WHAT IT TAKES TO PLAY JUNIOR/UNIVERSITY HOCKEY
What Coaches Look for in 16–18-Year-Old Goaltenders.
By U16–U18 (Midget/High School/Junior entry), evaluations shift dramatically.
Coaches are no longer looking for “potential only” — they’re looking for goalies who can win games, handle pressure, and project forward.Here’s what truly matters.
1) Consistency Over Highlight Saves
A goalie who makes the routine save every time is far more valuable than one who makes spectacular stops but gives up soft goals.
Coaches ask:
Can we trust this goalie nightly? Do they control rebounds? Are they square and efficient? Do they beat plays on their feet when possible?
Boring = elite at this age.
2) Hockey IQ & Game Reading
Tracking and anticipation separate top goalies from athletic ones.
Key indicators:
Reads rush plays early, Identifies dangerous threats, Adjusts depth appropriately, Handles screens intelligently, Controls play after the first save
Coaches want goalies who make the game predictable for the team.
3) Movement Efficiency (Not Flash)
Big, controlled movements beat desperation.
They watch for:
Clean post integrations (RVH/VH use), Edge control, Quiet upper body, Ability to arrive set, not sliding through saves, Recovery speed
Over-sliding and scrambling are red flags.
4) Size + Athletic Projection
Size matters — but so does how it’s used.
Coaches evaluate:
Net coverage in stance, Posture (tall vs crouched), Mobility relative to size, Frame for future strength gains
A 5'10" elite mover can still advance — but must be exceptional technically and mentally.
5) Rebound & Puck Control
Second chances kill teams.
Strong prospects:
Direct pucks to safe areas, Freeze when needed, Absorb shots cleanly, Reset quickly
Chaos around the crease signals risk.
6) Compete Level & Mental Toughness
This may be the biggest factor.
Coaches watch how goalies respond to:
Bad goals, Traffic, Physical play, Losing streaks, High-shot games (fatigue), Low-shot games (mental toughness)
Elite prospects show: Short memory, Stable body language, Confidence without arrogance, Ability to “steal” games knowing they won't steal every game
7) Communication & Leadership
Goalies who help their defense are gold.
They notice:
Clear puck calls (“time,” “reverse,” etc.), Bench engagement (not just in their head), Calm direction during chaos, Accountability
Silent goalies are harder to trust
8) Puck Handling Ability
Modern hockey demands it.
Even basic competence can change recruitment interest.
Skills evaluated: Stopping rims, Making simple outlet passes, Avoiding dangerous turnovers, Acting as a third defenseman when needed
9) Development Trend (Not Just Current Level)
Coaches care deeply about trajectory.
Questions they ask:
Is this goalie improving each season? Do they respond to coaching? Are fundamentals trending upward? Is physical development still coming?
Late bloomers are common in goaltending.
10) Performance in Real Games (Not Camps)
Game film matters far more than drill clips.
They want to see:
Reads under pressure, Traffic management, Positioning without guidance, Performance vs strong opponents,Behavior after goals against
next what to do if you aren't a top prospect
How 2nd-Tier Midget & High School Goalies Can Keep Playing at the Highest Possible Level
If your goalie isn’t on the AAA or elite prep track, that doesn’t mean the road ends. In fact, many excellent goaltenders take “longer” paths and still reach Junior, College, and beyond. The key is understanding that after Midget/High School, hockey becomes less about labels and more about fit, development, and exposure.
Here’s the roadmap I give families.
1) Stay in Competitive Game Environments
Goalies develop through games, not just practices.
Look for the highest level where your child will:
Play meaningful minutes (not sit as a backup all season), Face quality shooters, Be in structured systems, Play pressure games
Being a starter at a slightly lower level is often better than being a third goalie on a “higher” team.
2) Late Development Is Very Real for Goalies
Goalies mature later physically and mentally than skaters.
Many strong junior and college goalies were not elite at 14–16. Size, strength, tracking ability, and composure often jump between 16–20.
What matters:
Consistent improvement year over year, Coachability, Mental resilience, Work Ethic, Self Belief, Athletic base
3) Build the “Goalie Package,” Not Just Saves
Coaches recruit goalies who are reliable teammates and competitors.
Develop:
Puck handling, Rebound control, Communication with defense, Game management, Calm body language, Consistency over highlight saves
A goalie who makes the first save easy for the team gets noticed.
4) Off-Ice Training Becomes Critical
By Midget age, athletic development can separate players.
Focus on:
Lower-body strength, Mobility and hip/ankle/groin health, Core stability, Conditioning, Reaction training
Multi-sport backgrounds help tremendously.
5) Create Visibility — Don’t Wait to Be Found
Outside top AAA/prep programs, exposure must be proactive.
Important steps:
Build a clean highlight video (game footage, not drills), Track stats and progress, Attend goalie showcases strategically, Email junior/prep coaches professionally
Coaches can’t recruit players they don’t know exist.
6) Choose Development Over Ego
This is the biggest mistake families make.
Avoid chasing logos or levels just to “say” you play there.
Ask:
Where will my goalie improve the most this season?
Sometimes the best move is: Another year of Midget, Switching teams for more starts,Prep school year
Junior C → Junior B → Junior A progression
Hockey careers are ladders, not elevators.
