Mission Statement
To produce confident, technically sound goaltenders who are masters of goaltending fundamentals, and in turn give their team a chance to win every game.
The Goalie
The goalie is the most important player on a hockey team, yet he or she is usually receives the least amount of instruction. There are many reasons why. Perhaps the coach is not a goalie and has no idea how to teach the technical aspects of the position. Good coaching is of critical importance to a goalie, whose game is largely affected by confidence level. We are the lone individuals in what is a team sport. We are sometimes criticized by teammates, ignorant parents, or even coaches. After all, regardless of what mistakes other players make, when a goal goes in everyone looks at us. It doesn't have to be this way. Proper coaching gives young goalies the confidence to face any challenge and give their team a chance to win every game
Any good goalie will tell you that we don’t “think” when making a save, we just make it. We simply don’t have time to think, we must rely on technique and muscle memory that comes from diligent repetition, intelligent practice, and commitment. I focus on teaching the fundamentals of the position and reinforcement through repetition. I want practices to be fun and many times they will be, but that is not the primary goal. My goalies learn the most effective techniques and efficient body movements for stopping the puck. That is our job. I also place emphasis on the mental side of the position by helping them develop a specific mindset and teaching them how to react to criticism. I will also work with head coaches to help in your goalie’s development.
Don't let years pass by before your goalie gets quality instruction. Playing the position well requires a lot of technique, and without proper instruction your goalie will never get it. I have been a goalie for over ten years and have always been a student of the game. I have a Masters in education and have two years of experience coaching youth goalies. Don't let your son/daughter play another game without doing everything you can to make them confident and capable goaltenders. Call or email me today.
The Hockey Goalie Coach is located in Milford, CT. Call me at 203-815-3978 or email me at Email the hockey goalie coach!
Goalie News
I have to weigh in on the article recently written by The Hockey News' Ryan Dixon. The way I understand it he longs for the days when goalies did not employ the consistent technical save selections that we now see for the most part in the game today. He talks about how Curtis Joseph might make 4 different types of saves on 4 identical shots. Sure, it was fun to watch Dominic Hasek flop around, and I appreciate Tim Thomas' ability to stop a puck despite an unorthodox style. In my opinion however the goaltender has more pressure on him/her than any other athlete in all of sports. Why sholdn't we teach them how to best stop the puck in a technical, logical manner? Dixon claims that fun is being sacrificed by teaching goalies this way, but I know that it's no fun to lose games - especially when young teammates and their parents are more inclined to blame the goaltender. I have found that youth goalies have more fun when they have the tools to be successful.
Any good goalie will tell you that we don’t “think” when making a save, we just make it. We simply don’t have time to think, we must rely on technique and muscle memory that comes from diligent repetition, intelligent practice, and commitment. I focus on teaching the fundamentals of the position and reinforcement through repetition. I want practices to be fun and many times they will be, but that is not the primary goal. My goalies learn the most effective techniques and efficient body movements for stopping the puck. That is our job. I also place emphasis on the mental side of the position by helping them develop a specific mindset and teaching them how to react to criticism. I will also work with head coaches to help in your goalie’s development.
Don't let years pass by before your goalie gets quality instruction. Playing the position well requires a lot of technique, and without proper instruction your goalie will never get it. I have been a goalie for over ten years and have always been a student of the game. I have a Masters in education and have two years of experience coaching youth goalies. Don't let your son/daughter play another game without doing everything you can to make them confident and capable goaltenders. Call or email me today.
The Hockey Goalie Coach is located in Milford, CT. Call me at 203-815-3978 or email me at Email the hockey goalie coach!
Goalie News
I have to weigh in on the article recently written by The Hockey News' Ryan Dixon. The way I understand it he longs for the days when goalies did not employ the consistent technical save selections that we now see for the most part in the game today. He talks about how Curtis Joseph might make 4 different types of saves on 4 identical shots. Sure, it was fun to watch Dominic Hasek flop around, and I appreciate Tim Thomas' ability to stop a puck despite an unorthodox style. In my opinion however the goaltender has more pressure on him/her than any other athlete in all of sports. Why sholdn't we teach them how to best stop the puck in a technical, logical manner? Dixon claims that fun is being sacrificed by teaching goalies this way, but I know that it's no fun to lose games - especially when young teammates and their parents are more inclined to blame the goaltender. I have found that youth goalies have more fun when they have the tools to be successful.