Played on Feb 2, 2025
United States Hockey League
Game Played in Liberty First Credit Union Arena
Alan Lendak (G, L, 6’1″, 177, Fargo Force, 07/24/2006)
Game Rating
B+
Alan Lendak is a physically imposing goaltender who uses his size and positioning to excel in the crease. His ability to maintain a wide stance and butterfly allows for effective seal of the ice, although it can be challenging when dealing with secondary movement. Rebound control is a key aspect of his game, as he efficiently contains pucks and moves them out of harm’s way. Lendak also demonstrates good depth awareness, which enables him to gain an advantage over larger opponents. His comfort around his posts, including the use of overlap and reverse, allows him to navigate awkward angles with ease. While not without its limitations, Lendak’s stick handling and ability to deflect passes contribute to his overall effectiveness.
1 Viewing
Comments: The first year Force goaltender uses positioning and precision to center his body on pucks and create a calm presence in the crease. The 18-year-old Slovakian drops into pucks to center his body on chances to make eliminating rebounds easier as well as secondary movement. Using a stance differential until pucks get in tight keeps him mobile but at times he seems to float to his angles. Setting his feet well and making powerful precise movements is where he finds success. With a 6’1′ frame he cuts angles at the top of his crease and gains depth appropriately to make use of a medium build. Tracking pucks well visually as well as centering his frame allows Lendak to control rebounds and direct them to low traffic areas. Creating a nice seal and eliminating holes when in his posts using a reverse, also capable of using an overlap gives him all the tools to make saves easily at awkward angles. Frequent scans of the zone give him the knowledge to make movements precise and identify threats. A solid foundation and performance but not very busy stopping 18 of 20 in the 3-2 win. Grade: B+
Aiden McKenna (G, L, 6’3″, 175, Omaha Lancers, 04/30/2006, Vermont)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: The 2006 Rochester New York native plays a more athletic style using his size to his advantage and getting himself positioned well to make saves. The Vermont commit plays mid depth making use of his size to make movements smaller. Taking a more athletic style to him movement over technical he positions himself well. His movement is precise regaining his backside leg, but he lacks power and precision in larger movements putting him behind plays. Drooping hips hinder his larger movements and draw his hands lower effecting his reactive saves to his hands surrendering a couple in this contest. Able to use awkward parts of his body like his shoulders and elbows is a great advantage with his size. Rebounds tend to sit in front or be kicked to dangerous areas if not fought off. Using a reverse well but visually awkward from certain angles down low and in the corners. Slightly dropping into pucks allows the Lancers goaltender to center his body on pucks of fight pucks off with the use of his extremities. A solid performance stopping all, but three of 33 shot attempts kept the lancers in the game and a chance top win. Grade: B+