7) Protect the Love of the Position
Burnout ends more careers than lack of talent.
Goalies who last:
Enjoy competing, Handle adversity, Want to train, Have balance outside hockey
A motivated AA goalie will often surpass a burned-out AAA goalie by age 18-20.
The Bottom Line
There are MANY legitimate high-level pathways:
Junior B/C → Junior A
Prep School → College hockey
High School standout → Junior opportunities
Late bloomers → NCAA/USPORTS paths
If your goalie keeps improving, playing meaningful games, and staying hungry, doors continue to open.
Next: Email Properly and build a worthwhile promo video
How 2nd-Tier Midget & High School Goalies Can Keep Playing at the Highest Possible Level
If your goalie isn’t on the AAA or elite prep track, that doesn’t mean the road ends. In fact, many excellent goaltenders take “longer” paths and still reach Junior, College, and beyond. The key is understanding that after Midget/High School, hockey becomes less about labels and more about fit, development, and exposure.
Here’s the roadmap I give families.
1) Stay in Competitive Game Environments
Goalies develop through games, not just practices.
Look for the highest level where your child will:
Play meaningful minutes (not sit as a backup all season), Face quality shooters, Be in structured systems, Play pressure games
Being a starter at a slightly lower level is often better than being a third goalie on a “higher” team.
2) Late Development Is Very Real for Goalies
Goalies mature later physically and mentally than skaters.
Many strong junior and college goalies were not elite at 14–16. Size, strength, tracking ability, and composure often jump between 16–20.
What matters:
Consistent improvement year over year, Coachability, Mental resilience, Work Ethic, Self Belief, Athletic base
3) Build the “Goalie Package,” Not Just Saves
Coaches recruit goalies who are reliable teammates and competitors.
Develop:
Puck handling, Rebound control, Communication with defense, Game management, Calm body language, Consistency over highlight saves
A goalie who makes the first save easy for the team gets noticed.
4) Off-Ice Training Becomes Critical
By Midget age, athletic development can separate players.
Focus on:
Lower-body strength, Mobility and hip/ankle/groin health, Core stability, Conditioning, Reaction training
Multi-sport backgrounds help tremendously.
5) Create Visibility — Don’t Wait to Be Found
Outside top AAA/prep programs, exposure must be proactive.
Important steps:
Build a clean highlight video (game footage, not drills), Track stats and progress, Attend goalie showcases strategically, Email junior/prep coaches professionally
Coaches can’t recruit players they don’t know exist.
6) Choose Development Over Ego
This is the biggest mistake families make.
Avoid chasing logos or levels just to “say” you play there.
Ask:
Where will my goalie improve the most this season?
Sometimes the best move is: Another year of Midget, Switching teams for more starts,Prep school year
Junior C → Junior B → Junior A progression
Hockey careers are ladders, not elevators.
7) Protect the Love of the Position
Burnout ends more careers than lack of talent.
Goalies who last:
Enjoy competing, Handle adversity, Want to train, Have balance outside hockey
A motivated AA goalie will often surpass a burned-out AAA goalie by age 18-20.
The Bottom Line
There are MANY legitimate high-level pathways:
Junior B/C → Junior A
Prep School → College hockey
High School standout → Junior opportunities
Late bloomers → NCAA/USPORTS paths
If your goalie keeps improving, playing meaningful games, and staying hungry, doors continue to open.
Next: Email Properly and build a worthwhile promo video
How To Email and What To Send
Avoid Poor or Unprofessional Communication
Emails matter more than families realize.
Red flags:
Parents doing all communication, Sloppy emails, No introduction or context, Mass messages to dozens of teams
Goalies should gradually take ownership of contact (with guidance).
BE SURE TO BE REALISTIC AS TO WHERE YOU APPLY, EVERYONE WANTS THE LOGO OR THE TOP TEAMS, BE REALISTIC AND APPLY TO PLACES WHERE YOU WILL PLAY GAMES
How to Build a Standout Goalie Highlight Video
Length: 3–5 minutes max
Coaches watch quickly.
Structure That Works
Opening (10–20 seconds)
Show your best saves immediately, Breakaways, Cross-crease plays, Traffic saves, High-danger stops
First impression matters hugely.
Core Game Footage
Include:
Even-strength saves, Screens & rebounds, Rush chances, Post play, Puck handling, Recovery saves, Calm routine saves
Use real games — not drills.
What Coaches Are Actually Evaluating
Not just the save.
They look for:
Positioning before the shot, Tracking, Rebound control, Movement efficiency, Decision-making, Recovery speed, Body language
Common Video Mistakes
Too long, Slow-motion overload, Music louder than game audio, Poor video quality, No identification of goalie, Only spectacular saves (no context), lack of professionalism (if you can't invest the time into making a quality video, imagine the rest)
Must-Include Info Slide
At start or end:
Name, Birth year, Height / weight, Catch hand, Current team & league, Contact info, Academic info (if applicable)
Next: What Do Top Junior Teams Look For?
The Mental Checklist Junior A Scouts Use for Goalies:
Scouts do not evaluate goaltenders with a written form during games. Instead, they build a rapid internal profile while watching
The Evaluation Begins Before the Game Even Starts:
Warm-up is extremely important because it reveals movement quality, focus, and professionalism without the chaos of game play. Scouts observe edge control, balance, posture, and how engaged the goalie is in drills. They also note body language, work habits, and whether the equipment appears properly fitted and professional. A sloppy or disinterested warm-up immediately creates doubt about preparation and seriousness.
