Drafting goalies in the modern NHL

Tim Thomas barely made the cut 17 years ago.

The Quebec Nordiques drafted him in the ninth round of the 1994 NHL Entry (217th overall) arguably one of the greatest single rounds for successful NHL netminders after the third, having produced all of Thomas, Johan Hedberg, Evgeni Nabokov, Tomas Vokoun and John Grahame. That's over 2,000 NHL games between them with Thomas the shoo-in for his second Vezina Trophy in three years.

However, if Thomas was 10 years younger, one can argue that he might have been snubbed altogether. For one thing, the NHL draft reduced from 11 rounds in 1994 to 9 rounds in 2004. However, the real essence of what might have doomed him comes down to the one thing people cannot control, no matter how much they work: size.

Height, and specifically, long limbs, has become an essential ingredient that NHL teams look for in their netminders and prospects. Where once the big leagues had their share of small little guys who were cat-quick and top stoppers (Grant Fuhr, Mike Vernon, Andy Moog, Curtis Joseph, Arturs Irbe to name a few), sub 6-foot goalies became an endangered species in the mid-to-late 80s when agile big men like Patrick Roy, Daren Puppa and Sean Burke served as the harbingers for what was to come for the position.

Nowadays, the small goalie is the extreme rarity, with Thomas being one of just two starting NHL netminders listed at 5-11 (Jaroslav Halak- St. Louis).

It comes down mostly to net coverage. The smaller player has shorter arms and legs, meaning that they have to move greater distances to cover the net and move their limbs to spaces in the net that the naturally taller goalies cover more readily in their basic stance.

You see that Thomas aggressively and consistently plays several feet beyond his crease. This is essential to his survival, because the further out he is the more difficult it is for the shooters to pick the corners on him. Playing deep in the net means that Thomas has to move his arms or legs to said corners, and the puck is going to beat you to those spaces more often than not. Another key aspect to his stellar performance at the NHL level is his hockey sense.

Thomas has a rare instinctive feel for the flow and an ability to anticipate where the shot is going to come from. Yes, he's reactive. However, he's also highly proactive in that he will often times begin his lateral push as the puck is leaving the carrier for a pass. Whereas many goalies can get caught cheating, Thomas does not very often because of that preternatural feel for whether the puck carrier is going to dish it to the open man, or keep it himself for the shot. It's subtle, inexplainable body language and signals that Thomas picks up on- he can't explain it, either. We've even asked him to do so, and that question is always met with the same smile and chuckle that Boston media types are so familiar with when interacting with Thomas.

When Thomas is struggling and fighting the puck, he's often deep in his net, where his size becomes a disadvantage. He also has trouble tracking the puck at times and will get turned around, leading to backdoor goals when he's swimming. The great thing about Thomas, however, is his ability to shake off the bad goals and refocus. He plays angry, and it works for him. Angry Timmy doesn't go into extended slumps (unless he's playing on a bad hip) because Angry Timmy has the ability to concentrate and rebound from a shaky outing by getting back to basics and not beating himself.

Even so, and as outstanding he's been for the Bruins, NHL teams view him as a freakshow, an oddity. Few are willing to gamble one of their seven assigned draft picks on a small goalie even with a player like Thomas and the success he's enjoyed.

Hockey has gotten so much faster, violent and with that has come a precision with the shooters inconceivable just 20 years ago. Whereas Roy spawned a generation of top athletes with size who in the 70s would have desired to play up front or on defense to get in the net and stop pucks, the forwards and defenseman have gotten so much better at finding the back of the net. As such, NHL clubs want their goalies to not only take up as much space as possible, but to have the fluidity and agility to deny second, third and even fourth scoring chances. As quick and combative as they may be, small goalies are at a natural disadvantage in a crowded, crashed crease and when play gets scrambly after the first save is made.

The big guy can see around screens better. He can stand up to the inevitable opponent who will blitz him in a high-speed collision when he loses an edge going hard to the net.

The little guy...well, he's simply not as equipped for that.

