Played on Feb 7, 2025
United States Hockey League
Game Played in Scheels 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 Nitra Slovakia native adds depth appropriately, sets his feet on threats, and moves with precision to complete his game. Playing a higher depth at the top of the crease and adding being heels on top during line rushes makes his six-foot frame larger. Setting his feet on threats makes the game easier for him as he is centered on pucks. His movement is precise but hindered with widening knees and loss of power caused by this widening. Struggling in this contest with a few pucks from longer range seeming to not track pucks effectively. Maintaining his feet as much as possible enables his precision of movement but can be aided by more frequent scans of the zone to read plays. Comfortable in his posts using a reverse he seals the ice well and eliminates holes. Control of rebounds allowed some second chance opportunities but could be attributed to maybe struggling in this contest with tracking. A little bit of a shaky performance letting some longer-range shots past him but stopping 27 of 30. Grade: B
Waylon Esche (G, L, 6’2″, 200, Sioux Falls Stampede, 03/29/2005)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: The 2005 birth year uses his size effectively, relies on an athletic powerful movement, and reading plays. At 6’2′ the New York native uses powerful movement and maintains his feet as long as possible to stay mobile. A more athletic style he isn’t super technical, but he positions himself to center his body square to make saves. An ability to drop into pucks also provides an elite skill to minimalize secondary movement and center his body in a butterfly. His tracking ability from scanning the ice and tracking ability makes him a solid first save goaltender. Using a relaxed stance and stance differential allows him to track pucks through and above screens but prevents his feet from fully setting at times. Pucks tended to kick off him enabling second chance opportunities, more control and smothering of pucks could aid his defense and help control play in the defensive zone. Overall, some good qualities and solid movement and tracking ability. Stopping 28 0f 30 in the 3-2 win over Fargo. Grade: B+
