Although this thread does not specifically start out about goaltending, the new guidelines that are being developed by USA Hockey will impact all players, including goalies. I will make the general statement that the Finnish hockey Association is to Finland, as USA Hockey is to the United States, please correct me if that is not true. ( http://www.finhockey.fi and www.usahockey.com )
The two articles linked below explain the new directions for the association; there are numerous references to Finland and Europe as models for development.
http://www.usahockey.com/ADM/default.as ... edNews=yes
http://www.usahockey.com/uploadedFiles/ ... %20Paper(2)%201.26.09.pdf
(you may have to copy and paste the above link, the () are messing with the url format)
One of the central themes in the new USA Hockey program is development of hockey players between the ages of 9 to 12. Diagram 2, on page five of the second linked article describes this.
One of the reasons this might not work is that the more experienced coaches work with the older players, ages 16 to 19. There are even fewer experienced coaches to work with goalies in the U.S. In fact most of the goalie instruction at this ages comes from well-intentioned parents. I respect them for helping, but many times at age 14 an experienced coach will have to undo some of the coaching that has occurred at the earlier ages.
With all of this said perhaps we could discuss some questions.
Do most believe that goalies develop later than the 9 to 12 year old time frame that USA Hockey is targeting? My personal belief is that in any sport, the more the position being played “reads and reacts”, the later the growth curve occurs.
Does the Finnish model follow the U.S. model and have the most qualified coaches work with the oldest players or do the most experienced coaches work with younger players?
It is a pleasure to be here, and I welcome any and all responses.