The numbers do not lie. In 2010, 21 goalies were drafted. Of those just one- Cody Rosen (5-11) to the Islanders in the 7th was under 6-0 in height. Former Salisbury School superstar Andy Iles, a prep champion in 2009 and Jack Campbell's backup at the U.S. NTDP (U18 gold in '10, WJC bronze in '11) was passed over because he's 5-8. Tremendous reflexes and competitiveness, but the size was his undoing.

This time around, you're going to see someone like Colby Drost, a standout EHJL netminder with the New England Jr. Huskies have a better shot of being picked because he's 6-1, 195 even though he played on a poor team and is a '92 than you will Dubuque Matt Morris, who took his team to the USHL Clark Cup championship round, because Morris is 5-10.

It's just the way things work these days. A big kid with rough mechanics is preferable to the little guy with flawless technique. Why? Because you can teach a big kid to be a better goalie, but you cannot teach a small goalie how to be big in the net.

2011 WJC Team USA Analysis: Goaltenders and Defensemen

The U.S. National Junior Team is in good position to defend its title won last year in a hostile environment in Saskatoon (Nobody gets up for the WJC like the Canadians, and they were in full-throated roar for that gold medal game).

Team USA isn't taking any chances with the younger kids, as every member of the 2011 squad already is property of an NHL team, save for backup goalie Andy Iles, who deserves to be there by virtue of his talent, commitment and experience (his lack of size prevents him from being considered a legitimate pro prospect, but you're likely to hear from him at some point).

So, with that in mind. Here's an initial look at the Team USA roster that stacks up on paper with the best and favorites given the balance of skill, size, pro experience and familiarity with the systems that have brought USA Hockey a ton of international success in recent years.

Goaltenders

Jack Campbell, G-- He was Mr. Everything for USA Hockey over the past several years, leading the Americans to consecutive gold medals in the Under-18s and their first Under-20 gold since 2004, breaking Canada's stranglehold of five straight championships. Campbell is big, athletic and simply money when it comes to international play. He's struggled to meet expectations for the Windsor Spitfires of the OHL, but he's still an immensely talented player who will be at home in his element in this tourney. He's got a ton of expectations on him both as a Dallas Stars 1st-rounder last June and as his team's go-to guy in net. As Campbell goes, so go USA's title hopes.

Andy Iles, G-- Campbell's backup on the U.S. Under-18 team last year is an excellent goalie in his own right. He was tremendous in leading the Salisbury School to the 2009 NEPSIHA championship and has some of the quickest pads I've ever seen in any goalie. The size works against him, but he's a battler and smart kid (doing well as a freshman at Cornell). If he sees the puck, he stops it. Unfortunately, because he's only about 5-8, when teams crash the net and take away his sight lines, he becomes vulnerable.

Defense

John Ramage, D-- The only returning defender from last year's champion, Ramage is as solid and savvy as they come. He's not spectacular out there, but the old adage that a defenseman is doing his job best if you don't notice him holds true for Ramage. He was a rock in Saskatoon and will be another key cog for USA this time around. Calgary prospect.

Jon Merrill, D-- He had off-ice troubles that dogged him last year, but the big, skilled Michigander is proving his worth this season with the University of Michigan (last seen potting two goals in the Big Chill win over hated rival Michigan State). New Jersey prospect should make that Devils team sooner rather than later because of the dire straits they're in with a lumbering backline that can't move the puck. This will be a huge audition for him on the world stage, and believe me-- Lou Lamoriello's lieutenant and longtime scouting confidant David Conte will be watching.

Nick Leddy, D-- 2009 Minnesota Mr. Hockey was drafted by his home team the Wild, but traded to Chicago less than a year later. He's already gotten some NHL experience (1 goal in six games) at the tender age of 19, and brings legitimate speed and world class offense from the blue line despite the diminutive package. He may not have as much international play under his belt as others, but make no mistake-- this guy can play.