Once the puck drops:
one of the first technical qualities evaluated is tracking and vision. Elite goalies do not guess; they see the puck clearly through traffic and deflections. Scouts watch whether the goalie’s head leads the body, whether he can locate pucks through screens, and whether rebounds are found immediately or require searching. Losing sight of the puck or reacting late to deflections is considered a major weakness at the Junior A level.
Movement efficiency is another critical separator:
Scouts are not impressed by frantic speed; they want clean, economical movement. They look for strong edge control, the ability to arrive set before the shot, a quiet upper body, and controlled recoveries back to position. Excessive sliding, scrambling, or desperation saves suggest the goalie is surviving rather than controlling the play, which becomes dangerous at higher levels of speed.
Net management and rebound control strongly influence a scout’s confidence in a goalie:
Junior A shooters punish second chances quickly, so scouts watch whether rebounds are absorbed, directed safely, or allowed to sit in dangerous areas. They also notice whether the goalie knows when to freeze the puck to settle the game. A crease that becomes calmer after a save signals control, while growing chaos suggests risk.
Mental toughness and body language may be the most decisive factors of all:
Scouts pay close attention to how a goalie responds after allowing a goal, especially a bad one. They observe posture, emotional stability, competitiveness, and the ability to reset. Goalies who visibly unravel, blame teammates, or display frustration are often eliminated from consideration regardless of talent. A composed goalie with a short memory projects reliability under pressure.
Communication and leadership are also evaluated because the goalie has the best view of the ice:
Scouts listen for clear puck calls, direction to defensemen, engagement with teammates, and accountability after goals against. A calm, communicative presence suggests the goalie can stabilize a team, while silence or disengagement raises concerns about trust and command of the game.
Puck handling has become a modern necessity rather than a bonus skill:
Scouts watch real game situations to see whether the goalie can stop rims cleanly, make simple outlet passes, read forechecks, and avoid dangerous turnovers. Poor puck skills can limit how a team plays defensively, so even technically strong goalies may be passed over if they cannot manage the puck safely.
Consistency throughout the entire game is monitored carefully:
Scouts compare performance across periods, noting energy level, focus, and reliability on routine shots. They want a goalie who performs predictably from the first whistle to the last, not one who fluctuates dramatically. Reliability often outweighs spectacular play.
High-danger situations receive special attention because they reveal true competitive ability:
Breakaways, lateral passes, heavy screens, and chaotic crease play allow scouts to assess depth choices, patience, save selection, recovery ability, and overall composure. A goalie who consistently handles these moments can stand out as someone capable of stealing games.
Finally, scouts evaluate projection:
They are not only assessing the current performance but imagining what the goalie could become by age twenty. Size combined with mobility, athletic ceiling, technical foundation, coachability, developmental trend, and maturity all factor into this judgment. Teams are investing in future starters, not finished products.
By the end of the viewing, the scout’s internal question becomes simple: if this goalie were placed in our crease next season, would we trust him?
If the answer is uncertain, they typically move on to other options. Goalies are rarely recruited because of a single outstanding performance. They are chosen because they appear to be stable, improving, mentally resilient solutions who can handle pressure and continue developing within a program.
Next: Are you ready for Top Junior Leagues
A Brutally Honest “Are You Junior A Ready?” Test (Goalies)
Junior A is not just a slightly faster version of Midget or High School hockey. It is a major jump in speed, physical maturity, consistency demands, and mental pressure. This test reflects the quiet questions coaches ask themselves when evaluating whether a goalie can step into that environment without being overwhelmed.
Start with performance against strong competition:
If you regularly face top teams at your current level, you should still give your team a chance to win most nights. That does not mean a perfect goals-against average, but it does mean avoiding soft goals and staying composed when games get chaotic. If your performance swings wildly from dominant to shaky, you are likely not ready yet.
Consider how the game feels to you:
Junior-ready goalies do not feel rushed on every play. They can read developing attacks, move on time rather than late, and arrive set before most shots. If you often feel surprised by releases, over-slide past angles, or scramble frequently, the speed of Junior A will magnify those problems.
Rebound control is another reality check:
At higher levels, uncontrolled rebounds are almost always converted into goals. If pucks regularly stay in the slot, pop off your body into dangerous areas, or require multiple desperation saves, you will struggle. Junior-ready goalies either absorb shots cleanly, direct them safely, or freeze play when needed.
Evaluate your puck handling honestly:
Modern Junior teams expect their goalies to help breakouts. You do not need elite passing skills, but you must be able to stop rims, settle the puck under pressure, and make safe decisions. If your team avoids using you on puck touches because it feels risky, coaches will see the same limitation.
Mental resilience is often the deciding factor:
Ask how you respond after a bad goal. If your body language changes, confidence dips noticeably, or the next few shots become dangerous, Junior A pressure will expose that immediately. Ready goalies reset quickly, maintain posture, and compete the same way on the next shift.
Physical readiness also matters:
Junior shooters are stronger, older, and more accurate. You should be able to handle traffic, screens, and contact without losing positioning or composure. If heavy crease battles or sustained shot volume wear you down quickly, more development time is needed.
