LGR 8: Benny Pugh of the Boston Cannons
Episode Overview
In this episode of the LAX Goalie Rat Podcast, Coach Damon Wilson sits down with Benny Pugh, former Division I standout at the University of Richmond and professional goalie with the Boston Cannons.
Benny shares his journey from becoming a lacrosse goalie at a young age to playing at the highest levels of the sport. He discusses his development, adapting his style, competing for playing time, handling pressure, and the mental approach needed to succeed as a goalie.
The conversation covers everything from training habits and confidence to staying consistent through adversity and learning how to evolve as the game speeds up.
In This Episode
Benny explains how he first became a goalie and how the position naturally fit his athletic background. He shares how skills from activities like ping pong and other sports helped develop his hand-eye coordination and reaction ability.
He talks about his path through youth lacrosse, high school, and college, including the challenges of transitioning into a more competitive environment and learning how to compete against other talented goalies.
Benny also explains how his style developed over time, why goalies need to experiment to find what works for them, and why strong fundamentals are the foundation for becoming an elite goalie.
The conversation also explores Benny’s experience playing professional lacrosse, adjusting to faster shots, improving his positioning, and learning how to simplify his game.
Key Takeaways
Fundamentals come first
Goalies need a strong foundation before developing their own unique style. Master the basics before making adjustments.
Adaptability creates success
Great goalies are willing to change their stance, positioning, and approach based on what helps them perform best.
Confidence comes from preparation
The best way to build confidence is by putting in extra work through practice, training, film, and preparation.
Compete through your actions
When fighting for a starting spot, the best thing a goalie can do is outwork the competition and control what they can control.
Mental toughness matters
Goalies need to stay focused, move past mistakes, and understand that giving up goals is part of the position.
Enjoy the process
The best players stay motivated because they love improving and competing.
Topics Covered
- How Benny became a lacrosse goalie
- Developing hand-eye coordination through other sports
- Growing up playing lacrosse in Virginia
- Transitioning from high school to Division I lacrosse
- Competing for playing time
- Building confidence as a goalie
- Finding your own goalie style
- The importance of fundamentals
- Learning from other elite goalies
- Adjusting from college lacrosse to professional lacrosse
- Playing against faster shots and better shooters
- Staying patient on the arc
- Understanding angles and positioning
- Handling being a backup goalie
- Overcoming slumps and setbacks
- The mental side of goaltending
- Building confidence through preparation
- Coaching the next generation of goalies
- Benny’s current goalie equipment setup
Memorable Moments
Benny explains how he never had one specific moment where he decided to become a goalie. Instead, the position naturally became something he enjoyed and continued improving at because he found success.
He shares how playing older competition helped accelerate his development and prepared him for the challenges of playing college lacrosse.
One of the biggest lessons from Benny’s career was learning how to adapt. He explains that while fundamentals are important, goalies need to experiment and adjust their style based on what helps them perform.
Benny also discusses overcoming difficult moments, including struggling early in his college career and dealing with injuries. He explains how extra work outside of practice helped him regain confidence and improve.
A major highlight is Benny’s discussion on the mental side of the position and how goalies must learn to accept goals, stay confident, and continue competing.
Guests
Benny Pugh
Former Division I lacrosse goalie at the University of Richmond and professional goalie with the Boston Cannons.
Resources Mentioned
- LAX Goalie Rat Camp
- University of Richmond lacrosse
- Boston Cannons
- Goalie clinics and camps
- Film study
- Extra training and individual work
Sponsor
This episode is sponsored by the LAX Goalie Rat Camp.
The online camp includes instructional videos and drills covering goalie technique, footwork, positioning, and the mental side of goaltending.
Learn more at laxgoalierat.com/goal
Closing
Benny Pugh’s message is simple: great goalies are built through preparation, adaptability, and consistent effort.
Develop strong fundamentals, stay open to learning, and understand that improvement comes from putting in the work when nobody is watching.
The best goalies are not just athletes who make saves. They are competitors who prepare, adjust, and continue improving every single day.
