Lefevre L.4.1 Goalie Pads Review

Welcome to my review of the Lefevre L.4.1 goalie pads. Lefevre (if you do not know) recently has parted ways with CCM.  In the past few years, they were manufacturing goalie pads+ gloves + blockers and putting a CCM logo on top. Before that however, they originally started in 1967. So they’ve been around the […]

All of Lefevre Goalie Pads Reviewed

As you probably have heard, Lefevre has “released” four new pairs of goalie pads this year. Technically speaking, these pads aren’t all designed and created new for 2020, but we’re just seeing these specific pads with the Lefevre logo out in front. I’m going to review each of pair of pads, and let you know […]

True Lefevre L20.1 Goalie Pads

Editors Note: the latest iteration of True Lefevre goalie pads is the recently debuted True L20.2 pads.  In September of 2020, True Hockey announced that True Goalie Gear would be Powered by Lefevre. So, to clarify your reading here, the Lefevre goalie pads are actually the True L20.1 Goalie Pads. The Lefevre L20.1 goalie pads […]

The History of Hockey Goalie Gear

In this article, we’re talking about the history of goalie gear. We have a separate section of our website dedicated specifically to goalie equipment reviews. We’ll cover things like the history of goalie gear, how goalie gear was manufactured previously (vs how it’s manufactured now), equipment brands, and more. If it has something to do […]

Juuse Saros Complete Goalie Gear Guide

Juuse Saros is currently one of the two starting goalies for the Nashville Predators. During the 2020 the play-ins, Saros was wearing the newest lineup of goalie gear we’ve seen out of CCM, the Axis Pro’s. This is the goalie gear that Juuse Saros is wearing right now.   CCM Axis Pro Leg Pads CCM Axis […]

Elvis Merzlikins: Complete Gear Guide And Career

Elvis Merzlikins burst into the NHL during the 2020 hockey season. After Bobrovsky left the Bluejackets, the main concern was the goaltending situation.  Well as it turns out, Merzlikins and Korpisalo in place of Bob may have actually turned out better than anyone could have ever imagined.  Bobrovsky had a sub par year for the […]

Goalie Toe Ties

Toe Ties. Toe Ties are the system used by goalies to connect their goalie pads to the tip of their goalie skate. Toe ties relieve pressure on a goalies joints by providing a forgiving, stretchable system that keeps their pad in proper position on the foot. Shockingly, one of the best innovations we’ve seen in […]

Best Street Hockey Goalie Pads

So, you’re interested in finding the best street hockey goalie pads? Welcome. We’re Goalie Coaches. Unapologetically, we are one of the most trusted companies in hockey goalie training. We’ve trained goalies at every level of play, including the National Hockey League. When it comes to overall knowledge of the position of goaltending and everything that […]

Brian’s Optik 2 Goalie Chest Protector Review

Welcome to my review of the Brian’s Optik 2 goalie chest protector. While many goalies spend a lot of time considering which pair of goalie pads to go with, don’t sleep on the importance of a high quality chest protector. The Brian’s Optik 2 chest protector is a quality option for any goalie, especially if […]

Bauer Supreme UltraSonic Chest Protector Review

Welcome to my review of the Bauer Supreme UltraSonic chest protector. This chest protector was featured in our article of the “best goalie chest protectors” and for some good reasons. Bauer Supreme UltraSonic Goalie Chest Protector Review To start it off, this chest protector is one of the most advanced you can get in 2020. […]

Warrior G5 Pro+ Chest Protector Review

Welcome to my review of the Warrior Ritual G5 Pro+ Chest Protector. Along with the Ritual Pro, this is the newest goalie chest protector we’ve seen out of Warrior in 2020. There are a lot of features that we really liked in this protector, but the biggest it had to offer was the confidence boost. […]

Vaughn Ventus SLR2 Pro Carbon Chest Protector Review

Welcome to our review of the Vaughn Ventus SLR2 Pro Carbon chest protector. We’ve said it before, we’ll say it again.  Playing goalie with a poor quality chest protector hurts.  Pucks hit the chest and leave bruises for days.  Pucks bounce off the elbow and leave you wincing in pain.  You’ll probably start flinching at […]

Vaughn Velocity V9 Pro Carbon Chest Protector Review

Welcome to our review of the Vaughn Velocity V9 Pro Carbon Goalie Chest Protector. As we all know, chest and arm protectors are sort of an important piece of equipment to be wearing.  They can be the difference maker between pure confidence and flinching in the net.  You are at a huge disadvantage when you […]

Bauer 3S Goalie Pads

With the release of the new Bauer Ultrasonic line, we’re also pleased to announce that the lower end model of the Ultrasonic, the Bauer 3S lineup is now available. Bauer 3S Goalie Pads Should I be looking at the differences between Bauer UltraSonic and Bauer 3S? To sum this up quickly, the Bauer UltraSonic lineup […]

Pro or Senior for Goalie Gear?