Consistency over time is a major indicator:
Being excellent for one game or one weekend is not enough. Junior coaches want to know whether you can perform through long stretches, back-to-back games, travel fatigue, and emotional highs and lows. If your performance declines significantly when tired or stressed, that gap will widen.
Another key question is trust:
Would a coach at a higher level feel comfortable starting you in an important game tomorrow? This is less about statistics and more about reliability, decision-making, and composure. Goalies who look calm, predictable, and structurally sound inspire confidence even before the puck drops.
Projection also plays a role:
Coaches assess not only who you are now but who you could become in two years. If you are still improving each season, responding to coaching, and physically developing, you may be considered ready even if not dominant. If your game has plateaued, teams may hesitate regardless of current performance.
Independence and professionalism:
Junior hockey involves travel, demanding schedules, and adult expectations. Being on time, managing school and sleep, maintaining equipment, and handling communication maturely are part of readiness. Coaches recruit athletes, not just players.
If most of these areas feel like strengths rather than concerns, you are likely approaching Junior A readiness.
If several areas expose weaknesses, that is not failure; it simply means more development time will produce a better long-term outcome. Many excellent Junior A starters were not ready at sixteen or seventeen but became dominant after another year or two of growth.
How 2nd-Tier Midget & High School Goalies Can Keep Playing at the Highest Possible Level
If your goalie isn’t on the AAA or elite prep track, that doesn’t mean the road ends. In fact, many excellent goaltenders take “longer” paths and still reach Junior, College, and beyond. The key is understanding that after Midget/High School, hockey becomes less about labels and more about fit, development, and exposure.
Here’s the roadmap I give families.
1) Stay in Competitive Game Environments
Goalies develop through games, not just practices.
Look for the highest level where your child will:
Play meaningful minutes (not sit as a backup all season), Face quality shooters, Be in structured systems, Play pressure games
Being a starter at a slightly lower level is often better than being a third goalie on a “higher” team.
2) Late Development Is Very Real for Goalies
Goalies mature later physically and mentally than skaters.
Many strong junior and college goalies were not elite at 14–16. Size, strength, tracking ability, and composure often jump between 16–20.
What matters:
Consistent improvement year over year, Coachability, Mental resilience, Work Ethic, Self Belief, Athletic base
3) Build the “Goalie Package,” Not Just Saves
Coaches recruit goalies who are reliable teammates and competitors.
Develop:
Puck handling, Rebound control, Communication with defense, Game management, Calm body language, Consistency over highlight saves
A goalie who makes the first save easy for the team gets noticed.
4) Off-Ice Training Becomes Critical
By Midget age, athletic development can separate players.
Focus on:
Lower-body strength, Mobility and hip/ankle/groin health, Core stability, Conditioning, Reaction training
Multi-sport backgrounds help tremendously.
5) Create Visibility — Don’t Wait to Be Found
Outside top AAA/prep programs, exposure must be proactive.
Important steps:
Build a clean highlight video (game footage, not drills), Track stats and progress, Attend goalie showcases strategically, Email junior/prep coaches professionally
Coaches can’t recruit players they don’t know exist.
6) Choose Development Over Ego
This is the biggest mistake families make.
Avoid chasing logos or levels just to “say” you play there.
Ask:
Where will my goalie improve the most this season?
Sometimes the best move is: Another year of Midget, Switching teams for more starts,Prep school year
Junior C → Junior B → Junior A progression
Hockey careers are ladders, not elevators.
7) Protect the Love of the Position
Burnout ends more careers than lack of talent.
Goalies who last:
Enjoy competing, Handle adversity, Want to train, Have balance outside hockey
A motivated AA goalie will often surpass a burned-out AAA goalie by age 18-20.
The Bottom Line
There are MANY legitimate high-level pathways:
If your goalie keeps improving, playing meaningful games, and staying hungry, doors continue to open.
Next: Email Properly and build a worthwhile promo video
How To Email and What To Send
Avoid Poor or Unprofessional Communication
Emails matter more than families realize.
Red flags:
Parents doing all communication, Sloppy emails, No introduction or context, Mass messages to dozens of teams
Goalies should gradually take ownership of contact (with guidance).
BE SURE TO BE REALISTIC AS TO WHERE YOU APPLY, EVERYONE WANTS THE LOGO OR THE TOP TEAMS, BE REALISTIC AND APPLY TO PLACES WHERE YOU WILL PLAY GAMES
How to Build a Standout Goalie Highlight Video
Length: 3–5 minutes max
Coaches watch quickly.
Structure That Works
Opening (10–20 seconds)
Show your best saves immediately, Breakaways, Cross-crease plays, Traffic saves, High-danger stops
First impression matters hugely.
Core Game Footage
Include:
Even-strength saves, Screens & rebounds, Rush chances, Post play, Puck handling, Recovery saves, Calm routine saves
Use real games — not drills.
What Coaches Are Actually Evaluating
Not just the save.
