Let's dive deep into the art of scoring the iconic Michigan goal, a move that has taken the hockey world by storm. From its origins with Mike Legg to modern variations like the alley-oop and Svech, the Michigan goal showcases creativity, skill, and precision.
We explore the different types of Michigan goals with hockey influencer Pavel Barber, including the fake and spin back, between the legs, and one-handed fakes. Plus, we highlight how Rezztek® can help players execute these moves with better control and consistency. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a beginner, this guide will elevate your game.
What Is a Michigan Goal?
The Michigan goal is a lacrosse-style move in ice hockey where a player, positioned behind the opponent's net, scoops the puck onto their stick, maneuvers it around the net, and scores by lifting it into the top corner. This technique combines elements of agility and creativity, drawing inspiration from lacrosse.
The move's origins trace back to Bill Armstrong, a minor-league hockey player with the Albany River Rats. Armstrong began practicing lacrosse-style shots for fun and successfully scored four goals using this method, which he termed the "high wrap."
Mike Legg, a forward for the University of Michigan Wolverines, learned about the high wrap from Armstrong. Before attempting it, Legg consulted referees during warm-ups to ensure its legality. In a 1996 NCAA Tournament game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers, Legg executed the move, scoring a memorable goal.
This goal earned him "Goal of the Year" honors from Inside Hockey magazine, and the stick he used was donated to the Hockey Hall of Fame.
The term "Michigan goal" emerged due to Legg's association with the University of Michigan. In Northern Europe, the move is referred to as "Zorro," inspired by the Z-shaped stick movement reminiscent of the fictional character's mark. In Canada, it's commonly called a lacrosse goal, and in North Carolina, it's known as "The Svech," after Andrei Svechnikov, the first NHL player to score using this technique.
In the NHL, Andrei Svechnikov of the Carolina Hurricanes was the first to successfully execute a Michigan goal, achieving this feat against the Calgary Flames on October 29, 2019. Trevor Zegras of the Anaheim Ducks later popularized the move, notably pairing with Sonny Milano for an alley-oop variant during a game in December 2021.
How Rezztek® Will Help You
Rezztek® can significantly enhance your ability to execute the Michigan goal thanks to its advanced hockey technology. Unlike traditional tape, Rezztek® offers superior grip and control, ensuring that the puck stays securely on your stick during delicate maneuvers like the Michigan goal.
Its enhanced durability means less wear and tear, providing consistency in every game. Rezztek®'s innovative design allows for a smoother feel and greater precision when performing skill moves, making it an ideal choice for players looking to perfect their lacrosse-style shots. With Rezztek®, you'll have the confidence and performance needed to pull off the perfect Michigan goal.
How To Score A Michigan Goal
Pavel Barber will teach you how to score a Michigan Goal. Who? Pavel is a renowned hockey influencer, stickhandling expert, and content creator known for his innovative skills and tutorials. With a passion for the game, Barber has built a massive following through his social media platforms, where he shares tricks, training tips, and creative hockey moves.
His unique style and emphasis on skill development have made him a go-to resource for players looking to elevate their game. Pavel’s engaging content, including his famous "stickhandling challenges," has inspired hockey players of all levels to push the boundaries of their puck-handling abilities and creativity. Watch his Michigan Goal Guide in a video below.
Here’s a breakdown of different variations and how each can be executed in a Michigan goal:
1. Fake and Spin Back: Start by faking a quick wrap-around shot, then spin back the other way to catch the goalie off guard and quickly lift the puck into the top corner.
2. One-Handed Fake: Execute the Michigan goal using one hand to scoop the puck, while faking the shot to throw off the goalie before wrapping it into the net.
3. Between the Legs: As you approach the net, perform a between-the-legs move to scoop the puck, then wrap it around and shoot from the other side.
4. Basic 360: Execute a full 360-degree spin behind the net while controlling the puck, then shoot it into the upper corner in a single motion.
5. 360 Between the Legs: Combine a 360-degree spin with a between-the-legs move to add complexity, making it more difficult for the goalie to track.
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6. Zorro Michigan: A variation where you mimic a "Zorro" sword motion with the stick, often involving a quick flick or spin, as you wrap the puck around the net.
7. Crosby Backhand: Pull off a backhand move like Sidney Crosby, using a quick stick move to pull the puck around the goalie, then scoring with a backhand shot from a tight angle.
8. Lazy Michy: A slower, more relaxed version of the Michigan, where you take your time behind the net to lure the goalie into an awkward position before quickly lifting the puck into the top corner.
