About this Video

• Video Title: Goalie hockey
• Channel: walter kack
• Speakers: Jeffrey Joo, Vex, Steve Thompson
• Duration: 01:30:42

Introduction

This Hockey Think Tank podcast episode features Steve Thompson, USA Hockey's Manager of Player Development for Goaltending. The discussion covers the development of goaltenders, the challenges of recruiting and retaining goalies, and strategies for improving goalie training and practice design to better reflect game situations.

Key Takeaways

1. Goaltender Development: Effective goalie training should prioritize game-like situations using one puck at a time to encourage decision-making and reading the play, rather than repetitive drills with multiple pucks.
2. Goaltender Shortage: A significant shortage of goaltenders exists across youth hockey. This is partly due to the pressure on young goalies, the large net size at younger ages, and the lack of social support and mentorship within the position.
3. Improving Goalie Recruitment: Strategies to improve goaltender numbers include delaying specialization until 12U, allowing young goalies to share net time and play other positions, using quick-change equipment to facilitate position switching, and focusing on age-appropriate net sizes.
4. The Importance of Hockey Sense: Goalies should be viewed as integral team members, not isolated individuals. Developing hockey sense is crucial for goalie success and involves reading plays, understanding release points, and using video analysis to improve decision-making.
5. Team Dynamics: The team's attitude and willingness to play in front of the goalie are significantly influenced by the goalie's behavior and teamwork. Goalies who demonstrate positive attributes like resilience, willingness to take responsibility, and team-oriented play create a more supportive environment.