They look for:
Positioning before the shot, Tracking, Rebound control, Movement efficiency, Decision-making, Recovery speed, Body language
Common Video Mistakes
Too long, Slow-motion overload, Music louder than game audio, Poor video quality, No identification of goalie, Only spectacular saves (no context), lack of professionalism (if you can't invest the time into making a quality video, imagine the rest)
Must-Include Info Slide
At start or end:
Name, Birth year, Height / weight, Catch hand, Current team & league, Contact info, Academic info (if applicable)
The Mental Checklist Junior A Scouts Use for Goalies:
The Evaluation Begins Before the Game Even Starts:
Warm-up is extremely important because it reveals movement quality, focus, and professionalism without the chaos of game play. Scouts observe edge control, balance, posture, and how engaged the goalie is in drills. They also note body language, work habits, and whether the equipment appears properly fitted and professional. A sloppy or disinterested warm-up immediately creates doubt about preparation and seriousness.
Once the puck drops:
one of the first technical qualities evaluated is tracking and vision. Elite goalies do not guess; they see the puck clearly through traffic and deflections. Scouts watch whether the goalie’s head leads the body, whether he can locate pucks through screens, and whether rebounds are found immediately or require searching. Losing sight of the puck or reacting late to deflections is considered a major weakness at the Junior A level.
Movement efficiency is another critical separator:
Scouts are not impressed by frantic speed; they want clean, economical movement. They look for strong edge control, the ability to arrive set before the shot, a quiet upper body, and controlled recoveries back to position. Excessive sliding, scrambling, or desperation saves suggest the goalie is surviving rather than controlling the play, which becomes dangerous at higher levels of speed.
Net management and rebound control strongly influence a scout’:
Junior A shooters punish second chances quickly, so scouts watch whether rebounds are absorbed, directed safely, or allowed to sit in dangerous areas. They also notice whether the goalie knows when to freeze the puck to settle the game. A crease that becomes calmer after a save signals control, while growing chaos suggests risk.
Mental toughness and body language may be the most decisive factors of all:
Scouts pay close attention to how a goalie responds after allowing a goal, especially a bad one. They observe posture, emotional stability, competitiveness, and the ability to reset. Goalies who visibly unravel, blame teammates, or display frustration are often eliminated from consideration regardless of talent. A composed goalie with a short memory projects reliability under pressure.
Communication and leadership are also evaluate:
Scouts listen for clear puck calls, direction to defensemen, engagement with teammates, and accountability after goals against. A calm, communicative presence suggests the goalie can stabilize a team, while silence or disengagement raises concerns about trust and command of the game.
Puck handling has become a modern necessity rather than a bonus skill:
Scouts watch real game situations to see whether the goalie can stop rims cleanly, make simple outlet passes, read forechecks, and avoid dangerous turnovers. Poor puck skills can limit how a team plays defensively, so even technically strong goalies may be passed over if they cannot manage the puck safely.
Consistency throughout the entire game is monitored carefully:
Scouts compare performance across periods, noting energy level, focus, and reliability on routine shots. They want a goalie who performs predictably from the first whistle to the last, not one who fluctuates dramatically. Reliability often outweighs spectacular play.
High-danger situations receive special attention because they reveal true competitive ability:
Breakaways, lateral passes, heavy screens, and chaotic crease play allow scouts to assess depth choices, patience, save selection, recovery ability, and overall composure. A goalie who consistently handles these moments can stand out as someone capable of stealing games.
Finally, scouts evaluate projection:
They are not only assessing the current performance but imagining what the goalie could become by age twenty. Size combined with mobility, athletic ceiling, technical foundation, coachability, developmental trend, and maturity all factor into this judgment. Teams are investing in future starters, not finished products.
By the end of the viewing, the scout’s internal question becomes simple: if this goalie were placed in our crease next season, would we trust him?
If the answer is uncertain, they typically move on to other options. Goalies are rarely recruited because of a single outstanding performance. They are chosen because they appear to be stable, improving, mentally resilient solutions who can handle pressure and continue developing within a program.
A Brutally Honest “Are You Junior A Ready?” Test (Goalies)
Junior A is not just a slightly faster version of Midget or High School hockey. It is a major jump in speed, physical maturity, consistency demands, and mental pressure. This test reflects the quiet questions coaches ask themselves when evaluating whether a goalie can step into that environment without being overwhelmed.
Start with performance against strong competition:
If you regularly face top teams at your current level, you should still give your team a chance to win most nights. That does not mean a perfect goals-against average, but it does mean avoiding soft goals and staying composed when games get chaotic. If your performance swings wildly from dominant to shaky, you are likely not ready yet.
Consider how the game feels to you:
Junior-ready goalies do not feel rushed on every play. They can read developing attacks, move on time rather than late, and arrive set before most shots. If you often feel surprised by releases, over-slide past angles, or scramble frequently, the speed of Junior A will magnify those problems.
Rebound control is another reality check:
At higher levels, uncontrolled rebounds are almost always converted into goals. If pucks regularly stay in the slot, pop off your body into dangerous areas, or require multiple desperation saves, you will struggle. Junior-ready goalies either absorb shots cleanly, direct them safely, or freeze play when needed.
Evaluate your puck handling honestly:
Modern Junior teams expect their goalies to help breakouts. You do not need elite passing skills, but you must be able to stop rims, settle the puck under pressure, and make safe decisions. If your team avoids using you on puck touches because it feels risky, coaches will see the same limitation.