Derek Forbort, D-- 2010 1st-round pick by the Los Angeles Kings (in Boston's 15th overall draft slot after Dean Lombardi made a deal with Florida to move up) was said to have potentially the biggest upside of any defender in the draft with his size (6-5, 200) and ability. He has nine assists in 15 games with the University of North Dakota Sioux and was a stalwart for the U.S. Under-18 team last year. This is going to be an excellent challenge for him.

Justin Faulk, D-- Carolina got themselves a great value with this player in the second round, and he was a serious draft candidate for the Bruins, having been brought in to Boston for a look. Although he comes in a small package, he plays much bigger than his 5-11 (listed) frame and is having a tremendous freshman year for Minnesota-Duluth, with 15 points in 18 games. He has a big, powerful shot and is going to run one of USA's power plays. Think of him as an American version of Ryan Ellis-- maybe not as skilled/productive offensively, but better defensively. Character guy, too. He's going to see a lot of action.

Brian Dumoulin, D-- Another Hurricanes prospect on D, this Boston College standout has very good size and skating ability. He's a two-way horse like Forbort, though he doesn't have as much international experience. Dumoulin really exploded onto the scene in 2009 as a member of the N.H. Jr. Monarchs (EJHL) after leading his Biddeford, Maine H.S. team to a state championship at a much lower level of competition. Because of his 6-3 frame and wheels, you just knew he was going to be a pretty high pick, even if he hadn't faced elite competition at the time of the draft. Since then, he's proven himself at the NCAA D. 1 level with a national title last spring and is a nice selection for USA.

Patrick Wey, D-- Dumoulin's BC teammate is a fourth-rounder of Washington's in '09 and from Pittsburgh. He projects as the 7th defender-- just a no-frills package of heady, stay-at-home defense. Solid skater, who does his job effectively without fanfare. Don't know how many games he'll get into or how many minutes he'll log, but should anyone go down or struggle, coach Keith Allain has a solid option with Wey.

Will be back with writeups on the forwards later.

Chris Peters has his thoughts and notes up on the roster over at his blog and it's worth reading. I'll try not to lift any of his material when I do my forwards breakdown. Lol.

Team USA announces WJC preliminary roster

Team USA announced the preliminary roster for the 2011 U.S National Junior Team (Under-20) today via live press conference at HSBC Arena in Buffalo, N.Y.

The defending gold medal champs are on home soil this year for what's shaping up to be a battle royale after the Yanks managed to stun the host Canadians in Saskatoon a year ago with John Carlson's overtime strike to clinch the championship for the first time since '04.

Although Carlson is gone (and enjoying an outstanding rookie season with the Washington Capitals), Team USA looks like a contender once again. And, they'll need all the help they can get, because Team Canada is going to come at them hard, with top draft candidate Sean Couturier expected to be a part of the mix. Sweden

Team USA GM Jim Johannson revealed the roster, while coach Keith Allain participated via conference call.

"It's an exciting day for many of the players to be announced as candidates for the team," Johannson said. "We're going to be announcing 29 players today; they come from 13 different states (including four from California)."

The team will gather in Troy, NY on Dec. 16 and play its first exhibition against RPI on the 19th.

The 29 player preliminary roster will be whittled down to 22 players, announced sometime on Dec. 22nd.

"It will be tough to let seven players go, it was tough to get down to 29," Johannson said.

Adam Clendening was live on the call as well. Here is what he said:

"First off, I'd like to thank all the evaluators and coach Allain for giving me the chance to possibly make this team," he said.

"It's going to be exciting playing in what I would like to call my hometown," the Niagara Falls native said. "Having it in Buffalo is really special for me."

