LGR 263: Embracing the Chaos and Owning the Crease with Vermont's Ryan Daly

Vermont Goalie Ryan Daley on Staying Ready, Playing the Angles, and Enjoying the Position

In this episode of the Lax Goalie Rat Podcast, Coach Damon sits down with University of Vermont sophomore goalie Ryan Daley to discuss his development, technique, recruiting experience, and unexpected opportunity to become the Catamounts’ starting goalie.

Ryan first stepped into the cage during the summer before fourth grade when his local club team needed a goalie for a tournament. Even after getting hit several times and playing in a high-scoring game, he immediately enjoyed the position and decided to stick with it.

Ryan shares how longtime goalie coach Bill Day helped him build a strong technical foundation through simple drills focused on stepping, punching his hands toward the ball, and developing quicker movements. He also explains how resistance bands and weighted-shaft drills can help goalies become more explosive.

A major focus of the conversation is Ryan’s relaxed stance. He discusses how unnecessary tension can cause goalies to duck, drop their hands, or make false movements before reacting to the shot. By remaining comfortable and relaxed, Ryan can see the ball more clearly and move directly toward it.

Ryan also breaks down his approach to angles. Instead of taking unnecessary steps as a shooter moves down the alley, he uses his feet and hips to remain square and cover the cage efficiently. He explains why goalies may benefit from trailing a sweeping shooter by half a step rather than reaching the pipe too early and exposing the backside of the goal.

As a left-handed goalie, Ryan discusses whether his stick orientation gives him an advantage and how shooters at the college level quickly adjust to different goalies. He also shares what he learned from watching left-handed Denver goalies Ryan LaPlante and Alex Ready.

Ryan’s season took an unexpected turn when Vermont’s starting goalie was injured just minutes into the opening game. Ryan entered as the backup and suddenly became the starter. He explains why backup goalies must prepare as though they will play, remain mentally involved on the sideline, and be ready when their number is called.

The conversation also covers Ryan’s recruiting process, the benefits of attending showcases with coaches from multiple programs, and how he handled the pressure of performing in front of college recruiters. Ryan emphasizes consistency, confidence, and moving on quickly after allowing a goal.

Throughout the episode, Ryan returns to one central message: goalie should be fun. He views it as the best position on the field and encourages young goalies to appreciate the opportunity, keep taking shots, and enjoy playing with their teammates.