In the 17 years prior to 298 AC, Robert Baratheon ruled over Westeros with little to no rebellion. Aside from a failed uprising by the Iron Islands in 289 AC, his seat on the throne was uncontested. Upon his death in 298 AC, a quintet of claims emerged: Robert’s son, his two brothers and two revolutionists. The War of the Five Kings followed.
For the past six years, Blaze Riorden has fought off one goalie — maybe two — per year en route to five Oren Lyons Goalie of the Year Awards. His reign in the crease has been one of the most impressive stretches in pro lacrosse history.
This summer, several potential usurpers emerged. We’ve entered the War of the Five Goalies.
For the first time in PLL history, five goalies — Riorden, Brett Dobson, Liam Entenmann, Logan McNaney and Emmet Carroll — finished with save percentages north of 56%. Some have a stronger case than others for the individual award, but all have the ability to backstop a championship defense in September, when goaltending matters most.
Over the past couple weeks, we sat down with goalies from across the league to understand the position better. When did they decide that they wanted to play goalie? Why have they stuck with a position most wouldn’t dare to play? How do they prepare? What makes them unique in a position of quirky personalities?
During our conversations, multiple goalies compared the position to snowflakes. No two are the same. Their goal — save the ball — might be the same. Their approaches to achieving that goal vary. Over the next few days, you’ll hear and read about…
Why Blaze Riorden’s pregame routine focuses on stretching his eyes.
Why stretching his hips is the key to Liam Entenmann’s signature wide stance.
Why the 6-foot-5 Dillon Ward plays on a high arc, often stepping outside of his crease to challenge shots and appear even bigger than his frame would be within the crease.
Why the 5-foot-10 Logan McNaney worries less about his arc and his angles, and more about being in a ready stance when the shot is released.
How the mental side of the position can be developed — and how doing so has benefited Emmet Carroll.
How some saves are more valuable than others — like Chayse Ierlan’s game-winning save against Boston sent California to the playoffs.
Why goaltending matters most in the playoffs, according to data expert Pat McKeever.
… and more interviews with the best goalies in the world as they prepare for the playoffs.
Chaos is a ladder. Rookies McNaney and Carroll are just getting started. Same with Entenmann. Dobson wants to play 20 years in the league. And Blaze isn’t ready to give up his spot as the best goalie in the world. At the moment this feels like the year of the goalie; we may look back in a decade and realize we’re entering the golden age of goaltending. The next month is the first battle in a greater war: The War of the Five Goalies.
