The Lateral Release is becoming more popular amongst NHL and youth goaltenders. It is essentially a long shuffle that allows the goaltender to move on their feet while not opening up and exposing their base. By doing this it gives the goaltender the time and capability to snap down into a butterfly quickly and efficiently while in movement as a shot is being released. A good use of the Lateral Release is typically seen in a situation in which the goaltender perceives an immediate threat of a shot from the player receiving a pass. Now let’s take a look at some NHL Goaltenders and one of our very own TPH students executing a Lateral Release with patience and precision.

Watch as NHL goaltenders Conner Hellebuyck, Carey Price, Marc-Andre Fleury, and Corey Crawford execute the Lateral Release in order to get themselves square and ready to stop the puck quickly and effectively. In the second half of this video you can see one of our TPH Detroit CoE students executing a Lateral Release Drill. First, he walks through and visualizes his movements, then he makes adjustments if needed, and finally executes.

Being a great skater is a powerful asset to being an effective goaltender. As always, if you can move on your feet I’d recommend you do so. Being an effective skater means being able to hold your edges until the shot is taken. “It’s not IF you go down, but WHEN you go down that matters" (Mitch Korn). One of the best quotes that has stuck with me throughout the years from when I met Mitch at age 12 to now. Without a doubt, the best goalies move on their feet with control and power. So, for those of you reading this article keep working hard and challenge yourself every day to be a smarter and more efficient skater.