World Renowned Schools > Instructors

All of our goaltending instructors are fully trained and experienced goaltenders. Each instructor we employ is fully aware of our commitment to consistency and quality training. All must pass our 2 day certification seminar. Each is readily available throughout the program and will provide each student with immediate suggestions, tips and feedback combined with constant follow up.

This is a partial listing of our instructors present and past, All are goaltenders who enjoy teaching and instructing. Although not all instructors attend every school, we feel it is important to show a complete list of instructors so potential customers can see the calibre of people we hire into our system. We firmly believe that you do not have to have played in the N.H.L. to be an effective instructor. In fact, many professional teams employ goaltending coaches who have NOT played pro hockey. 

Just look at some of the biggest names of all time in coaching, most weren't great players. Scotty Bowman, Francois Allaire, Fred Shero, Pat Burns, Bob Hartly, Don Cherry, etc. and have a look at some NHL, AHL, Junior and other semi pro league's Head Coaches and Goalie Coaches. You'll see a ton of names that were never pro's but they are very effective and successful as coaches and instructors.  This is because they are students of the game and great communicators. This is what makes a great coach and/or instructor. 

Many pros are not able to effectively teach because their actions have become so natural that they are unable to explain how it is done. To find the best instructors and coaches you must find individuals who really work hard to improve themselves, study the game, get a thrill out of seeing their students improve and truly love what they are doing. These are the people we hire!

Goaltending Instructors:
(CLICK HERE for more Instructor Photos)

MARC VERLINDEN (Belgium)
Marc is one of our Head Instructors. A former Premier Division goaltender in Europe and current National Board Member of the Royal Belgian Hockey Federation. Marc operates his own hockey schools and has experience coaching in France, Belgium, The Netherlands and Canada. He has assisted at many international goaltending camps and IIHF clinics, as well as acting as the Goaltending Coach for the Belgian National team, among others. Marc makes the trip from Belgium every summer to coach at Puckstoppers. His European experience is invaluable to our school and he's always happy to elaborate on the North American myth of the infamous Belgian Waffle. 
Member of Puckstoppers team since  1996

TED MONNICH (United States)
Ted has been active in the goaltending world since the late 60's and is currently living in the Carolina's where he actively works with goaltenders from across the region as a private instructor. Ted is very active with off-ice development and conditioning, and works throughout the year with professional players in the AHL and ECHL. 

He is also a professional musician and his musical background has helped him develop a very effective method of training. His teaching style breaks save techniques down into very small components and this, combined with his upbeat motivational manner helps build the goalie's form and mental attitude. 

Ted is the Video Coach for the ECHL Columbia Inferno, where he works closely with the head coach as well as the coaches of the Inferno's NHL affiliate Toronto Maple Leafs. Ted also regularly practices with the Inferno and he occasionally dresses as a backup for league games as he has for the SPHL Pee Dee Cyclones as well.
Member of Puckstoppers team since 2001.

TIMMY (TC) CLAEYS (Belgium)
T.C. has made the trip from Belgium on many occasions to attend our Intensity school in London, Ontario and has bettered himself through his hard work and dedication. He has progressed to the highest level of play in Belgium, playing for his country on the National team and was awarded the 'Best Goaltender' award in the IIHF championships. Timmy now studies physical education in addition to other sports related courses and has decided to utilize his years of experience to help other goaltenders by working with our schools in Canada and Europe. We are excited to add T.C. to our coaching ranks. 
Member of Puckstoppers team since 1996

JONI (bona) HALLIKAINEN (Finland)
Joni came to Canada in 1998 as a student at our school and quickly proved that he was a world class goaltender in his age group. We helped him secure a spot as the starting goalie on a Junior 'B' team and he stayed a year in Canada (not bad, for a kid who came to a week long camp). Joni's ability is superior to any goaltender we have ever had the pleasure to work with at the age of 16. He has won 2 Finnish Elite Junior 'A' championships and played in the Finnish Division 1 in 2002 - 03, and was chosen as Runner Up in the playoffs, for MVP. He now plays pro in Norway. When he's not playing, he regularly coaches and consults goaltenders in his native Finland and with our program. Joni is also world renowned for his mask painting and has such NHL customers as Kari Lehtonen and Pasi Nurminen.
Member of Puckstoppers team since 1998.

CRAIG ADDY (Canada)
One of the most astute students of the game, ever. Certified Level 1 Trainer. Craig’s endless knowledge of equipment, positional play and his personable nature make him a great asset to our Schools.
Member of Puckstoppers team since 1988.

ERNIE HARRIS (United States)
Ernie is recognized as an authority on goaltending in and around Washington DC where he lives and works with The Washington Capitals of the NHL. He does private instruction in the DC area and regularly works with teams. His good nature and articulate style help him to immediately gain a solid rapport with his students and he is very positive in his teaching style.
Member of Puckstoppers team since 1999.