Mental resilience is often the deciding factor:
Ask how you respond after a bad goal. If your body language changes, confidence dips noticeably, or the next few shots become dangerous, Junior A pressure will expose that immediately. Ready goalies reset quickly, maintain posture, and compete the same way on the next shift.
Physical readiness also matters:
Junior shooters are stronger, older, and more accurate. You should be able to handle traffic, screens, and contact without losing positioning or composure. If heavy crease battles or sustained shot volume wear you down quickly, more development time is needed.
Consistency over time is a major indicator:
Being excellent for one game or one weekend is not enough. Junior coaches want to know whether you can perform through long stretches, back-to-back games, travel fatigue, and emotional highs and lows. If your performance declines significantly when tired or stressed, that gap will widen.
Another key question is trust:
Would a coach at a higher level feel comfortable starting you in an important game tomorrow? This is less about statistics and more about reliability, decision-making, and composure. Goalies who look calm, predictable, and structurally sound inspire confidence even before the puck drops.
Projection also plays a role:
Coaches assess not only who you are now but who you could become in two years. If you are still improving each season, responding to coaching, and physically developing, you may be considered ready even if not dominant. If your game has plateaued, teams may hesitate regardless of current performance.
Independence and professionalism:
Junior hockey involves travel, demanding schedules, and adult expectations. Being on time, managing school and sleep, maintaining equipment, and handling communication maturely are part of readiness. Coaches recruit athletes, not just players.
If most of these areas feel like strengths rather than concerns, you are likely approaching Junior A readiness.
If several areas expose weaknesses, that is not failure; it simply means more development time will produce a better long-term outcome. Many excellent Junior A starters were not ready at sixteen or seventeen but became dominant after another year or two of growth.
Inside the Mind of a Goaltender
Preparation, mindset, and habits that shape high-level performance
Success in goaltending rarely comes from one single factor. It is built through daily habits — how a goalie prepares, trains, handles adversity, and continues to improve over time.
The following interview offers insight into the routines, mindset, and lessons learned through the journey of a goaltender competing at a high level. For young goalies and parents, it provides a look into the small details that can make a big difference over time.
Nutrition
How seriously do you take what you put in your body?
I take it pretty seriously because it is very important to fuel my body properly and also to maximize my recovery. This being said I do think there is definitely room for improvement for myself in this field.
What’s you typically game day look like?
I usually eat pretty normally on game days. My pregame meals involve protein and carbs, I try to stay as hydrated as possible and take gatorade salt packets to avoid cramping. I try not to eat too much before games so I can feel at my best.
How Often do you let yourself have fast-food/junk food?
During the season I try not to eat junk food. The only time I let myself is on special occasion for example, holidays or team get together.
How does it change in the off-season?
I definitely let myself have more junk food in the off season especially right when I get back home. As the summer progresses it gradually goes down.
Pre-Game Preparation
What’s your routine?
Night before
Visualization
Morning of
Meditation/Affirmations
1pm-2:15pm: Nap
2;30pm: Journal
3pm-3:15pm: Pregame Walk
4pm: Pregame meal
Rink Routine
5pm: prepare gear
5:15pm: Meetings
5:30: Stretch/Roll
5;45pm Soccer
6pm: Warmup off ice
6:15pm: Ball work
6;30pm: Warm up on ice
Do you have any superstitions?
No. I feel that superstitions can have a negative effect rather than a positive one. It can get in your head.
“Superstitions can have a negative effect rather than a positive one. It can get in your head.”
Growing Up
What extras did you do as a kid?
Honestly nothing really and I regret not having done more as a kid, like I do now.
What did you focus on when watching the NHL?
How many times would you do goalie training?
Once every second week as a kid.
What would you focus on in practice?
Usually, I would focus on skating and tracking a lot. Saving pucks in front of me has been a huge part of my training as a kid.
How did you handle criticisms?
I usually handle criticism well and try to apply it to my game to learn from it if it was good criticism from someone I trust.
What kept you motivated when you weren’t always playing top levels?
Just loving the game and having fun was something that kept me going, Looking at role models like my mom for an example of perseverance. I had an extra chip on my shoulder every time I would get cut from a level.
“Just loving the game and having fun was something that kept me going.”
What would you do in the off-season to get better?
Getting in the gym was a huge part for me as it was an area I lacked and still lack in a bit. Also focusing on skating has been huge for me over the years.
What allowed to surpass your peers eventually?
I think just sticking with it and trusting my ability eventually let me reach my full potential. I think I am still improving, enjoying and learning each and everyday.
Mindset
How do you handle bad games? Goals against?
I try to smile every time I get scored on because if I do that it makes it harder for me to have negative thoughts. After having a a bad game, I follow a “midnight” rule where I forget about the game after midnight, and I just move on.
“Smile after giving up a goal.”
What’s your process when your being taught conflicting advise?
I like to consider all the advice I get, and I like to try it out no matter what and then I decide if I should change it or continue how I would prefer.
What’s the 2 most useful mental tips you’ve received?
1.Smile after giving up a goal
2.Crave the puck Crave killing penalties.
What comes to mind when you think of the word « hockey »?
I think of a sport in which I really have fun playing.
How often do you take the time and realize you still are playing the game you love at the highest level?
A lot. Especially if I’m not playing the best, I try to continue to remind myself why i'm playing.
Training
What’s 3 tips you’d give aspiring goalies?
