The Overlap (OL) is a dead angle post play, that has been around for a while, but does not receive much focus. We are starting to see goalies use this more, especially in the recent IIHF U20 World Junior Championships. Originally the overlap was a save selection that goalies used on a dead angle that pre-dated the Vertical Horizontal and Reverse Vertical Horizontal.
We are seeing some of the younger goalies starting to implement the overlap again as it keeps you on your feet and reduces the risk of getting scored on over the shoulder on a dead angle. The OL is used on a play that transitions from a bad angle to a dead angle, usually off the rush or zone entry. The OL allows the goalie to continue to adjust their angle and squareness with the shooter on the perimeter.
Overlap Examples
This video is from the 2023 U20 WJHC that was played in Halifax and Moncton. I wanted to highlight how goalies were using the OL more now, more specifically with the puck carrier driving down the perimeter with good support from the D. Thomas Milic is the first goalie featured in the video who employed the OL on different rushes with success. The second goalie featured is Jani Lampinen (Finland). When teaching the OL its important that the goalie becomes familiar with the crease and the location of the net, this is know as crease mapping. The OL specifically is when the goalie’s skate and part of their pad overlaps the post, if the goalie is unaware of their positioning they will give up the far side of the net and/or be vulnerable to a pass back door or warp around.
The Overlap is used on a play that transitions from a bad angle to a dead angle, usually off the rush or zone entry . . . SEE MORE OF THE COACHES SITE Join The Coaches Site to access the latest drills, tactics & leadership lessons from hockey's top coaches. Already a member? Login
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Matthew Bourgeois
Matthew has been a coach and a scout for over 20 years at some of the highest levels. Matthew is coaching at Canisius College NCAA D1 this season. Matthew is a certified High Performance 1 coach and Goaltending Level 3 coach with Hockey Canada. Matthew works with the Ontario Hockey Federation, the Ontario Minor Hockey Association as well as the Northern Ontario Minor Hockey Association as a goaltending coach and mentor. Matthew’s passion lies in goalie development and guiding players to become the best version of themselves. Since 2009 Matthew has travelled to Europe, Asia, Australia and the US to work with some of the best hockey programs and is looking forward to sharing what he’s learned with the subscribers of The Coaches Site.
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