Coaching Philosophy

Patrick uses his experience in the OHL, NHL, Canadian University and Europe to guide his philosophy on how to make each goalie the best version of themselves. Simply put, a goalie’s only job when on the ice is to stop the puck from going in the net. When looking at goaltending from the perspective of what we are trying to accomplish, it becomes apparent that goaltending doesn’t need to be an exercise in technical perfection. In fact, as long as we successfully keep the puck out of the net as much as possible, we can come to the realization that we have the freedom to accomplish that goal in the way that best suits our strengths and weaknesses.

When we look at goaltending at the elite level, no two goalies are built the same, and despite their goals being the same (stop the puck), no two goalies do it the same way. For example, would Tim Thomas be a Stanley Cup champion with two Vezina trophies if a goalie coach tried to stifle his athleticism and turn him into a more technical goalie like Carey Price?

With this in mind, Patrick breaks his coaching down into two fundamental tools, TECHNICAL ABILITY and ATHLETIC ABILITY. Technical ability is reinforced in these sessions through instruction and repetition. In these sessions, we will emulate and simulate realistic game-like situations in order to put focus on positioning and technical ability with the primary goal of putting us in a situation to make saves in a real game.

There is no doubt that technical ability is important. The ability to be athletic when required is also a skill that must be nurtured. Goaltending is an inherently reactive position that includes many situations beyond our control. We are often expected to do things that fall beyond the normal scope of technical goaltending. In order to achieve our primary goal of keeping the puck out of the net, nurturing our athletic ability is a fundamental skill required to deal with the chaos in a routine game. Patricks’ focus on developing athleticism as a fundamental tool will allow goalies to separate themselves from the average goalie who relies solely on technique.

Patrick achieves this by allowing goalies the freedom to “battle,” “compete,” and be “desperate” in order to save pucks. This style of coaching lets goalies feel comfortable in their own style and allows them the freedom to explore the different ways to do their jobs effectively.

Using the fundamental building blocks of Accountability, Integrity, Transparency, and Process. Patrick facilitates the process of goalies adding tools to their toolbox. Patrick’s goal is to give each individual goalie as many tools as possible for them to be successful. It is each goalie’s responsibility to take that toolbox to work and get the job done.