Be different
Remember why you’re playing
Train your mind and emotions
What would you do with advice you were given at goalie sessions?
I would try to apply them in as many practices as I can and then trust my game by the time games come around.
Out of 10 what’s your effort level in goalie sessions?
I would say 9 out of 10 and would definitely want to make that a 10/10.
What are 3 pieces of advice that have always stuck with you?
Keep my feet under myself (don’t get too wide)
Save the puck in front of me
Head checks slow the game down
Team Practices
How do you react to drills that aren’t « game realistic »?
I saw something recently that said someone about that and it was talking about how drills like that can be beneficial in terms or variability. Games aren’t clean or setup, it’s a game of mistakes so treating those drills with a good attitude has been huge.
What’s your mindset when the practices end with players coming in for unlimited breakaways to end a practice?
Similar to the point above it creates variety in your game. Obviously you have to be smart and not overdo it.
What’s your effort level/intensity in practice?
I try to treat practices like games. I feel that how hard you practice and the effort you put in, reflects in how you play in game. Practice makes improvement.
Games
How do you approach having your 1st pairing D’s on the ice Vs 3rd pairing?
I honestly don’t really notice too much to be honest. I feel like im too zoned in to realize who’s on or not. I just try to focus on one save at a time and the controllable.
When your D makes a brutal mistake what’s your thoughts?
It’s obviously not ideal but again I just try to focus on what I can control and that’s it.
Plays off the rush, what’s your initial thought process?
Be ready before the puck gets into my zone in case of an early pass. Before that I like to scan to see what options are open. After that I come out with my heels at the top of my crease and play it from there with some flow as they come in.
In zone plays, who do you focus on and what’s you thoughts process going through most likely situations?
I like to head check a lot to slow down the game and to know where the options are. I like to be up as much as possible on my post too because I feel like its easier to move and I feel more ready. I try to read where screens will be and how to approach them.
How do you deal with stressful situations?
I try to breathe and have positive thoughts in order to stay in the moment. Instead of fearing stressful situations I try to be excited for the, in order to excel.
What’s a situation in games that you most/least look forward too?
I try to have the mindset to look forward to killing penalties. I love being in close games too because it allows me to make big saves and to keep the game close
The Goaltender’s Journey: Mike McNiven
Growing up in the game, turning pro, and learning what it takes to compete at the highest level
Every goalie’s path is different. Some grow up with formal training and structured development programs, while others simply fall in love with the game and build their habits through repetition, passion, and relentless work.
This interview explores the early development of a goaltender, the transition to professional hockey, and the lessons learned along the way — from mindset and training to the realities of playing the position at the highest level.
While Growing Up
What extras did you do as a kid?
Since the time I was able to put skates on, my Grandfather would build a rink in my backyard. I would spend ENDLESS hours on it until I went to bed. Wake up, go to school, and straight to the rink! After dinner, I would proceed to go back on the ice, and my grandfather would flood the ice in preparation to repeat the same process for the next day. I was always playing hockey 365. Winter team, Spring, and Summer. As well as playing other multiple sports throughout school, rep soccer, and rep lacrosse.
“I was always playing hockey 365.”
What did you focus on when watching the NHL?
Obviously like everyone else, you always have a favourite goalie or team. I definitely transitioned and changed goalies as the years went along. I don’t believe I ever really focused on what the goalies were doing other than the saves they were making... I wanted to be them so bad, it was all I really thought about. If I were to go to any game, I know I was always there well before warmups. I would STARE at the goalie the whole time and not take my eyes off of him.
How many times would you do goalie training?
I started training in the GYM at the age of 13/14 and started really taking it super seriously once I was drafted to the OHL. Myself and my family weren’t really sure what to expect with my hockey career and how good I actually was at that age, till I was approached by an agent at the age of 15 before my draft.
As for on ice, I NEVER had a goalie coach till I played for Owen Sound in the OHL and even still, I only saw him once a week during the season. As a kid I went to one Jean Sebastien Giguere camp when I was 9 years old and one John Elkins camp once I was drafted at 16.
During the Summers, I would go see my Owen Sound goalie coach maybe once a week, once I got my license to drive myself at the age of 18. I would proceed to skate whenever there were skates available and if I had a grandparent to drive me.
What would you focus on in practice?
STOP THE PUCK! It didn’t matter how, you just weren’t scoring on me. That is literally IT, I had the mentality of an animal taking down his prey. I WAS A BEAST!
“STOP THE PUCK! It didn’t matter how, you just weren’t scoring on me.”
How did you handle criticism?
To be honest... As a kid, I never really had criticism, and I’m not joking.. Until I turned pro I didn’t get criticised. In junior my goalie coach was old school and I rarely had a bad game, so there was little room for criticism. Also my goalie coach wasn’t the best coach.
What kept you motivated when you weren’t always playing top levels?
I was always playing the top level. From 4-7 I played at the select level. The summer of 7 years old, my friend's father ran a summer hockey team and he asked if I would like to try and play goalie. I did so well in the 3-4 tournaments.
When triple AAA tryouts started, that friend went to it. The coach was the goalies father and tried to only take his son and cut all the other goalies. My friend's father reached out to the coach and mentioned me. I went to try out and he gave me a spot on the team and the rest is history.
