The Goalie Coaches Newsletter

The newsletter for goalie parents who want smarter development decisions — not more noise.
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Goalie Parents Edition Issue 27 June 26, 2026 @goaliecoaches

IN THIS ISSUE

01 Crease Notes — The 2026 NHL Draft Goalie Class — Who's Worth Watching

02 Gear Verdict — The Pure Goalie 4th of July Sale Is Live
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​03 This Week's Find — Pre-Game Vision Training With True Focus Vision

04 Crease Notes Bonus — Is the Best Goalie in the World About to Switch Teams?

05 Crease Poll — One question. 10 seconds. Shapes next week.

01 — CREASE NOTES

Goalies of the 2026 NHL Draft

The NHL Draft lands today, (Friday) and Saturday in Buffalo NY, and while it's unlikely any goalie hears their name called in the first round this year — that almost never happens — there's real talent in this class for teams patient enough to develop it.

NHL Central Scouting's top-ranked North American goalie is Brady Knowling, a 6-foot-5 USA Hockey product who doesn't put much stock in his own ranking but had a standout season with the U-18 National Team Development Program. He's headed to junior hockey next year before committing to Boston University in 2027. Scouts love his size and his ability to seal holes tight in the butterfly.

Further down the board, keep an eye on Tomas Sklenicka, a 6-foot-3 Czech netminder scouts are already comparing to Elvis Merzlikins, and Antoine Lacelle, who led the entire QMJHL with seven shutouts this season.

Here's the thing about drafting goalies: almost none of them play meaningful NHL minutes for 3-5 years, if ever. The position takes longer to develop than any other in hockey. If your goalie idolizes whoever gets picked this weekend, that's a great conversation starter — not about draft position, but about patience. Even the best goalies in the world spent years in the minors before anyone outside their own organization knew their name.

(Speaking of which — see this week's other Crease Notes item below.)

02 — GEAR VERDICT

This is the one sale a year worth circling on the calendar. Pure Goalie's annual 4th of July sale is live now, and if you've been holding off on a gear upgrade, this is the window to do it — discounts across pads, gloves, blockers, sticks, and protective gear, all in one place. The Bauer Konekt Skates are marked down from $899 to $594.97, this is just 1 example of a significant sale we are watching.

If you've been waiting on a specific upgrade — a new chest protector before next season, a backup stick, a mask refresh — check the sale before you buy anywhere else next week.

Wondering how to size goalie gear for your goalie? We have a complete breakdown for you to read for free here!​

03 — THIS WEEK'S FIND

Pre-Game Vision Training With True Focus

This week's pick is a series, not a single video — True Focus Vision's pre-game vision training drills, designed specifically for goalies who want to sharpen tracking and reaction speed before puck drop.

Vision training is one of the most underrated parts of goalie development. Most parents and coaches focus entirely on positioning and technique, but a goalie who can't track the puck cleanly through traffic is fighting an uphill battle no matter how clean their butterfly is. These drills are simple enough to run in five minutes before warmups.

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04 — Bonus Crease Notes

Is the Best Goalie in the World About to Switch Teams?

While we're talking about draft prospects who might be NHL starters in five years, here's a name already there: Connor Hellebuyck.

Reports broke this week that the Carolina Hurricanes — fresh off their Stanley Cup win — made a trade offer to the Winnipeg Jets for Hellebuyck, a three-time Vezina Trophy winner and one of the most respected goalies in the league. The reported offer includes a first-round pick and rookie defenseman Alexander Nikishin. Nothing is final — Hellebuyck has a no-movement clause and full control over where he ends up — but if it happens, it would pair him with Stanley Cup hero Brandon Bussi in arguably the best goaltending tandem in hockey.

Worth watching this week if your goalie follows the league closely.

One question. Your answer shapes next week.

How does your goalie prepare before games?

Elite Goalies have structure and a gameday routine, if you need this reply to this email and we will send our gameday routine pdf back your way for free!

As always thank you for being the best part of Goalie Coaches — Joe · Goalie Coaches