9. Axe Chop: Mimic an axe chop motion with the stick, faking a slapshot or hard shot, then quickly using the move to score a quick Michigan goal.
10. Behind the Back Toss-Up: Toss the puck behind your back as if you're making a pass, but quickly scoop it up and score with the Michigan goal motion.
11. Reverse Spin: Start by spinning the opposite way behind the net compared to the traditional Michigan, and then use the spin to gain a better angle for scoring.
12. Pop Up One-Hander: Scoop the puck with one hand behind the net and quickly pop it up to the top corner while keeping control with one hand.
13. Tag-Team Michy: A team variation where one player sets up the Michigan goal for another player, typically involving a quick pass or dish to complete the goal.
14. Fake Michy Toss-Up: Fake a regular Michigan move, then toss the puck up into the air, catching it mid-flight and wrapping it around the net for the goal.
15. Pass Scooper: Instead of scoring immediately, pass the puck to a teammate who can scoop it and score with the Michigan goal, creating a quick play.
16.The Hand-Off: This variation involves passing the puck to a teammate, who then executes the Michigan goal in a seamless hand-off style.
17. Fake Spin and Pass: Fake a spin move to lure the goalie in one direction, then pass the puck to a teammate for the goal.
These creative variations of the Michigan goal showcase players’ ability to combine traditional techniques with new twists, demonstrating both individual skill and teamwork.
Trevor Zegras x Sonny Milano (source: Gino Hard)
The Most Popular Types of Michigan
There are different variations of the Michigan goal, each with slight differences in how the puck is handled or how it’s scored. Here are the most popular.
- Traditional Michigan Goal: The most common form, where the player scoops the puck onto their stick while behind the net, then wraps it around and shoots into the top corner of the goal.
- Alley-Oop or "Z" Michigan: Popularized by Trevor Zegras and Sonny Milano in the NHL, this variation involves one player passing the puck to a teammate, who catches it mid-air and scores with a Michigan-style move. It’s a more complex play requiring perfect timing and coordination.
- One-Handed Michigan: In this variation, the player uses just one hand to scoop and control the puck behind the net, making it an even more impressive display of skill and finesse.
- Reverse Michigan: In this version, the player wraps the puck around the net in the opposite direction, often confusing the goalie and catching them off guard.
- Svech: Named after Andrei Svechnikov, this is essentially a Michigan goal performed in a different manner. Svechnikov uses a more dramatic lift of the stick and a sharper angle, resulting in a slightly different trajectory when scoring.
Each variation of the Michigan goal showcases a player’s creativity and skill, with some requiring more intricate teamwork or one-handed puck control.
How to Score a Michigan Goal: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
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Position Yourself Behind the Net
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Start by skating behind the opponent's net. You'll want to be in a position where you're not directly in front of the goalie, but close enough to make a move.
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Lift the Puck on Your Stick Blade
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The key to the Michigan goal is being able to scoop the puck onto your stick blade. Using your stick's blade, gently lift the puck up from the ice, and balance it on the edge of your blade.
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Pull the Puck Around the Net
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Once you have the puck on your stick, start skating around the net while keeping it close to you. This is where your speed and control come into play—maintain possession while maneuvering.
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Wrap and Shoot
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As you come around the net, aim to bring the puck over the top of the net and into the shooting position. With a quick flick of your wrist, direct the puck into the top corner of the goal, ideally out of the goalie’s reach.
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Keep the Goalie Guessing
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The Michigan goal works because it catches goalies off guard. The fast, creative movement makes it difficult for the goalie to anticipate. Use deception and speed to make the shot as unpredictable as possible.
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Controversy & Discussion
The Michigan goal has sparked controversy in the hockey world, particularly around its perceived showboating nature. Some traditionalists view the move as an unnecessary display of individual skill, arguing that it detracts from the team-first mentality that the sport is built upon. This perspective often comes from older generations of players and fans who prioritize the fundamentals of the game, such as hard work, discipline, and teamwork.
For them, the Michigan goal can seem flashy or disrespectful, especially when executed in lopsided games or when the stakes are low.On the other hand, younger players and fans celebrate the creativity and flair that the Michigan goal brings to the ice. For them, hockey is evolving, and this move is a symbol of how the game can adapt and showcase individual talent.
It adds excitement and innovation, drawing attention to the sport and inspiring future generations of players to push boundaries. This generational gap highlights a broader discussion within sports: as the game becomes faster and more skill-based, there will always be a tension between preserving tradition and embracing new, thrilling forms of expression. Ultimately, the Michigan goal represents the ever-changing nature of hockey and the ongoing dialogue between tradition and innovation.
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