Summary

The Off-Season Development program (OSD) is an integrated technical skill development progression lasting the course of twelve weeks from April to June.  The primary goal of this program is Skill Acquisition, meaning it is designed to facilitate long-term potentiation (i.e., motor learning) of technical details and body mechanics.  This is achieved by high quality repetitions, without the pressure or unpredictability of in-season gameplay.

The primary goal is to build high-quality, technically sound habits by slowing down the pace, controlling variables, and focusing on proper execution.

Key Features

1. Technical Skill Development

• OSD is all about acquiring technical skills—the base layer of the goalie development pyramid.

• Skills required for the Shot Preparation, Save Execution and Post-Save Response phases are taught in detail.

• a strong emphasis on understanding “why”, not just how.

2. Controlled Ice Times

• Goalies skate once a week to ensure focus on quality over quantity.

• Ice sessions emphasize the importance of purpose behind all reps.

3. Positive Repetition

• Coaches aim for fewer, higher-quality reps, instead of high-volume, fatigue-based training.

• This approach creates stronger neural pathways, reinforcing correct habits that become instinctual.

4. Individual Attention

• Coaches monitor fatigue and technique closely, stopping drills when form breaks down.

• Each goalie works at their own pace to maximize effectiveness.

5. No Age-Based Segregation

• OSD doesn’t group goalies by age.

• Since technical skills are universal, sessions include goalies of different levels, with coaches tailoring instruction and feedback to each individual's needs.

6. No Shooters – Coaches Only

• Coaches do all the shooting to eliminate variables and keep drills focused on skill mechanics.

• Without players in the mix, ice time is better optimized for technical refinement.

7. Laying the Foundation for PSD and ISD

• The skills developed in OSD form the foundation for:

  • PSD (Pre-Season Development) – where skills are applied in tactical, game-like scenarios.

  • ISD (In-Season Development) – where goalies adapt skills to game situations and team systems.

Structure

The OSD program features an elite training environment supported by EGC’s 2-to-1 goalie-to-instructor ratio, ensuring individualized feedback and maximum time in the crease for every athlete.

Each week includes:

• 1 hour of on-ice technical training

• 1 hour of classroom-based instruction (online seminar)

Over 12 weeks, goalies receive:

• 12 hours of on-ice development

• 12 online learning sessions

• Ongoing access to personal video footage and training materials

Journaling, Video, and Community

OSD includes an off-ice development system that extends growth beyond the rink:

• Each goalie receives a physical journal to reflect on key concepts and personal development.

• Video clips from on-ice sessions are uploaded to each athlete’s personal folder to encourage self-assessment and deepen understanding.

• Web-based seminars and group conversations promote theory-based discussions, build hockey IQ, and foster a strong sense of community and camaraderie.

Locations