What’s the difference in pro vs. senior when it comes to goalie pads? The major difference between Pro-level and Senior-level goalie pads is more often than not, a price increase. There are differences between pro and senior goalie equipment, but for the average goalie, “Pro-level” isn’t always worth the extra 20-30% in cost associated with […]

Bauer Supreme UltraSonic Pads In Depth Review

Today, we’re taking an in depth review of the Bauer Supreme UltraSonic goalie pads. While as of the Spring of 2021, there’s a new kid on the block from Bauer (welcome, Bauer Vapor HyperLite), the Bauer UltraSonic goalie pads will remain popular through the remainder of this year. While the brand took heat for a […]

Best Goalie Blockers For 2024

The hockey goalie blocker might be one of the most underrated pieces of equipment that a goalie will wear.  A high percentage of shots will bounce off the blocker and you don’t want something that doesn’t give you the biggest advantage as possible. And what do I mean by that?  Well for example, comfort. Hockey […]

Best Goalie Chest Protectors

A goalies chest protector is one of the most important pieces of equipment on the ice. Today, we’re diving into the best goalie chest protectors for 2024.  I want to quickly mention that myself and the team here at goaliecoaches as we do in every one of our goalie equipment review articles is this, we’re […]

Best Goalie Pants

Goalie pants are one of those pieces of equipment that really aren’t that exciting, but at the same time, they shouldn’t be overlooked. If the pants are too bulky it’s difficult to move in them. If the pants have little protection, you will find yourself flinching at shots.  If the pants break down in a […]

Goalie Equipment List: What Pads Does A Goalie Wear?

Of any position in hockey, goalies wear the most protective (and also most expensive) pieces of equipment. While many question the sanity of a person who willingly puts themselves in the path of a puck shot at up to 100 miles per hour, goalies are actually very well protected and it’s a very safe position. […]

Best Hockey Slide Boards

Buying a hockey slide board can add an interesting dimension to your off ice training. In fact, if you’re like the rest of the world, buying synthetic ice may not be the best option for you. Maybe it’s budget, maybe it’s space. A slide board can help solve all of that. I think it’s important […]

Best Synthetic Ice

Looking to take your backyard ice rink to the next level during the off season? Synthetic ice can help you do exactly that. Or, maybe you’re looking to build a basement ice rink using synthetic ice. One of the biggest downsides to synthetic ice is, it’s nowhere close to the real thing. Before we talk […]

Resources for Goalie Parents

So, you’re a goalie parent. Welcome to the club! We believe that there are two turning points when you have children. First, when they’re born. Second, when they decide to become a goalie. Everything you need to know about being a great goalie parent If there is a single piece of advice we can give you […]

Goalie Nutrition

It’s no secret that goalie nutrition is a critical component of the modern game. Goalies can give themselves a sustainable leg up on the competition by participating in nutrition training, building a nutrition plan, or just generally watching what you eat. Building a plan for yourself is the first step in any proper nutrition program. […]

Simple Positioning Drill [VIDEO]

This is a drill designed to work on one very simple thing. Making sure that when the goalie squares up, he / she is squaring up to the puck and not the shooters body. So many young goalies make the mistake of squaring up to the shooters body, thus aligning themselves out of position. Join […]

The Butterfly in Goaltending

The butterfly. This one word is responsible for everything in goaltending past the early 2000s. And we do mean, everything. From the goalie training methods to goalie gear designs and the game as we know it today, the butterfly position is as critical to the position of goalie as anything that exists. 99% or more […]

Goalie Pad Sizing + How To Measure Goalie Pads

Learn how to properly size goalie pads to determine your true fit

One of the most common questions we get asked is, “Can I order goalie pads without trying them on?” Goalie pad sizing is one of the hardest things to do without actually trying the gear on in person. Luckily, with the advancements in technology today, sizing goalie pads is easier than ever. In fact, you […]

Warrior Goalie Gear in the NHL

Do any NHL goalies wear Warrior goalie gear? Why isn’t Warrior goalie gear worn in the NHL? These are valid questions that we get asked on a regular basis. Warrior Goalie equipment has been used in the NHL in the past. It’s not the fact that the gear isn’t good enough to be worn in the […]

Warrior Goalie RM1 Stick Review + Everything We Know

Warrior is arguably the top goalie stick brand on the market.  Most of the NHLers are using them and for good reasons (we’ll get to why). With every new year passing and new goalie equipment coming onto the market, we also get to look at new goalie sticks. So recently, we purchased the newest goalie […]

