GOALTENDING DEVELOPMENT CAMPS

Off-ice training and mental focus are just as important as time spent on the ice for goalie training. The Yoga for Goalies program offers one-hour sessions designed specifically to support the unique physical and mental demands of goaltending, aligning with on-ice development goals.

Led by experienced yoga instructors, each session emphasizes flexibility, balance, and strength, incorporating movements that mirror the core actions of a goaltender. Poses and postures are tailored to improve hip mobility, groin strength, core stability, and overall balance, helping athletes gain better physical control and agility on the ice.

Each session concludes with meditation and breathwork, encouraging goalies to focus mindfully on each inhale and exhale. This element of sports psychology includes visualization techniques that guide participants to feel centered and confident, preparing the mind and body as if stepping onto the ice for a game.

This program provides a holistic approach to goaltender development, enhancing physical performance, mental focus, and on-ice confidence.

Ryan and his team of assistant coaches, shooters, and demo goalies provide high-quality on-ice training sessions designed to enhance all aspects of a goaltender’s game. Each session focuses on movement, skating, puck handling, and shot-stopping skills, while incorporating elements of sports psychology to help goalies develop mental resilience and confidence. The sessions typically begin with fundamental skating and edgework drills to improve agility and balance, progress to technical work with shots and rebounds, and conclude with small-area games or competitions that allow goalies to apply their skills in game-like situations. 

Key Components:

• Skating Development: Focused on edgework to improve agility, balance, and quick changes of direction for better net coverage and overall quickness.

• Puck Handling & Passing: Enhances stickhandling and passing skills, allowing goalies to control and distribute the puck effectively.

• Technical Training: Emphasizes shot-stopping, rebound control, and proper positioning.

• Game Application: Drills in confined spaces simulate real-game pressure, helping goalies apply skills under competitive conditions while also benefiting from yoga for goalies to enhance flexibility and focus. 

These on-ice development sessions offer a comprehensive, hands-on approach to goalie training, ensuring athletes improve both technically and strategically while gaining confidence in game situations.

Mental focus and toughness are crucial for goaltenders, who face high-pressure situations on every shift. In this one-hour session, Ryan combines his expertise in sports psychology and mental health to help goalies improve their goalie training by building resilience, managing performance pressure, maintaining focus, and recovering from mistakes.

Participants will learn practical techniques, including positive self-talk, visualization, pre-game routines, and mindset development, all designed to strengthen confidence and mental preparedness. By emphasizing the psychological side of the game, this program aids in on-ice development, helping goalies cultivate the mindset necessary to perform at their best as the last line of defense.

Elite goaltenders recognize that mental preparation is as vital as physical training. This session equips both young and experienced athletes with the tools they need to excel under pressure, including methods from yoga for goalies to enhance their mental and physical well-being.