AAA for the Halton Hurricanes for 8 years. 1 year with the Georgetown Raiders in the OJHL, and the OHL for 3 years before turning pro at age 20.
What would you do in the off-season to get better?
In the off seasons, like I said I would play Spring and Summer hockey for multiple teams. I played rep soccer, and rep lacrosse. At a young age I taught myself how to juggle on youtube for hand eye coordination.
All of this was done till the age of 15, and once I turned 13/14 I was training in the GYM also, I was non-stop.
What allowed you to surpass your peers eventually?
At a young age I believe my drive, maturity and focus were the main successes of my early career and allowed me to perform at such a high level. My drive and commitment to the game was not like other kids. I believe my initial mentality of the goaltending position was what took me so far in the long run.
I was committed to my dream, not realizing how good I was. At the age of 9 my grandparents had many hockey team coaches come over to our house to ask me to come play for them. I always stayed loyal to Halton, and actually I was the only player ever to not get a release at my age group.
How did your parents support you?
I didn’t grow up with my parents. My Grandparents raised me. My Grandparents were VERY old school. During hockey seasons my Grandfather never left my side. He brought me everywhere.. The GYM, practices, skates and team events.
He would watch every second making sure I was pushing myself and focusing. My Grandmother would come when possible, but she was still working most of the time. She was more of a Soccer fan, so that was her sport and time with me in the Summers.
We did not have much communication about emotions and feelings. They were pretty “standard” parents when it comes to support. Maybe parents wouldn’t be as invested in what I wanted to do but mine never stopped taking me place to place.
My Grandparents never forced me to do anything, I always wanted to do it myself and they would be there along my side.
While Playing Pro
Nutrition
How seriously do you take what you put in your body?
This is the part of the game that was very hard for me, proper nutrition and body health. Until I was about 21, I didn’t truly realize how important it was and how much better shape I could be in by fueling the body properly.
I eliminated certain foods from my diets. Once I learned, I started making leaps in my career. Started playing better, and I was way more focused.
What does a typical game day look like?
Goalies definitely have different philosophies and game day routines. I would wake up at 6:30am, shower, and leave for the rink for morning skate/team meeting around 7.
Normally it was an hour drive from where I was living on the South Shore to Laval. I would arrive 2 hours before the morning skate. Once I arrive, breakfast would be served buffet style, and then I am straight into my “gitch” and off to start warming up/stretching for 30-45 minutes.
20-30 minutes of stretching and 15-25 minutes of a dynamic warm up.
Morning skate would be at 10am till 10:15-10:20. Cool down afterwards and then a pre-game meal would be served to us.
Afterwards I would leave the rink around 12 to hop in bed to either relax or pre-game nap around 1.
3pm wake up, shower and put my suit on to drive to the game around 3:30 for a 4:30 arrival, 3 hours before game time.
I was always the first one at the rink for everything... Game/practice. 3h prior for games, 2h prior for practice.
How Often do you let yourself have fast-food/junk food?
Early in my career it was honestly pretty frequent, I had a lot of money and I never had that before I also had no idea how to cook at all. Uber eats were easy.
After learning... Which I said earlier I would only try to allow myself one cheat meal a week. Some weeks were better than others. I had some stretches that would last months, others only days.
If I could go back I would never put that stuff in my body during my career.
How does it change in the off-season?
Normally as a goalie I take a month off and during that time I could eat and drink pretty well whatever I wanted as it was hard and mentally tough to eat, drink and sleep “perfectly” during the season. After a month it was very limited like in season.
Mindset
How do you handle bad games? Goals against?
After bad games I am normally upset and not satisfied as anyone should be. I reivaluate for a small period of time. Go home and move on to the next day and prepare for the next game.
I am pretty calm and cool on bad goals, normally I take a drink of water or splash it on my face.
Sometimes I would revisualize the play and I would even act it out sometimes. To give myself a confidence boost afterwords on how to play it for the next time.
Otherwise I don’t think anything of it and I’m focusing on the next shot.
What’s the 2 most useful mental tips you’ve received?
- Self talk is one of the most powerful tools, positive or negative.
- Always be humble mentally (never to high, never too low)
What comes to mind when you think of the word « hockey »?
Stopping the next shot.
How would you get yourself out of a slump?
I would continue to work hard and take the right steps forward everyday to getting better.
How did you motivate yourself on days you didn’t feel like training?
I was at a point in my life where it was a lifestyle, I never really needed to motivate myself, I just worked. It was my job.
Training
What’s 3 tips you’d give aspiring goalies?
Never give up
Work harder then everyone else
Be coachable, listen and do what your goalie coach says. PAY ATTENTION TO DETAILS
What would you do with advice you were given at goalie sessions?
Do it., repeat, do it again.
Out of 10 what’s your effort level in goalie sessions?
10
Games
How do you approach having your 1st pairing D’s on the ice Vs 3rd pairing?
No difference to me. Everyone is equal. Is this really a thing?
“NEVER TRUST YOUR DEFENCE. ALWAYS BE READY NO MATTER WHO IS ON THE ICE!”
When your D makes a brutal mistake what’s your thoughts?
I don’t think about that. Not my problem.
What’s a situation in games that you most/least look forward too?
Most: Breakaways, playing the puck
Least: Our teams powerplay (It’s boring, you get no shots)