How To Break In A Hockey Goalie Glove

A hockey goalie glove must be properly broken in before use

Breaking in your goalie glove should be your first priority when you get new gear. In fact, for many goalies, the glove determines the entire set of goalie pads they end up choosing. When it comes to buying a new glove, there are certain gloves that come more “game ready” than others. Here are all […]

How To Clean Hockey Gear

How do I clean hockey gear? What’s the best way to clean my goalie equipment? There’s nothing worse than the musty, rotten smell of dirty hockey gear. On top of that, it won’t just smell up your car, it’s actually unhealthy. Dirty hockey equipment is a breeding ground for bacterias that are harmful to the […]

Best Foam Rollers for Athletes

If you’re a goalie and you haven’t yet invested in a foam roller.. you probably wouldn’t be reading this. Foam rolling is a critical component of proper muscle recovery (myofascial release) and each and every one of you should be adding one of these pieces to your gear bag. Every elite athlete should own a […]

Hip Stretches: Increasing Hip Mobility for Goalies

The importance of hip mobility for goalies cannot be overstated. If you’re a goalie, you should be taking your hip health seriously. Take a look at Robin Lehner, goalie for the Vegas Golden Knights. It was announced that he would be out the entirety of the 2022-2023 NHL season because of a hip injury. One […]

3 Shot Post Integration Drill [VIDEO]

This drill has a number of different moving parts, so it’s important to ensure that you’re working with a goalie who can handle every aspect. If you’re working with a younger goalie, it makes no sense to have them add on parts 2 and 3 before they’ve mastered the first part. One big mistake I […]

Lateral Release Drill for Goalies [VIDEO]

This is a super simply lateral release drill for goalies of any age. A lot of folks like to bash the term “lateral release”, assuming it’s a buzzword used by goalie coaches. It’s not just a buzzword. The lateral release is a skating technique used by elite goaltenders at every level to simply NOT overslide […]

Quick Feet Drill for Goalies [VIDEO]

Goalies need to practice constantly, or they face the possibility of falling behind their competition. I like this as a quick feet drill with a handful of different variations. I like this drill as a warmup or at the end of practice when the legs are gassed and the ice is shredded. Join our Drills […]

Lefevre Pads Sliding Capability [VIDEO]

The new Lefevre pads have been making a huge splash in the market recently, here’s an up close clip of how they utilize a minimal foot strapping system to allow more integration with the ice from skate blade to contact. Very innovative, more manufacturers are likely to follow suit. Join our Drills Vault and Get […]

Mindset in Times Like These

There is so much opportunity today. I woke up this morning with an unbelievable amount of excitement. I woke up knowing that I can control how I approach today, tomorrow, the week, and rest of the year. You woke up this morning with the opportunity to change how you spend the rest of your life. […]

Puck Handling Drills Along Boards [VIDEO]

We’re big fans of using down time or breaks between drills as an opportunity to work on puck handling skills. Integrating the boards into your drill is an awesome practice to get into simply because you’re taking a boring drill and making it “game scenario” style. I love that about this drill. You can literally […]

Demonstrating Movement + Body Control [VIDEO]

This clip is just demonstrating some high end movement and body control skills. One of the things that a ton of goalies forget and overlook is learning to move with complete control of your body. This is Mackenzie Blackwood, goaltender for the New Jersey Devils in the NHL. Join our Drills Vault and Get Access […]

These Are The Best Goalie Skates Money Can Buy

An image displaying three of the top pairs of goalie skates on the market

Goalie Skates. Besides your helmet, we argue that the goalie skates you chose are the single most important piece of equipment you’ll ever buy. If you can’t skate, you’ll have a tough time getting in front of pucks. If you have a tough time getting in front of pucks, your odds of making the save […]

The Best Youth Goalie Sticks For The Money

In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at how to choose the best youth goalie sticks for your young goalie. If you follow one rule when choosing a youth goalie stick, know that your kid is going to grow quickly. You can afford to buy a lower end goalie stick for a […]

The Best Youth Goalie Pads For Any Budget

This photo displays some of the highest performing youth goalie pads for this year.

So you’ve got a new goalie, hey? Exciting! Buying new gear for a youth goalie is one of the most exciting parts of their playing career. Ask any professional goalie, the chances they remember exactly which pads they wore as a kid are very high. Youth goalie pads have never been more affordable and getting […]

These are the Best Hockey Goalie Gloves Money Can Buy

For a hockey goalie, the glove is one of the most important pieces of equipment you’ll buy. There’s a number of things to consider before buying a new goalie glove, and we’ll take you through all of them. These are the best goalie gloves, or should we say, best hockey goalie gloves on the market […]

Best Goalie Sticks

The goalie stick market has been one of the most disrupted in recent years. NHL goalies quit using wood sticks over a decade ago, while amateur goalies have been slower to adopt composite and foam core goalie sticks. Just 5 years ago, foam core sticks were some of the best goalie sticks on the market. […]