SHAWN SILVER (Canada)
Shawn has been a standout netminder for many years and his resume is impressive. He played Junior 'A' for 3 years and won playoff MVP honours for his team as well as receiving the Community Involvement Award, Most Dedicated and Most Committed honours. Shawn then played University hockey where he again won several awards including a World University Hockey Championships Gold Medal and he was also a member of Canada's Spengler Cup Gold Medal Winning Team in 1996. These awards were followed up with 3 years of professional play in Europe's Superleague where he led the league in Save Percentage and was selected to the 2nd all Star Team. Shawn recently retired from his final pro team in the ECHL and now lives and works in Toronto and travels to our camps to coach during the summer.
Member of Puckstoppers team since 2001.

JURGEN ARZBERGER (Germany)
Jürgen played Elite level pro hockey in Europe for several 1st and 2nd Division teams (including; SV Bayreuth ,EHC Nordhorn, EV Weiden,  ERSC Amberg) during his 25 year pro career, winning many MVP awards, Championships and accolades from his peers and scouts. He has operated his own hockey school in Germany since 1996 but soon realized that Germany was in need to an elite level goalie school, so he contacted Puckstoppers about joining his program. 
Member of Puckstoppers team 2001 & 2003.

KAINOA (school bus) NUTCH (Canada)
Kainoa began  working as a Junior Instructor after several years of attending our camps as a student and after 2 years is now a valuable member of our team. He has played high level competitive hockey at various levels. Kainoa is always smiling and thoroughly enjoys teaching and working with students of all ages. His friendly and enthusiastic approach to life in general help him to make an immediate connection with everyone. 
Member of Puckstoppers team since 2000

YONA FIORAVANTI (United States)
Always the opportunist, Yona was an emergency replacement goaltender for the Rochester Americans of the A.H.L. in 1996. His perfectionist style and soft spoken demure make him a favourite of many students. His immediate 'connection' to students is what makes him so effective. Also a recognized graphic Artist, Yona’s top notch mask designs can be seen on some of the finest goalies in pro hockey, his most famous design being that of Mike Richter and the Rangers 'Third' jerseys.
Member of Puckstoppers team since 1992.

JAMIE DYSON (Canada)
Jamie is Chris' son and has been working with, attending or watching our schools, literally since birth! . He has developed a keen sense of scoring goals as a forward, but is also very adept in assisting goaltenders as he is very astute in his knowledge of the position and it's mechanics. Jamie is responsible for managing our shooters during schools and helps with training goaltenders at our Training Centre and during our schools. 
Member of Puckstoppers team since birth ; >)

TIM DANLOW (United States)
Tim has gained a reputation as a star player at every level he has played. His recognition awards speak for themselves. During 2002-03, Tim played for the University of Illinois in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division 1 and was selected as Player of the Year, he also led the league in almost every goaltending statistical category. In the Central States Collegiate Hockey League (CSCHL), Tim took home a myriad of honors: Most Valuable Player; Playoff Most Valuable Player; 1st Team All-League; and All-Star Team participant. He was also voted the University of Illinois' MVP. Tim has also played at the Junior 'A' level, in Rochester and is well liked by his team mates and coaches because of his easy going attitude and friendly manner.
Member of Puckstoppers team since 2000.

C. JAY DENOMME (Canada)
C. Jay has been a star at every level he has played from O.H.A. Jr. ‘A’ to pro. He was drafted into the Detroit Red Wings organization and has also played for the University of Western Ontario taking them to the Canadian finals. His amazing reflexes and quick wit make him a student favorite (not to mention his annual Popsicle run).
Member of Puckstoppers team since 1988

JIM (Hodge) HADZINIKOLAOU (Greece - Canada)
Hodge is a very articulate in his teaching methods. His jovial disposition and good humoured nature make him very approachable to students and parents alike. 'Hodge' has played professional sports in Europe and Canada and his incredibly positive outlook on life in general and his ability to mentally prepare himself and relax his students to deal with the game is an amazing attribute.
Member of Puckstoppers team since 1990

JUKKA ROPPONEN (Finland)
Jukka has professionally coached goaltending all over the globe. His most recent professional coaching position was with European & Finnish Elite League Champion, Jokerit. Where his goaltenders also won the GAA awards. He has authored his own books and instructional materials on the position. Many of the players Jukka has worked with have gone on to play in the NHL. His strong work ethics and unique European drills always keep students alert and produce amazing results. We were fortunate to have Jukka travel to London each summer to fulfill the role of Head On Ice Instructor of our High Intensity course and pass along his knowledge and expertise for 10 years.
Member of Puckstoppers team 1992 to 2002

Past & Present Shooting Instructors:
We attract high quality instructors! Our Shooting instructors are always top notch players. 

