempts that are amazing – it’s amazing that these feints work at the NHL level, and Zegras continues to climb into the stroke, give bright highlights and consistently score points.
At the same time, miracle hands are not Trevor’s main advantage. He has an amazing head, which creates tasks for the hands and feet of an American – together they create solutions that even LeBron James would envy.
For example, here is his pass to Milano from the match against Vancouver – he surprised twice here.
The first was when he deftly took a cross from defender Fowler.
The second – when he noticed a partner with a slight turn of his head, and rolled out a pass so that the defenders were out of work.
Where does this passion for various tricks come from? It’s all about another American – as a child, Zegras was a fan of Patrick Kane from Chicago, who also taught everyone to tricky throws, spin-o-frames and fantastic passes.
“I liked watching him play. I watched his matches, and then repeated the tricks at home or on the path in front of the house, ”said Zegras.
Zegras was also lucky to have a coach. Dallas Akins had a reputation for getting along with young players, but he fell through at Edmonton and only recently returned to the job. He came to Anaheim at just the right moment—a team in rebuild mode, the end of the Ryan Getzlaf era, and a lot of young guys with potential. Ekins successfully reveals it – for the first time in three years, the team can get into the playoffs.
“Young guys think very outside the box. I don’t grumble when they make unusual decisions. Throw the puck in the back of a defender and score a goal with a rebound? Great.
Hockey is not just a sport, it is also entertainment. People work hard and spend their money to come to our matches. There must be entertainment in our game. I’m calm as long as they are responsible for the defense, and not trying to get beautiful statistics, ”explains Ekins.
Zegras has a lot of room to grow – he’s not the most sizable, but a few kilos of muscle won’t be too much, especially if he wants to play in the later stages of the playoffs, where he has to overcome unpleasant physical contact. There is room to grow on face-offs too – while on the point he wins a little more than 40%, but this is just another reason to spend more time in training with Getzlaf, who gave out a decent percentage throughout his career.
He may be the best rookie of the season, and is also betting money with other centers
Zegras hasn’t had a full season in the NHL, but he’s already got himself into a funny story. Against St. Louis, Zegras offered veteran Ryan O’Reilly a $100 bet: whoever takes the faceoff gets the money. According to Zegras, in response, the Canadian, who took the Stanley Cup in 2019, growled something angrily and Zegras was able to win a point. And after the match, he met Ryan again – he gave the newcomer $ 100, which were at stake.
Zegras tried to repeat the trick with Leon Draisaitl, but in response he heard a couple of affectionate words: “I lean over to him and say: “100 bucks for winning this faceoff. And he looks at me and says: “You, ###, newbie, where did you even get 100 bucks?”. And I answer him: I don’t have them, so I really need to win this face-off,” Trevor said in a podcast from Paul Bissonnette.
Joking aside, Zegras could be the best rookie of the season, but Detroit’s Lucas Raymond, who’s also blowing up the regular season pretty well, could get in the way. Right now, the list of top rookie scorers looks like this.
Zegras will need to maintain a consistently high level of play in order to confidently take the Calder – given that players in the NHL are now constantly falling into the covid protocol and dropping out of the game, this will be very difficult to do.
However, Anaheim’s management is unlikely to be worried about the prize for the best newcomer – they are more concerned about the fact that a potential superstar plays on the team who will help complete the restructuring process in an effective way.
