The Cutting Edge Ice Academy Goaltending Program is focused on the individual needs of its goalies. The modern methods of today’s game are instilled here. Stance, skating, angles, recovery, rebound control and save selection are all focus areas and the foundation of our program. Focus training, mental toughness, and off-ice agility are also part of this regimen to create the elite goaltender.

On ice, the goaltenders will reinforce their knowledge of the basics on a daily basis. Combine that with position-specific training tools such as: white pucks, screen boards, deflection boards and a high shot count and you have one of the most rigorous and beneficial goaltending programs around.

In our individual training sessions, each goalie can see up to 200 shots that are placed specifically to benefit them and their training, not the shooter.

In a typical team practice, goalies will see approximately 75-80 shots per session. Most of these shots will either go wide of the net or hit the glass. Our off-ice training will keep the goaltender flexible and physically ready for any stretch of games he or she may be selected to play.

Through an evaluation session, a tailor-made training program will be created for each individual goaltender. Playing levels, personal goals, and academics will all be considered in the creation of the personal training regimen.

White pucks, mini pucks, and focus-enhancing hoods are utilized for this skill. With our white pucks, goalies will learn how to track the puck more accurately since the normal contrast of a black puck on white ice has been removed. With mini pucks that are considerably smaller than regulation sized pucks, the goalie will be forced to react and move faster into the shot to make the save. Throw in a hood designed to make things even harder to focus on, and you have one of the most unique goalie sessions to date.

Deflection boards and talented shooters will have pucks coming towards the goalie from all angles. Combinations of high and low deflections will challenge even the most talented goaltender.

Learn to work through screens and traffic in front of the net without losing site of the puck. With our screen boards the goaltender is forced to react more quickly to stop incoming shots.

Eliminate those second chance opportunities and simplify your game. The focus will be the correct save selection, covering the puck, and directing the puck into the corners and up into the glass.

The most exciting play in hockey - learn how to correctly gap and pace yourself with the shooter, anticipate dekes, read the shooter’s stick and shut him down. Gain professional insight from experienced shooters about what they look for on a breakaway.

Learn how to read the play, maintain proper positioning, and anticipate scoring opportunities from behind the net. Learn how to help your defensemen through communication of the play at hand.

Learn to stay on your feet and stay in position longer. Too often, goalies are caught going into a butterfly prematurely, and get beat high to the glove and blocker sides. Aggressive positioning and accurate angles are emphasized.

Learn the proper techniques of the butterfly save. Movement, recovery, and timing are emphasized. Work on building leg strength to create and execute a tight and effective butterfly while maintaining squareness in every aspect of the butterfly style.

Although goalies never want to find themselves out of position where a “desperation save” is required, there are certain techniques that every goalie should know to use as a last resort.

Intense drills to build leg strength and interval testing designed to ensure our goaltenders are maintaining “game shape” all season long.

One-on-one hockey lessons are an excellent way to improve and fine tune existing skills, learn new skills, and address specific issues in a goaltender’s game. Instructors can focus on individual skills such as rebound control and stickhandling, and identify other specific areas for improvement. In a one-on-one setting, instructors are able to establish a rapport with the goalie, creating a great environment for learning and developing additional confidence in net.

One-on-one goaltender sessions may be taken as a single lesson, or in packages of 6, 12, 24, or 48 lessons. To find out more about the benefits of our One-on-One training call us at 201-773-6647 to speak to one of our Senior Coaches. To check availability, you can call or refer to the “Schedule” section of our web site.