As a goalie coach, Ilpo Kauhanen (46) was part of the latest training course for a national team perspective team. The former DEL goalkeeper took care of that in Füssen Goalies Daniel Fießinger (Munich), Arno Tiefensee (Mannheim) and Jonas Gähr (Frankfurt). A goalie camp for the women's national team is now running at the federal base until October 4th. At deb-online.de, Kauhanen talks about the modern goalkeeping game, what has changed in recent years and the benefits of such a specific measure.
Ilpo, what do you think characterizes a modern goalie?
Ilpo Kauhanen: The butterfly style is the most common, many Goalies play this style. In the butterfly, the pads are very wide and the upper body is always straight in order to create a lot of space and thus block shots. The time for goalkeepers to stay standing as long as possible is over.
What's it like instead?
Kauhanen: I've seen very different styles in my time. Every goalie develops his own way of playing, but the foundation for most is the butterfly. In Finland it is common that Goalies Stand when the disc goes into the corners or during long passes in order to be able to be active. But if the targets go in front of the goal, the goalie quickly falls to his knees. There are now so many different characters in the NHL and everyone has something of their own, something that sets them apart from everyone else. But that's how it has to be.
How has the physical fitness of goalkeepers changed in recent years?
Kauhanen: First and foremost, as a goalkeeper you have to be mentally strong, and if you are physically fit, then you are mentally fit too. In the game you are completely challenged for two hours and have to be highly concentrated the entire time. The mental area is therefore even more important for a goalie than for the players.
And also?
Kauhanen: Except that the Goalies are fitter than before, the equipment has also changed and there are many larger ones Goalies as previously. The equipment is now much lighter and, with its modern shape, better suited to blocking shots. Given the size of the goalkeeper, if a player goes into the third and shoots, he can be influenced by that. But of course a smaller goalkeeper can also play very well, no question.
What characterizes the work of a goalie coach from your point of view and what are the focal points that are important to you?
Kauhanen: It's a little easier for a goalie coach than for the head coach because you only have the two or three goalkeepers and you're in contact with them every day. People sometimes talk about other things than just ice hockey. A good relationship and a certain level of trust are important, in my opinion that's the be-all and end-all. And of course the player has to have the right attitude and has to want to learn every day. For me, there are certain focal points that I want to see, that I attach importance to. But as a coach you still have to be able to adapt to the goalie and try what suits him best, what works well, what doesn't and then find the right way.
What can a goalie camp like the one with the women's national team achieve?
Kauhanen: Every camp is good. Just being on the ice and getting the coaching always helps. Even if you've been with a goalie coach at the club for three or four years, it's good to get new input. You can learn a lot from every trainer because there isn't just one way. As a goalie, you have to look for and find the path that suits you. But if you are open-minded and approach things with an open mind, then you can always develop further.
Photos: DEB