At last years NHL draft there were only two goalies that measured under 6'2 that had their names called. College coaches are enamored with "the big guy" and youth hockey coaches are now following their lead. The day of the average size male having a chance to play professional hockey seemed like it had passed until this years world junior hockey tournament.
The world junior's hosts the best young players in the world competing for their countries and is a showcase of recent and future draft picks. Representing the USA was a goalie from Ohio named Alex Nedeljkovic, weighing in at 5'11 and 190 pounds. The most striking thing about Nedeljkovic is that not only does he not fit the NHL size prototype but it is his ability to make saves. The Niagra Ice Dog from the OHL shows incredible patience on his feet and does not rely on progressive blocking techniques. His ability to read a release, project where a shot is going, and read a play is world class.
Alex Nedeljkovic just showed the hockey world that you don't have to be 6'5 to play goal effectively. His play at the world juniors should spark more discussion about the size trend in goaltending and credit goes to USA hockey on picking the best goalie available as opposed to one that fit a mold. By placing "a size restriction" on goalies we are limiting the selection pool and may be missing out on some tremendous athletes. The Carolina Hurricanes selected Nedeljkovi in the second round with the 37th pick in the draft and it looks like they have hit a home run.
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