World Renowned Goaltending Schools > Philosophy

Unedited article that appeared in "The Hockey News" Jan. 31/97
*(Revised to reflect current status as of March 2005)

Keys to a Successful Goal School

Training Goaltenders is something London, Ontario based, Puckstoppers Goaltending Services has been doing for over 10 years *(since 1988).

"Our philosophy is simple," says camp Director Chris Dyson, "We have a solid group of instructors, each of whom has been with our program for a minimum of 5 years *(now - 13 years). (Some as long as 10 years *now 17 years.) At our schools we believe that CONSISTENCY in teaching is an absolute must for student development. You simply cannot have instructors teaching the same thing several different ways. It only confuses the student. "We continually stress consistency with out instructors at pre camp meetings and throughout the camps. This emphasis, coupled with our veteran instructors helps create that necessary consistency."

To excel at anything in life you must enjoy it. We do our utmost to ensure that each and every student has an enjoyable and FUN time. This leads to more retention and in turn, better goalies, says Gerry Ellison, "Puckstoppers" senior instructor *(now Head Instructor) "We also offer incentive prizes for results. Last year (1996) we presented over $10,000 worth of prizes, including a trip to Finland and an entire set of McM goal equipment."
*(Every year since 1997 we have presented 2 complete sets of goal equipment plus players gloves, sticks and more, totalling well over $10 000 annually)

Many goaltending schools bill themselves as being targeted toward a specific style (e.g. butterfly). "Puckstoppers believes that the situation dictates the save technique, not the teacher. By teaching one specific style , many goaltenders are limiting themselves by not using "all of the tools in the bag". We do not teach a specific style. Our programs are designed to work with each goaltender's strength and improve upon it. We build on what the student does well and ADAPT our drills to work with that style. We don't try to turn everyone into clones. I believe this is critical, says Jukka Ropponen, Finnish Elite Division, European Cup Champion, coach and Head on ice Instructor for Puckstoppers "High Intensity" school.

Dyson emphasizes, "Everything we do and teach is done with specific intent. Our staff and myself firmly believe that an EXPLANATION of why we are teaching and asking students to perform certain drills is an absolute must. Students need to know why they are doing drills or being asked to change. Without and explanation, there is no incentive for the student to change."

The "How to Coach Goaltenders" seminar (now including a Parent Seminar) was born out of many repeated requests and inquiries. It has grown consistently and has now evolved into the current 2 day format that is very interactive. Coaches and parents of goaltenders attend for the same reasons - to help their goalies play better. The seminar allows them to understand the mechanics and intricacies of the position through interactive discussion, on ice participation and use of a 30 to 40 page workbook *(now - 70 to 80 pages). The course covers the basics, equipment, drills, stretches, team concept and a multitude of information. This course is an absolute must for any coach or parent of a goalie.
NOTE: This program is refined and updated every year as we add new material

New for '97 is the addition of a Shooters Program. This school is designed to accomplish only one thing - demonstrate and develop shot techniques and accuracy. Shooters can expect to shoot literally thousands of pucks. Slap shots, wrist shots, heavy shots, spinning rebound shots, and dead shots are all covered along with many others. The addition of this program was a natural, Dyson explained. Who better to teach a shooter how to score, than the guy he's trying to beat? Goalies know what works and what doesn't, and we definitely know all of the shot variations. An interesting combination, but a logical one.
NOTE: This program is refined and updated every year as we add new material and improve our instructor base

Puckstoppers has the most comprehensive goaltender training programs around and their worldwide attendance proves it. "Six countries have been represented at our schools in the past 2 years alone," (students from 15 countries have attended since 1996 ) Dyson explained. Our international attendance is growing every year. Our reputation for quality training speaks for itself!

All 'Target Talk' articles and the name 'Target Talk' are expressly for the enjoyment of our readers. Whole or partial reproduction is strictly forbidden without the express written permission of Puckstoppers Goaltending Services.