With a panel of goaltending experts from across the country , Hockey Canada has unveiled a goaltending development model for provincial branches , minor hockey associations , and goaltending companies to use as a solid guide in developing more goalies in Canada . The panel consisted of former NHL goalies and goalie coaches , provincial goalie mentors and figure heads of goalie development companies . What has been developed is a three-stage model for optimal development of goaltenders called the Hockey Canada Goaltending Development Pathway . The pathway addresses key development priorities for young goalies at specific ages and also addresses the dire need for minor hockey coaches to apply basic concepts of goaltending development that can be easily incorporated each game and practice without the help of a professional goalie coach . “ Often we find that goaltenders are being taught advanced skills and tactics without the proper base of technical skating and skills in order to properly execute the next progressions ,” said Hockey Manitoba Head Goaltending Mentor , Gord Woodhall . “ The pathway addresses Hockey Canada and Hockey Manitoba ’ s priorities to maximize the development potential for our goalies at each age level .” The focus on the minor hockey coach will be an important factor in changing the landscape for goaltending in our country . Hockey
Often we find that goaltenders are being taught advanced skills and tactics without the proper base of technical skating and skills in order to properly execute the next progressions
Canada cites that 10-15 years ago 70 per cent of starting NHL goalies were Canadian , and now only 40 per cent are Canadian . Coincidently the boom of private goaltending development companies occurred right around that same time but yet we have only seen a decline in the volume of quality goaltenders . The result has been cookie-cutter goalies , many who lack athleticism and also a mental resilience required to play the position . We ’ ve seen goaltenders struggle with flexibility , hand-eye , stamina , hockey sense , and situational awareness . “ Private industry continues to play an increasing role in our provinces ’ goaltender development ,” said Woodhall . “ However we need our coaches to play a bigger role . Often , coaches don ’ t know where to start or they are afraid to contradict what their goaltender has learned from their private goaltender coach . Our goal is to provide our coaches the knowledge on and off the ice to take on this bigger role .” Skating is a critical skill for goalies . They cannot advance in the game without good feet . It ’ s no different than being a forward or defenseman . This is why it ’ s so important that we have no goalies
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