davewheeler
Registered User
- Dec 5, 2016
- 1,020
- 838
I use to be a goalie, played AAA and some Jr and went through the whole "scouting" process, I think you're right about scouts being lazy, imo other than the top, obvious good players, they don't know much. I had a buddy who played goalie for the Sting, in the very bad days, and he mentioned the same thing, there is no support from the team to develop goalies, but the OHL is not a farm team for the NHL. I think if the NHL had more control over the CHL like they do AHL you would see more development. Sarnia had no incentive to start Hughes last year, they're a business and needed to win. just my opinion, I may be wrong.Wheeler, drafting is the first step in development and unfortunately most of the scouts couldn't tell a good goalie from a bad one because they are too lazy. They follow the hype, noise and stats for the most part. Hughes played behind a pretty good London team where his drop and block style worked well. Not so much now.
I never suggested that Sarnia should have played Hughes over Fazio. There is a distinct, visible development curve for goalies, unfortunately the CHL's win at all costs disrupts the process. Young goalies need to be exposed to high tempo team practices to get accustomed to the speed, work with goalie coach in controlled setting to improve technique and play in games where they have chance for success.
I am familiar with Hughes, not so much with Sarnia but from following the league I didn't see that kind of progression taken with Hughes early on in his career.