Goaltenders Don’t Forget About the Brain For way too long a lot of goaltenders (many that were supposed to be the next hotshot/rising star), fail to continue their development and fade into the sunset. Many of the goaltenders that make it as high as the WHL, OHL, CJHL, etc.. are probably going to end their hockey career at the Junior level.  Just because a goaltender is playing at a fairly high level does not mean that they should let their schooling and/or brainpower go to the wayside. Goaltending is said to be the toughest position mentally and physically in all of sports.  A large portion of how a goaltender will play is in their head.  Since so much of the game is mental why would any goalie not work hard at keeping a strong mind?  The brain is very much like a muscle, the more work you give it the stronger it becomes.  No goaltender that considers themselves to be elite would ever let their butterfly wither away by not practicing it religiously, so why would they let their mental game go to pot.  Pun intended. What are some of the benefits of keeping mentally sharp?  Decision making skills become quicker and more adept an obvious plus for all goaltenders.  Visual recognition can be enhanced through reading, mind puzzles, etc.  The more literate a person is the more likely they are to be able to reflect on the things they do.  If there is one player that constantly needs self-evaluation it is the goaltender.  When the goaltender’s game is not going well they should be asking a lot of questions.  If the mind asks the right questions the right answers should be found. Goaltenders can help themselves stay mentally sharp through a number of ways.  Working hard and doing as good as possible in school is one way.  For those out of school, find stuff, other than hockey, that will strengthen your mind.  Steve Yzerman always does crossword puzzles before games to calm his nerves and to stay sharp.  Basically, the brain needs a workout every day. The benefits will be felt in all areas of life, including hockey.  Besides, what is a goaltender to do when their hockey opportunities run dry?     RE-Posted with written consent by Ian Robertson (Co-director/instructor), http://www.mtngoaltending.com