Vince Capano Goaltending Blog Posts

Featured Goalie: Ari

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 18:55:49 GMT

Ari's Journey to AA

One of the best parts of being a goalie coach is watching goalies grow, not just on the ice, but through the challenges they face along the way.

This past season with the Lorne Park U11A team, Ari had to overcome a major setback. After a freak accident at school, he suffered a concussion that kept him from playing games for about four to five weeks. Missing that much time in the middle of the season is never easy, especially for a young goalie who is building confidence and finding his rhythm.

What impressed me the most was the commitment from everyone around Ari. His parents, the coaches, and the entire Lorne Park team made sure he had every opportunity to get back safely. They arranged extra ice time specifically for Ari so he could ease his way back into the game instead of being rushed.

Once Ari was cleared to get back on the ice, we kept things simple. Since he was not cleared to face pucks yet, we focused on skating, edge work, movement, and rebuilding his comfort in the crease.

When he was finally cleared to face shots, it was another learning process. After a concussion, it is natural to be hesitant, and rebuilding the confidence to attack pucks instead of fearing them takes time. Ari trusted the process, and each session you could see his confidence continue to grow.

Featured Goalie: Lucas

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 23:01:43 GMT

Lucas and Applewood U11A Cap Off an Incredible Season

Congratulations to Lucas and Applewood U11A on an outstanding season filled with championship success.

After joining our training program midway through the 2025–26 season, Lucas continued to build confidence and consistency in the crease, helping his team achieve an impressive list of accomplishments.

This past season, Applewood U11A captured:

GTHL West Champions 2025
Gold Medalists at the Applewood Hockey Challenge Cup 2026
GTHL West Champions 2026

An incredible run and a testament to the hard work put in by the entire team.

Lucas was outstanding in the championship final. He did an excellent job challenging shooters, staying square to the puck, and remaining composed throughout the game. His positioning and confidence allowed him to control the play and give his team every opportunity to come away with the win.

Beyond the results, it has been a pleasure working with Lucas both on and off the ice. Watching his confidence grow, seeing his game continue to develop, and sharing conversations throughout the season have made this partnership incredibly rewarding.

Congratulations, Lucas, on an amazing season and a well-earned championship run. This is only the beginning, and I'm excited to continue building your game and see where your development takes you next.

Featured Goalie: Ben

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 22:57:56 GMT

Ben Wins Shootout Competition at the CAN/AM Tournament in Montreal

Congratulations to Ben from PC Storm on an incredible performance at the CAN/AM Tournament in Montreal, where he captured the Shootout Competition title.

Competing against some of the tournament's top players, Ben was outstanding between the pipes, making all six saves he faced to win the competition. His patience, quick reactions, and calm approach made him incredibly difficult to beat, earning a perfect performance when the pressure was at its highest.

The shootout competition is one of the most exciting events of the weekend, challenging goaltenders to stop skilled shooters in one-on-one situations. Ben rose to the occasion, staying composed on every attempt and finishing a perfect 6-for-6 to claim the championship.

Moments like these are the result of consistent hard work and dedication. Ben continues to develop his game through his commitment to improving every time he steps on the ice, and this performance was another example of that progress.

Congratulations again, Ben, on an outstanding accomplishment. A perfect six saves, a shootout championship, and another memorable milestone in your development. Keep up the great work!

Featured Goalie: Connor

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 22:54:45 GMT

Connor Captures West End Classic Championship After Strong Start to Summer Training

Just two weeks after beginning summer training and joining the program, Connor delivered an outstanding performance at the West End Classic, helping the Travelling Kings Hockey Club capture the tournament championship.

Connor was a difference-maker throughout the weekend, finishing with a perfect 5-0 record while posting three shutouts and allowing just six goals across five games. His calm presence, consistency, and ability to make key saves gave his team confidence every time he stepped onto the ice.

The championship game showcased everything Connor has been working on. In a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory, he was outstanding from start to finish. He controlled rebounds, stayed composed under pressure, and made three to four game-saving stops late in the third period to keep his team in the game. He followed that up with another huge save in overtime, allowing his teammates to score the championship-winning goal.

Following the championship game, Connor was selected to participate in the U10 Skills Competition, where he put on another impressive performance by stopping all four shooters to win the Breakaway Challenge.

What stood out most all weekend was Connor's composure. He remained focused, competitive, and confident in every game, embracing the big moments when his team needed him most.

This tournament is an exciting milestone and a great reward for the work Connor has already put in this offseason. Starting summer training just two weeks before the event, he quickly translated that work into game performance.

Congratulations, Connor, on bringing home your first championship together. This is just the beginning, and we're excited to see what the rest of the offseason and upcoming season have in store with the Mississauga Terriers (AA).

Featured Goalie: Luka

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 01:46:04 GMT

LUKA from LORNE PARK u13 RED

Lorne Park U13 Red played the best team in the Spring Streetsville League. A team made up of A and AA players who came into the game with a perfect 7-0 record. We won 6-0, and Luka was outstanding. He made several incredible saves, including four or five breakaways, handled extended penalty kills, and capped off the game by stopping a penalty shot. He was absolutely on fire! We can officially add another shutout to his incredible 2025–2026 season.

