[harri1]

Cuban - I will respond another time this weekend(I spent too much time on this thread last night and need to pull back a little, for now). Thanks for adding to the discussion.

dread - In terms of suggesting a change in the lie of a stick we rarely make suggestions that way since most new sticks with a rockered heel are classified 13/14 depending on stance. What we do see often are young goaltenders who are using a junior sized sticks that are too small. If a young goalie cannot keep there stick on the ice there are usually two factors: a lack of knee flexion and/or the stick is too short. Often when we go to camps I bring 2-3 extra sticks to lend or give to the students who need a taller stick. Although, I am 6'1" I have always played my best with a 25" paddle (which are becoming rare). If a goalie needs a taller stick I usually give them one of mine. I believe through many, many minor hockey camps that stick companies should not even make a stick that is shorter than a 24" paddle.

The other switches we have made was moving a goalie from a 26/27" paddle into a 25" or we have the goalie give the stick more angle. Often, when goalies move into a taller paddle (often inadvertently) there are two common problems, again: either the stick blade is not flat with the toe off the ice, in an attempt to keep the blocker at the same level it is used to being, or the stance becomes too tall where the goalie's legs have lost flexion, thus losing power and explosiveness. We have one student who uses the stick forward/with angle very well with a 27" paddle even though he could use a 25" quite comfortably. He likes the extra reach with the stick forward/with angle. To sum up we make more adjustments with paddle size rather than lie. It all depends on the goaltender in question.

That is all for tonight. Have a good one all!