So without further ado, here are the names:

G- Jack Campbell, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

G- Andy Iles, Cornell University (ECAC) 2011 draft-eligible ('92- overager)

D- Brian Dumoulin, Boston College (Hockey East)

D- Justin Faulk, Minnesota-Duluth (WCHA)

D- Derek Forbort, University of North Dakota (WCHA)- recovered from mono

D- Nick Leddy, Rockford IceHogs (AHL)

D- Jon Merrill, University of Michigan (CCHA)

D- Jamie Oleksiak, Northeastern University (Hockey East) 2011 draft-eligible

D- John Ramage, University of Wisconsin (WCHA)

D- Philip Samuelsson, Boston College (Hockey East)

D- Patrick Wey, Boston College (Hockey East)

D- Adam Clendening, Boston University (Hockey East)- 2011 draft-eligible

F- Nick Bjugstad, University of Minnesota (WCHA)

F- Ryan Bourque, Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)

F- Connor Brickley, University of Vermont (Hockey East)

F- Chris Brown, University of Michigan (CCHA)

F- Mitchell Callahan, Kelowna Rockets (WHL) Red Wings prospect- not at summer camp-- "came in off radar-- well-rounded player, plays a physical game, not afraid to mix it up."

F- Charlie Coyle, Boston University (Hockey East)

F- Jerry D'Amigo, Toronto Marlies (AHL)

F- Emerson Etem, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)

F- Rocco Grimaldi, U.S. NTDP U-18 (USHL)- 2011 draft-eligible youngest player on the roster

F- Chris Kreider, Boston College (Hockey East)- "dynamic speed that is unparalleled from what I've seen from this tournament in several years."

F- Jeremy Morin, Rockford Ice Hogs (AHL)- "Jet" should move up from third line role he played last year

F- Brock Nelson, University of North Dakota (WCHA)

F- Matt Nieto, Boston University (Hockey East) 2011 draft-eligible

F- Kyle Palmieri, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

F- Brandon Saad, Saginaw Spirit (OHL) 2011 draft eligible

F- Drew Shore, University of Denver (WCHA)

F- Jason Zucker, University of Denver (WCHA)

2011 draft eligibles quick analysis-

Iles is not considered much of a pro prospect because of his diminutive size, but he is a gamer, having led Salisbury School to the 2009 prep title. His presence on the NTDP and the fact that he played pretty well for Team USA as Campbell's backup made his selection pretty much a no-brainer. A '92 birthdate, Iles was passed over in 2010, but a strong season at Cornell could get him a look. However, as was the case with another small, talented goalie in John Muse, Iles may have to go the free agent route to pursue his pro dream.

"He'll never give up on a puck, he'll never give up on a play," Johannson said of Iles, who has very quick feet and athleticism to compensate for his lack of size.

Oleksiak is huge and raw, but the dual-citizen playing for Northeastern is gaining traction in draft circles as a shutdown guy. A veteran of the USHL, he doesn't have much offensive upside, but moves pretty well for such a big kid and could be one of these off-the-board selections who will be rated lower by Central and independent scouting services, but will get picked higher because of his sheer physical potential.

Clendening is a first-round candidate who is hitting his stride at BU and is a two-time gold medal winner at the Under-18s in '09 and '10. He should make this roster because of his sheer puck-moving ability and international experience.

"He's a guy that shows to me such tremendous poise with the puck," Allain said. "He has no panic point. He can be a power play point guy, can see players away from the puck. We want to be a puck possession team and he's a puck possession defenseman."

Grimaldi may be the most purely skilled of any of the forwards. A blazing skater with tremendous hands, he's most often compared to Brian Gionta at the same age in terms of style and substance because he's been so productive despite the lack of size. It will be interesting to see if he makes the final cut, but when you watch the New England Patriots and see a small guy like Danny Woodhead tearing it up, you have to think that there is a place for a small, uber-skilled player like Grimaldi at the WJC. Everybody loves an underdog.

Nieto, like Grimaldi and Clendening, is an NTDP veteran and gold medalist who brings explosive offense to the mix. A close pal of Etem's growing up in SoCal, Nieto's had a bit of an adjustment to the Hockey East this season, but is still a strong contender for second round consideration and maybe as high as late first depending on how much the teams picking 25-30 like him.

Finally, Saad was touted by Johannson as a top-five pick for the draft. He's a pure power package of size and ability. Unless he lays an egg in the camp and exhibition games, I can't imagine that he'll be left off. He can bring that important physical and skill element to offset the smaller forwards this USA team has.