I was working at Singapore Post in early 2002 as a festival card sorter when a girl, who was waiting for her O’ level results, spoke to me about the possible CCAs we might pick up should we enter polytechnic.
She listed floorball as one of the sports she might pick up besides her other shortlisted activities. I gave a thought and asked if it is a fun sport. “Ya! You should try it! It is like hockey!” She claimed. My eyes widened.
After the big exams in late 2001, I had nothing to do and I constantly visit NHL’s website to keep track of Anaheim Ducks. When Red Wings won the Stanley Cup, I was not that interested. What I was interested more were the clips of goaltenders making saves. Not just saves but incredible saves. That is when goalies like Jean-Sebastien Giguere and Patrick Roy always pop in my mind.
Then, once I was admitted to Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP), I made sure I volunteer and work hard to be the goaltender of the team. Last time, my personal computer was broken, so I had to rely on the notice board for weekly training. My goalie equipment were all temporarily loaned as I strived in the crease competing against two other rookies. At first, the chinese rookie dropped out of the club, leaving another malay boy vying for the spot. We both trained hard and suddenly, he too faltered. I was the freshman competing for the starter position against a sophomore and a senior.
My senior, Rizal, took me under his wings and he emphasized most on handling. Time and again he tried to make me a catcher goalie but I ended up deflecting shots. Our captain looked at me and told me not to change my aggressive nature following the footsteps of Peter Schmeichel, Oliver Kahn, Patrick Roy and Martin Brodeur.
I observed the sophomore goalie in action. Fadli is a small but agile goaltender who has great long-range distribution. Something I adopt as part of my arsenal.
They both have quick reflexes and excellent handling. I am altogether a hybrid package whose playing style is anything but floorball. Knowing that I have alot of catching up to be on par with them, I decided to do my homework by studying the four names mentioned above.
Quick advice, know what style suits you best and adjust accordingly to overcome your weakness. Learn the techniques from both male and female goaltenders.
To be continued…
I always want to be the 'Schmeichel of Floorball'
In 2002, Oliver Kahn proved that he can contribute alot by aggresively command his box
He was one of the first goalie whom I observed in the NHL
It takes alot of mental strength to be calm under tensed situation
