Introduction to Virtual Reality in Goalie Training
On a typical game day, Seattle Kraken goalie Joey Daccord arrives on the rink around 4:15 pm. He changes out of his suit and studies the pre-scout information Kraken coaches have posted within the locker room, specializing in the opponent’s offensive tendencies, resembling where they attack on the ability play and the way they enter the zone.
Pre-Game Routine
Daccord’s pre-game routine starts with cognitive drills using a program called NHL Sense Arena. He straps on a headset and enters virtual reality, where different coloured pucks are shot at him, and he "catches" them with either his glove or blocker hand depending on the colour or object. He then moves right into a drill often called "goalie cannon" where robotic shooters fire pucks, typically a combination of glove and blocker side, and he focuses on which a part of the glove and blocker makes the virtual save.
Virtual Reality Training
Daccord finishes his virtual warmup with shots from real shooters, which NHL Sense Arena has filmed and converted into virtual shots. According to Daccord, that is probably the most realistic a part of the prep because he can track the shot off the blade of a shooter’s stick, similar to in an actual game. The virtual reality training was introduced to him by his dad, Brian Daccord, who’s currently the goalie coach at Boston University and worked with NHL Sense Arena to construct out a sensible platform.
Benefits of Virtual Reality Training
Daccord has develop into the poster child for NHL Sense Arena, and his usage of virtual reality has develop into a foundational piece in one in every of the NHL’s best stories. He credits the virtual reality training with helping him feel more prepared and focused before games. In fact, during a game last season against the Arizona Coyotes, Daccord wasn’t feeling right in the primary period, but after using the virtual reality headset throughout the intermission, he was capable of rally and fix his game.
Other Goalies’ Experiences
Other goalies, resembling Buffalo Sabres goalie Devon Levi, also use virtual reality frequently. Detroit Red Wings goalie Cam Talbot, alternatively, uses cognitive brain training as a part of his game day preparation through a program called Vizual Edge. Talbot’s sessions take roughly 20 minutes and involve recognition and activating quick considering exercises.
The Future of Goalie Training
For each Daccord and Talbot, and other NHL goalies, a lot of the position now’s about finding ways to maximise mental performance while also limiting physical damage to the body. Because of how the position is played now, post play particularly, there’s more wear and tear on goalies than ever before. As a result, more goalies are prone to find ways to coach their brain and work on puck tracking in creative, technology-driven ways.
Conclusion
In conclusion, virtual reality training is becoming a vital a part of goalie training within the NHL. Goalies like Joey Daccord and Cam Talbot are using technology to enhance their mental performance and reduce physical strain. As the position continues to evolve, it’s likely that we’ll see more goalies incorporating virtual reality and other types of technology into their training routines. With the assistance of virtual reality, goalies can improve their response time, tracking, and decision-making, ultimately leading to higher performance on the ice.