Champions: Chedoke Winter Classic
Champions: Montreal CAN/AM Tournament
Champions: Halton Hills Tournament
Bronze Medalists
Luka: 11 shutouts in 16 games, including four consecutive playoff shutouts, while finishing with the league's lowest regular-season GAA.

Lorne Park U13 Red

2025-2026 Season Highlights

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 20:38:33 GMT

Team Success of the 2025-2026 season

My goal in year one was simple: build a goalie development program centred on long-term growth, confidence, and enjoyment of the game. Watching each goalie develop throughout the season made it an incredible first year, and I'm proud of what we accomplished together.

goalie development

Developing goalies for the next level is the foundation of my program.
Two goalies advanced from Blue to A
One advanced from Red to A
Two goalies advanced from A to AA
Coached 25 minor hockey goalies during the 2025–2026 season

Every goalie receives individualized coaching focused on skating, tracking, positioning, recoveries, confidence, and game habits and helping them become technically sound, competitive, and prepared for the next level.

Champions: Barrie March Break Tournament
Champions: Innisfil Winterhawks Fall Classic
Champions: Scarborough Valentine's Tournament
Bronze Medal Finish
Allowed just 4 goals in 4 tournament games

PC Storm U14 & U12 Red Select

Champions: Chedoke Winter Classic
Champions: Montreal CAN/AM Tournament
Champions: Halton Hills Tournament
Bronze Medalists
Luka: 11 shutouts in 16 games, including four consecutive playoff shutouts, while finishing with the league's lowest regular-season GAA.

Lorne Park U13 Red

Port Credit U13A

Champions: Early Bird WestMall Tournament
Silver Medalists: Vaughan Silverstick
Silver Medalists: Montreal CAN/AM Tournament
Two additional tournament medal finishes
Finished with 49 points and the lowest GAA in the GTHL U13A West
Ben: Recorded a perfect shootout performance, stopping every shooter.

Miller earned a tournament medal.
Linc stepped up in key moments to help his team capture a medal.

Lorne Park Championship Weekend

Gold Medalists: Applewood Hockey Challenge Cup 2026
2026 GTHL West Champions
Finished with the lowest Goals Against Average (GAA) in the East and West GTHL this past season

Applewood U11A

Tim Turk on Navigating the Evolution of Hockey Development

Sat, 28 Mar 2026 20:50:26 GMT

Episode 3: Vince Capano sits down with Tim Turk, NHL Shooting Coach and expert in hockey development. They discuss how coaching relationships have evolved, the current challenges facing minor hockey, and the critical role of proper equipment and creativity in player development. Tim shares insights on cognitive skills, game speed, and trends in professional hockey, along with strategies for improving communication and training methods. The episode concludes with actionable tips and recommendations for enhancing minor hockey and developing players at all levels

Pete Fry on Unlocking the Goalie Mindset

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 20:47:35 GMT

Episode 2:

Vince Capano sits down with Pete Fry to dive into his journey from a young hockey goalie to becoming a trusted mental performance coach for elite goaltenders. Pete shares the challenges he faced early in his career and how those experiences shaped his approach to mindset, confidence, and performance under pressure.

The conversation explores how goalies can overcome fear and anxiety, the power of visualization, and the importance of preparation before stepping on the ice. Pete also breaks down how surrounding yourself with the right people can elevate your game and why pushing your thinking is essential for long-term success.

Pete has worked with high-level goalies, including Stuart Skinner (Pittsburgh Penguins), Carter George (Soo Greyhounds, OHL), and Jakub Dobeš (Montreal Canadiens), offering insight into what separates good goalies from great ones.

If you’re a goalie, coach, or athlete looking to develop a stronger mindset and gain a competitive edge, this episode is for you.

Dave Dolecki on Goalie Development

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 12:55:16 GMT

Episode 1: Goalie coach Vince Capano sits down with his former coach and mentor Dave Dolecki from The Crease Goaltending Academy for an in-depth conversation about goaltending, coaching, and the evolution of the position.

Dave shares his journey from being a goalie to becoming one of the most respected goalie development coaches in the game. Vince and Dave reflect on their shared experiences in the crease and discuss how modern goaltending techniques, training habits, and the mental side of the position have evolved over the years.

The episode also features great behind-the-scenes stories from Dave’s time working with elite goalies, including Thatcher Demko and rising Canadian star Jack Ivankovic. Dave shares insights into what separates top-level goalies, how young players develop at the highest levels, and what coaches really look for in future stars.

The conversation also explores developing young goaltenders, the importance of building strong coaching relationships, and how goaltending training has become a global industry.

The episode wraps up with a fun Quick Hits segment where Dave answers rapid-fire questions that highlight his personality, experiences, and passion for the game.

If you're a goalie, coach, or hockey fan, this episode provides a great look into the craft of goaltending and the people shaping the next generation of goalies.