Alain Lemieux (Canada)
Our Head Shooting Instructor in 2006 & 2007. From his early years in Ville Emard, Montreal, to his success as an NHL forward, to his development of youth instructional programs, he has lived the sport and contributed in a large part to the desire and achievement of thousands of children who seek to emulate his skill.  

The oldest brother of Hall of Fame Superstar Mario Lemieux, Alain’s interest and participation in hockey initiated a passion for the sport that became his families life, and he went on to set impressive records at a young age; a few remain unbroken to this day.

Drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the early eighties, Alain’s offensive skills became widely recognized throughout the NHL, resulting in a six-year career with the Blues as well as the Quebec Nordiques.

Upon his retirement from the NHL, he successfully blended his experience with the demand for specialized developmental youth and adult hockey programs in cities throughout the country.  The result, a defined program of skill strengthening with close to 15 years of success in both the United States and Canada.  This highly sought expertise led to the creation of numerous youth and adult projects which he developed and directed, and has had tremendous following, including highly recognizable names from the NHL as well as his brother Mario.   

Alain’s success is due in large part to his revolutionary instructional techniques as well as his ability to encourage each participant to realize his/her potential.  He is able to educate and motivate while keeping the programs enjoyable and memorable for all participants, and it is this unique instructional style that differentiates him from the others. 
Member of Puckstoppers team 2006 & 2007

LORENZ SNEYERS (Belgium)
Lorenz has played for the National Junior Team in Belgium and has been on 3 consecutive championship teams. He also plays in the Premier Division and has worked with the IIHF Development Camps. Lorenz is a highly skilled player with an absolutely phenomenal attitude, making him perfect for working with our students, earning their respect, teaching and garnering the most from them. His schooling credentials are also based in sports and physiology. 
Member of Puckstoppers team since 2002

ROB SCHREMP (United States)
Rob is a first round draft pick of the Edmonton Oilers, Memorial Cup Champion with the 2004/05 London Knights, Leading Scorer in the OHL 2005/06, 3rd fastest player ever to reach 100 points an OHL season (37 games), star player for Team USA in the world Juniors and widely recognized as having one of the deadliest shots and quickest releases in all of hockey. Rob also set the all time OHL record for most assists in a playoff year 2006, so he's generous and accurate with his playmaking abilities. This guy knows how to release the puck, pass, aim and SCORE! Rob is a favourite with all the students and goalies at the camp. 
Member of Puckstoppers team in 2005

FRED POLCI (Canada)
Fred is Head of the London Skating Club as well as several prominent hockey schools and a former Toronto Maple Leaf camp attendee. He is also an elementary school teacher, covering grades JK to 6, for over 15 years. He holds a Bachelor of Arts as well as a Bachelor of Education.Other accomplishments include NCCP level 3 Coaching Certificate, ECIS First Aid Training, & CFSA Certificate as a Certified Power Skating Instructor.

Fred conducts sold out hockey development classes throughout the year, for groups of up to 50 on a nightly basis. He is in demand throughout the year because of his great talent and ability to teach hockey skills. We feel very fortunate to have been able to add Fred to our list of instructors.He quickly develops an amazing report with his students and is extremely effective in communicating with all ages.
Member of Puckstoppers team 2001 & 2002

MARK MANCARI (Canada)
A standout defencemen with the OHA's Ottawa 67's and drafted into the NHL in 2004, Mark is great with the kids and effectively communicates the skills required for proper shooting techniques. His insight into the game and professional manner are well beyond his years. Mark had a hugely successful first year in pro with the Rochester Americans. 
Member of Puckstoppers team 2003

JON SAUNDERS (United States)
A hockey 'nut', Jon is often on the ice for 10 - 11 hours a day and would stay longer if he could. His style and immediate likeability are what draw students to perform at their best for him. Jon is often able to get results from a student that no one else could have.
Member of Puckstoppers team 1997 to 2004

Off Ice Personnel

RICK ADDY (Canada)
Rick is our resident 'Geek' and maintains all off ice paperwork and organization, allowing our instructors to focus on their primary task, instructing. His positive nature and excellent communications skills allow Rick to interact with parents and help answer questions, while the on ice activities are taking place. Rick's skill as a computer programmer and his past experience as a goaltender are invaluable to the success of our programs.
Member of Puckstoppers team since 1992

CHRISTINA DYSON (Canada)
Christina keeps the guys in line throughout the week and is responsible for keeping much of the paperwork on track. Since she has grown up with the school she is aware of all the working of the programs and is available to answer questions throughout the week and her organizational skills are a valuable asset to everyone involved. 
Member of Puckstoppers team since birth ; > ) 

*Instructors at each location will vary due to previous commitments or travel arrangements.