Michigan Hockey Behind The Net Goal
Hockey is a sport that has been enjoyed by many in the United States for years. Michigan, in particular, is known for its passionate hockey culture. The state is home to the Detroit Red Wings, one of the most successful NHL teams in history. But professional hockey isn't the only thing that Michigan is known for. The state has a rich history of college hockey, with teams like the Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State Spartans consistently ranked among the best in the nation. One of the most exciting moments in college hockey is the behind-the-net goal. In this article, we'll take a closer look at this unique scoring tactic and the Michigan hockey players who have perfected it.
What is a Behind-the-Net Goal?
A behind-the-net goal is a scoring play where the player with the puck skates behind the net and wraps the puck around the opposite post. The goal is scored when the puck goes in the net before the goaltender can get across the crease to stop it. It's a high-risk, high-reward play that requires skill, speed, and creativity.
The behind-the-net goal is not a new move, but it's becoming more popular in college hockey, particularly in Michigan. Coaches are teaching their players how to execute this maneuver because it's an excellent way to catch goaltenders off-guard. The move requires a great deal of practice and skill, but when done correctly, it can be an incredibly effective way to score.
Michigan Hockey Players Who Have Mastered the Behind-the-Net Goal
There have been several Michigan hockey players over the years who have perfected the behind-the-net goal. One of the most famous is Mike Legg, who scored a goal in the 1996 NCAA tournament that is still talked about today. In the play, Legg skated behind the net and lifted the puck onto his stick. He then flipped the puck over the net and into the goal before the goaltender could react. It was a stunning display of athleticism and skill that is still considered one of the greatest goals in college hockey history.
Another player who has perfected the behind-the-net goal is Tony Calderone, who played for the Michigan Wolverines from 2014 to 2018. Calderone was known for his speed and agility, and he used those skills to become one of the best behind-the-net scorers in the country. In his senior year, he scored several goals using this maneuver, including one against Minnesota where he skated behind the net and snuck the puck past the goaltender's outstretched leg.
How to Execute a Behind-the-Net Goal
Executing a behind-the-net goal requires a great deal of skill and practice. Here are the basic steps:
- Get the puck and skate toward the net.
- When you reach the net, pivot and skate behind it.
- Keep your head up and watch the goaltender.
- Use your speed to get to the opposite post.
- Wrap the puck around the post and into the net.
It's important to remember that the behind-the-net goal is not easy to execute. Goaltenders are trained to anticipate this maneuver, so it's essential to be unpredictable and creative. Players who are good at this move use changes of speed and direction to create scoring opportunities.
Conclusion
The behind-the-net goal is a unique scoring play that requires a great deal of skill and creativity. Michigan hockey players have taken this move to the next level with their speed and agility, making it one of the most exciting aspects of college hockey. With more and more teams incorporating this tactic into their playbooks, we can expect to see even more stunning behind-the-net goals in the future.
