VIDEO: "SAMCAM" DURING SEMI-FINAL MATCH CALGARY BUFFALOES VS. WINNIPEG THRASHERS

Categorized | Buffalo Hockey, Midget AAA Buffaloes

VIDEO: "SAMCAM" DURING SEMI-FINAL MATCH CALGARY BUFFALOES VS. WINNIPEG THRASHERS

Posted on 26 April 2009 by Markham Hislop.

Calgary Buffaloes Goaltender Sam Brittain braces for a shot during semi-final action against the Winnipeg Thrashers

It’s time for another episode of the “SamCam,” when we turn the video spotlight on Calgary Buffalo netminder Sam Brittain.

The footage for this SamCam was shot during Saturday night’s convincing 7-0 win over the Winnipeg Thrashers in one of two semi-final games of the Telus Cup.

Even though Calgary dominated the game, Winnipeg still managed 38 shots on the night. That would be a busy evening for most goalies, but not Brittain.

The Buffaloes’ defensive system is built around butterfly-style ‘tender. At 6′3″ he covers a lot of net. Brittain is also very technically sound, is rarely caught out of position, possesses an above-average glove hand and is quick on his feet.

The combination of skill, atleticism and technical proficiency makes him tough to beat most nights. Against the Thrashers he was invincible.

Reviewing game footage for the SamCam one thing becomes immediately obvious: Brittain lets out very few rebounds. The puck is either absorbed into his pads or steered harmlessly into the corner.

Most goals scored against Brittain occur as the result of a defensive breakdown when the Buffs’ defenders allow traffic in the slot and an opposing player tips a shot or is allowed to shoot from close range.

If the team is doing its job in the defensive zone and boxing out shooters, Brittain is nearly impossible to score on.