[Revised 10/29] You only get one chance to make a first impression… and we made a splash. With 2 National Camps, 5 Regional Camps, and PRO Consulting, our 1st summer under the USA brand was jammed packed with opportunities for each of our goaltenders to develop. All goalies should be provided with ELITE coaching and development. We work hard to create programs for every level and type of goaltender, and this summer did just that. Over 175 male and female goaltenders ranging from mite house to AAA midget and Junior A to professional levels enjoyed time in the nets with us this summer.
“I just want to thank you for such a great camp. I had a great time. It was by far the best camp I have ever attended. I feel that I developed a lot as a goalie and that it got me in good shape for the upcoming season. I will defiantly be there next year. Thank you.” Jon Mor – HPHL Chicago Young Americans U16 AAA. Jon attended our GDI WEST camp at the University of Wisconsin.
The inaugural WEST camp was just one highlight of the summer. We kicked it all off in July by putting the Wayne, NJ camp on for a 2nd year. This smaller group included some surprisingly good young goaltenders and we were joined by 2 Jersey Hitmen goalies that helped us coach and bring their personal experience to the forefront. We then conducted our 4th annual NDC at Quinnipiac University, in Hamden, CT. A sell out event, the facilities offered our students the second to none experience of a week filled with development and exposure, as our staff again included the school’s Strength & Conditioning Coach Brijesh Patel. “Coach B” delivered new and challenging workouts as his focus is to educate the group on how and what to train, not just to break a sweat. We were joined by long time friend Dan Stewart, owner of the CT Crease Canada in Toronto, GDI legend Bryan Mountain, and 3 time ECHL Goalie of the Year Jeff Jakaitis would demonstrate each drill to begin the sessions. USA Hockey’s Brennan Poderzay gave the guys insight to the USNTDP, Coach Ted Monnich knocked it out of the park with 5 new Mental Game discussions, and our snipers on the ice were having a tough time putting pucks past the 36 goalies in attendance. Those students haled from 15 different states as we continue to draw a very diverse audience.
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The following week included our 1st ever girls/women only event in Chicago as well as our annual Washington DC/Baltimore camp. Our overfilled “For girls; By girls” camp was a real hit with the ladies. Directed by our very own Sanya Sandahl and USA Hockey’s Lucy Schoedel, the week transpired into more than just drills and workouts, but rather the 1st time Chicago’s best female goalies assembled, bonded, and had fun together. Giving them a chance to learn from one another and create a culture that greatly lacks, thanks to area politics and blood feuds between clubs. This was one of coach Sanya’s main objectives, one she has achieved in her home state of MN.
“I know it took quite some time, after putting in long hours, to complete an eval for each goalie at camp. You are the only coach, we’ve met, who goes above and beyond like that to help reinforce what needs to be improved upon and to acknowledge strengths from a coaching perspective. I know Sara truly enjoyed camp, learned much to take back with her, all while being taught by positive role models. Couldn’t ask for more than that! Hope you will continue this camp in the future.” Rebecca Glawe, mother of Sara – Madison Capitols U16 AAA. Sara attended our GDI Midwest Girls Camp
Meanwhile in MD, the faithful returned for an 8th summer of development. Joined by young instructors playing at peak levels, Coach Jay Chrapala led the groups through a rigorous training regimen. We are proud to call DC our original home and continue to expand programming in the Southeast.
The first week of August gave goalies in the Chicagoland area a camp like no other they had experienced, as we launched our first summer at the Edge Ice Arena. From USHL Chicago Steel Strength Coach Virgil Strzelecki’s demanding fitness, to Coach Rutledge’s grueling PSM Circuit, our kids got better; and that’s the sole purpose for attending a goalie camp. Again, a young staff of goalies that play at elite levels of the game joined us; inspired our groups. Learning from these guys is a real treat, as they are the tangible proof of our structure and philosophy.
Our big debut of GDI WEST was up next. The success of EAST and abundance of Midwestern attendees afforded us the opportunity to expand to the University of Wisconsin, in Madison. The consensus vote from coaches and students that had now experienced both was that the Kohl Center and set up in WI was even better than Quinnipiac’s TD Bank Sport Center and accommodations. We strive to improve all that we do and were pleased to have accomplished this goal. Currently featured Q5 subject Keegan Asmundson demonstrated all on ice drills this week. But he was slightly over shadowed by NHL St. Louis Blues goalie and Badger alumni Brian Elliott, who skated with us (in full gear) each day! Brian had been training on his own at the rink and was excited to join our impressionable young goalies for his own selfish reasons of preparation; but he was awesome with our guys, providing insight, helping to motivate, talking shop, and even signing autographs while with us. That was a one of a kind experience. We were also honored to be joined by so many pro players shooting on our goalies, as many WI alumni call Madison home. The 33 goalies that joined us were pushed hard during the week, as D1 and USHL scouts intriguingly looked on, Wisconsin Strength and Conditioning Coach Jim Snider demanded maximum detail in the gym. For a 1st effort at this new venue, we were thrilled to welcome so many goalies and believe the camp to be even better next summer, as we have set our 2016 return dates.
York, PA pulled the straw of last camp on the east coast by receiving a Regional Camp directed by Coach Jay Chrapala. He was joined by Goalies Plus owner Mike Sherman as the two of them set the stage for the coming seasons’ work with our affiliated club, the York Devils. Rare beginners were joined by seasoned vets as the groups were introduced to the guidelines for what Jay and Mike will continue progressing during the year.
Lastly, the objective of providing training to ALL goaltenders would not be complete without offering a program to our Junior, Collegiate, and Professional students. The 2015 Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks’ practice home, Johnny’s Ice House, would play host to our annual PRO Consulting event. Joined by USHL Dubuque Fighting Saints Assistant Coach/Goalie Coach Matt Millar, Ryan Honick worked 1 on 1 with USPHL, NAHL, USHL, OHL, B1G, NCHC, and Hockey East goalies. Preparing an elite goaltender for battle is no different than working with an aspiring youth; it starts with simple fundamental movements and saves before diving into advanced theory and concept. Holding the event in Chicago afforded local talent, and devoted students that traveled in, the chance to work with two elite USHL Goalie Coaches. We look to expand this program next summer.
We would like to thank everyone involved for being a part of this great 1st summer under the USA brand. From the attending students, the incredible staff, our strength trainers, yoga instructors, each rink and hospitality facility and staff, and our shooters, thank you! Our partners have earned special acknowledgement. Thanks to Brian’s Custom Goal for our jerseys, Under Armour for our apparel, Goalies Plus for our awards, Anchor Pegs and Edge ProTech for making our drills better, Vaughn Custom Sports for demonstrating at GDI WEST, Vizual Edge who presented at our Chicago Boys and Girls camps, Guiding Future Stars who presented at our Washington camp, InGoal Magazine for all they do, and the parents who support their sons and daughters dreams, thank you for making 2015 a huge success.
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