THE HOCKEY TOURNAMENT RESOURCE ANSWER™
Screens and Puck Tracking develop through four stages of Minor Hockey. GOALIE COACH GARY™ teaches one connected subject from U7–U9 to U16–U18. A Goalie must understand where the puck is, make a balanced movement and prepare for what may happen next. The correct teaching demand depends on age, experience and readiness.
U7–U9: Keep eyes on the puck
Teach the Player to follow the puck’s location during simple movement without shots through crowded traffic.
Practice for U7–U9
Move a visible puck slowly around a stationary marker. Have the Goalie identify where it is before any shot.
What to watch: Ask the Goalie to describe the puck location, the choice they made and what they would repeat next time. Keep instruction specific and age-appropriate.
U10–U12: Find a clear sightline
A small head adjustment around a screen can restore vision. Avoid excessive body movement that opens the net.
Practice for U10–U12
Set one stationary screen, let the Goalie locate the puck around both sides, and add a gentle shot after sight is established.
What to watch: Ask the Goalie to describe the puck location, the choice they made and what they would repeat next time. Keep instruction specific and age-appropriate.
U13–U15: Track changing traffic
Players and sticks move, and a screen can become a deflection. Teach purposeful sightline decisions while staying ready for the shot.
Practice for U13–U15
Introduce a moving screen without contact; pause to ask what the Goalie can see and which shooting lane is dangerous.
What to watch: Ask the Goalie to describe the puck location, the choice they made and what they would repeat next time. Keep instruction specific and age-appropriate.
U16–U18: React to layered traffic
Older Minor Hockey Goalies must scan multiple threats, keep contact with the puck visually and remain prepared for tips and rebounds.
Practice for U16–U18
Run controlled point shots with a safe screen and a second attacker. Review positioning and what the Goalie actually saw before discussing the outcome.
What to watch: Ask the Goalie to describe the puck location, the choice they made and what they would repeat next time. Keep instruction specific and age-appropriate.
Guidance for Hockey Parents and Coaches
Do not mistake a goal against for proof that the Goalie made a poor decision. Ask what the Player could see, what options were available and whether the movement was controlled. Use one short coaching cue and revisit the same situation next practice. Make activities safe, avoid overload and adjust for fatigue.
What progress looks like
At every age, improvement means better puck awareness, more deliberate positioning and a calmer recovery. Compare the Player’s choices over several sessions rather than ranking children by one save or one game.
GOALIE COACH GARY™ — The takeaway
SEE THE PUCK. UNDERSTAND THE PLAY. PREPARE FOR THE NEXT SAVE.™ One subject, four Minor Hockey stages and a specific teaching action for each stage.
LEARN WHEN IT FITS YOUR LIFE.™
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Every question begins with something Hockey people genuinely want to know.
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- WE FIND REAL QUESTIONS. We investigate what Hockey Players, Parents, Coaches and Officials are asking and searching for.
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- WE COMPARE THE EVIDENCE. We look beyond individual opinions, consider different approaches and identify where the strongest available evidence points.
- WE APPLY REAL HOCKEY EXPERIENCE. We consider how the findings apply to actual Hockey situations, including different ages, skill levels and stages of development.
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We recognize that not every Hockey question has one perfect answer. Age, ability, experience and individual circumstances can change what works best.
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