Warrior G5 Goalie Pad Review + Everything We Know

Honestly, it can be hard to keep up with Warrior Goalie from time to time. They released a new helmet this spring, a new stick, and now the Warrior G5 goalie pads.  When is the Warrior Ritual G5 Release date? The pads are currently available. They released in the Spring of 2020, you can custom […]

Warrior Goalie R F1 Goalie Helmet Review + Everything We Know

Warrior Goalie is entering the goalie helmet market with the Warrior Ritual RF1. They’ve been on fire lately, with the release of the Warrior G5 goalie pad line. Warrior also released the RM1 Pro+ goalie stick. They’ve been dropping product after product this spring, it’s hard to keep up at times. This Warrior RF1 goalie […]

Vaughn V9 Review + Everything We Know

The Vaughn V9 pad is officially here. Here’s what we know. It’s that time of year. The gear companies are starting to release their new lines. Last year’s gear is no longer the best goalie gear on the market. Vaughn is coming out with the V9 lineup, an innovative pad that should push them up […]

Choosing The Right Goalie Pads for Beginners

Are you a first time hockey goalie? A parent of a youth goalie? Chances are, you don’t need to go out and buy the most expensive goalie pads on the market. You can get away with a great set of gear without breaking the bank. Another advantage to buying goalie pads designed for beginners is […]

Goalie Skating Drill with 4 Pucks [VIDEO]

There are literally endless opportunities for different patterns with a drill like this. One of the things I’d like to point out, however, is not how many times you can mix up these pucks, but how heavily you can commit to maintaining perfect form in a drill like this. Often times with young goalies, we’ll […]

Sergei Bobrovsky Pads

Sergei Bobrovsky has been a polarizing goalie in the NHL in recent years. From his time with the Avalanche to a stint with Columbus and then finally with the Panthers, “Bob” as they affectionately call him, is well known both for his on ice play and his gear. As a self proclaimed gear nerd.. we […]

Marc Andre Fleury Pads

Photo shows Marc Andre Fleury in his new Minnesota Wild Pads

Marc Andre Fleury has been one of the top goaltenders in the NHL for some time. He’s one of my personal favorites to watch, so it’s no doubt that fans everywhere want more intel on the gear he’s wearing. We will update this article every time Marc Andre Fleury switches gear, so check back as […]

Goalie Screen Drill with 2nd Shot [VIDEO]

There are a million ways to work on screens. This is a very basic version of a screen drill where the goalies goal is to try tracking a puck through traffic. I love traffic drills because they’re as close to a game scenario as you’ll ever get. This one shouldn’t teach the goalie to give […]

Poke Check + Puck Stopping Drill for Goalies [VIDEO]

I LOVE drills that accomplish two things. 1- involve both goalies. 2- active recovery drills. For the bystander, this drill looks basic. It’s just a couple youth goalies working on skating, poke checking, and stopping the puck. In reality, this is a drill that makes sense for a lot of goalies at just about every […]

Edgework Pattern Drill for Goalies [VIDEO]

We HAVE to recognize this coach for this video. If he does this without kneepads, what a warrior. Wow. Second, he’s making a pretty hard drill look very easy. Drills like this, while not necessarily game scenario like, are great for working on your edges and building an elite foundation that every goalie needs to […]

Obstacle Course Stickhandling Goalie Drill [VIDEO]

This is a pretty simple stickhandling drill that our demo goalie makes look incredibly easy. That’s because Matt Valtala is a pro in the Kings organization. Despite the fact that he’s a pro, it’s never too late to work on your stickhandling as a goalie. Make sure you’re setting aside time at each practice to […]

3 Puck Skating + Shot Goalie Drill [VIDEO]

First off, these guys are awesome. For a young goalie, I love his speed and overall control. We’re working on a couple of different things here, most notably a big change in direction. When the goalie is working his or her way through this drill, make sure they’re paying attention to their back (trailing) leg. […]

Colored Puck Goalie Drill [VIDEO]

In this drill, we’re working on tracking with colored pucks. The goalie calls out the color when the see it. We want to make sure that as goalies, we are always working towards identifying pucks right off the release point, just as batters in baseball try to track the ball out of the pitchers hand. […]

Goalie Drill [Getting Shoulders Square]

This is a basic drill where the goaltender is working on getting his or her shoulders square. There are multiple variations of this drill that can be added down the road, however it’s important to make sure the goaltender knows what they’re working on right off the bat. Join our Drills Vault and Get Access […]

Back Door Goalie Drill [Video]

In this clip, we’re working on back door saves and recoveries. Get Access to every single one of our Goalie Drills + our Drills APP -> here.   View this post on Instagram   ?: @seanmurrayvanpfgs — clip from this summer with @sean.bones two back door scenarios and two dead angles. Clipped this one weird […]