The offseason presents a time for hockey players to test out new equipment and try out unorthodox training methods.
For goaltenders, that can mean trying out some new pads, skates or even a new helmet. Goalie helmets are arguably the most important pieces of equipment in the sport from a safety perspective, and it’s pretty mind-blowing to consider years ago that masks weren’t mandatory.
Right now, hundreds of goaltenders are attending professional camps around North America, Europe and Russia in preparation for the upcoming season. Over at the GoaliePro camp in Toronto, ‘tendys like Maple Leafs prospect Kasimir Kaskisuo are doing various exercises and drills to best his chances at moving up the Maple Leafs depth chart.
Not only is Kaskisuo is working on his game, he’s also trying out a new helmet by taking pucks right to his head.
As Jay and Dan would say, "that’s using your head!"
With Garret Sparks and Calvin Pickard pushing for a backup spot, Kaskisuo could be a mainstay on the Marlies in the coming months. Last year, the 24-year-old netminder was loaned to the Chicago Wolves (Vegas Golden Knights) of the AHL because of the logjam in front of him, as well as the Wolves needing a goalie to hold the fort after the Golden Knights were forced to having a rotating cast of goaltenders after Marc-Andre Fleury was injured early last season.
The Leafs signed the Fin to a two-year, two-way extension with an average annual value of $675,000. In 28 games last season, Kaskisuo posted a 13-13-2 record with a 2.25 goals against average and a .918 save percentage.
