Goalie Report
United States Hockey League
Game Played in Covelli Centre
Roberto Leonardo Henriquez (G, L, 6’1″, 165, Green Bay Gamblers, 04/29/2007)
Game Rating
B+
Henriquez’s skating ability allows him to move effectively with power, adding depth to his game while maintaining a seal of the ice. His active feet and stance differential enable quick mobility, but occasional staginess in his stance could improve save selection. His comfort around His posts is evident, particularly when dealing with awkward angles where he can use a reverse to build size upwards, creating a compact seal. This skill allows for lateral movement while minimizing gaps in the ice. To further enhance his game, incorporating more shoulder checks and scans could help refine his precision and threat identification. Henriquez’s ability to control rebounds and track pucks into their body is notable, making him effective at stopping shots. While he has shown capability at this level, areas for improvement exist.
1 Viewing
Comments: The 2007 born Slovakian native moves with power, adds depth effectively, and stays reactive making his game well rounded. The young goaltender’s movement is effective and powerful as he makes a good use of a stance differential to stay mobile. His chest dropping forward and hips sinking are the only things that hinder his movement and don’t allow his feet to fully set on threats. Staying composed and true to his game after a tough first half surrendering all three games is a well-developed skill for the newcomer seeming unshakable. With a slightly above average build the Gamblers goaltender gains and loses depth effectively and at the right times to cut down angles and play larger than he is. Making reactive saves and using his shoulders and elbows allows him to fight off pucks and stay reactive while dropping into pucks. His tracking ability is sound but more frequent scans of the zone to identify plays could be beneficial. A solid foundation and start to his game and time in Green Bay but a few areas to clean up surrendering three goals on 35 attempts in this contest helps secure the win. Grade: B+
Melvin Strahl (G, L, 6’3″, 166, Youngstown Phantoms, 03/18/2005, Michigan State)
Game Rating
B+
Melvin Strahl, the Phantoms’ goaltender from Solleftea, Sweden, has developed a well-rounded skill set that allows him to excel in his position. He is known for his powerful and precise movement, which he uses to complete his game with confidence. His ability to play both deep and high on the ice helps him track pucks effectively and stay ahead of plays. With good rebound control and body positioning, Strahl can manage pucks efficiently and maintain a calm presence in the crease.
1 Viewing
Comments: The Michigan State commit has a well-rounded game that allows him to excel at elite skills and make the game look easy. The Columbus draft pick sets his feet on pucks and beats plays on his feet moving with power and precision from a sound and balanced foundation under his shoulders. Tracking pucks effectively allows him to drop into pucks controlled which is an elite skill centering his body on pucks. At 6’3′ the Swedish born goaltender uses his size effectively and stays upright and balanced making use of his entire body to not only make saves but control them effectively as well. Caught reaching and creating holes and problems at times for himself caused a couple of the mishaps in this contest allowing goals through his midsection. Creating a nice seal of the ice when pucks are in tight and staying compact covering the lower half of the ice. Primarily using a reverse in his posts and effectively moving in and out of it fluidly makes awkward angles and plays behind the net easy to handle. Constant shoulder checks more frequently noticed when pucks are down low allowed him to identify threats and maintain his feet as much as possible and ease movement. Not enough to get the win for the Phantoms but still showing strong next level fundamentals. Grade: B+
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images