2027s: The Next Wave of Goalie Talent, Part II

<a href="https://preplacrosse.com/2025/09/2027s-the-next-wave-of-goalie-talent-part-i/">In Part I last week</a>, we highlighted just how deep and diverse the 2027 goalie class is — and the talent doesn't stop there. This second group of standouts continues to showcase the mix of athleticism, composure, and game-changing ability that makes this class so special. Each brings a different style to the crease, but all share the same trait: the ability to steal momentum with a clutch save.      Philpott plays a very unique style of goalie that immediately stands out. He sets up in a low, loaded stance and will reset his feet—much like a baseball fielder before a pitch—ready to explode in any direction. In tight, he isn't afraid to throw his body into shots, making saves that many goalies wouldn't even attempt. He loves to bait shooters high by staying low with his hands horizontal, only to explode upward and take away top-shelf finishes at the last second. Outside the crease, his quick feet allow him to scoop up groundballs cleanly and escape pressure from riding attackmen.     Nichols' poise in the crease makes him a goalie to watch now that Sept. 1 has passed. At 6'0”, his frame suggests shooters should test him low, but that quickly proves to be a mistake. Nichols smothers five-hole and off-stick-low shots with ease, flashing hand speed that sets him apart from most keepers his size. Unlike many big-bodied goalies, he doesn't rely on just his frame to make saves—his reactions and technique allow him to consistently win low battles. Even more impressive, Nichols plays a clean style without the bad habits that often need to be re-taught at the next level. With his poise, quick hands, and ability to take away the shots most attackers trust the most, Nichols projects as one of the more high-upside goalies in the 2027 class.     One of the goalies you know because of his willingness to race down the field for one-man clears, Reilly is a crowd favorite. He's fast, has legitimate stick skills in the open field, and understands when to push transition himself versus when to move the ball to the outlet. In the cage, Reilly has proven he can deliver in big moments with timely saves. He plays out of a wide stance, protects the pipes with confidence, and moves efficiently to take away high-percentage looks. With his combination of athleticism, poise, and playmaking ability, Reilly brings an exciting and reliable presence that every defense feeds off of.     If there's one word to describe William White, it's quick. His hands are lightning-fast to rob sure goals, his feet explode pipe-to-pipe, and his outlets spark transition in an instant. This summer, White was tested against elite competition and consistently delivered big-time stops. He reads shooters' body language at a high level, setting up his quick hands to make difficult saves look routine. In the clearing game, he not only makes smart decisions but also threads outlets into tight windows to jumpstart transition. With his quickness, instincts, and confidence, White has proven himself as a reliable option in a deep goalie class.     Elder's calm presence in the cage makes him a great goalie prospect. He makes difficult saves look routine with his efficiency, never wasting movement when locking in on shooters and consistently coming up with clean stops. His ability to play angles and square up on shooters stands out, often eliminating high-percentage looks before they even develop. With a relaxed stance and sharp hand speed, Elder can explode to any corner of the cage and take away goals that seem destined for the back of the net. That blend of poise, precision, and technical skill gives him the tools to thrive at the next level.

In Part I last week, we highlighted just how deep and diverse the 2027 goalie class is — and the talent doesn't stop there. This second group of standouts continues to showcase the mix of athleticism, composure, and game-changing ability that makes this class so special. Each brings a different style to the crease, but all share the same trait: the ability to steal momentum with a clutch save.