Program Overview

The Pre-Season Development (PSD) program is an integrated tactical skill development progression designed to bridge the gap between training and game performance.

The primary focus of PSD is skill application. Goaltenders learn how to effectively integrate the technical skills developed during the Off-Season Development (OSD) phase into the complex, fast-moving, and multi-dimensional situations encountered in real game play.

Rather than isolating skills, PSD challenges goaltenders to apply them under pressure, with reads, anticipations, and decision-making layered into every session.

Our Layered Development Model

PSD follows a multi-layered approach to learning — breaking down complex game situations into smaller, manageable components.

Each layer represents a progressive increase in complexity and is built directly upon the skills and knowledge acquired in the previous phase. This ensures goaltenders:

• Fully understand the technical requirements of each situation

• Develop the tactical context behind their decisions

• Build reliable habits before advancing to higher-level reads and anticipation

This structured progression allows athletes to master the why and how before being asked to execute at full game speed.

Program Structure & Commitment

On-Ice & Classroom Development

EGC maintains a 2:1 goaltender-to-instructor ratio for all on-ice technical and tactical sessions. This ensures every athlete receives consistent feedback, meaningful repetitions, and sufficient time in net.

Program Duration

• 5 weeks total

• 20 hours of on-ice development

• 5 online classroom seminars

Weekly Training Breakdown (Weeks 1–5)

Each week follows a consistent structure designed to reinforce learning across multiple environments:

• 1 hour — Online Classroom

• 1.5 hours — Static Ice Session
  (technical execution, positional structure, controlled scenarios)

• 1.5 hours — Dynamic Ice Session
  (reads, reactions, game-like complexity)

• 1 hour — Movement Circuit
  (movement quality, efficiency, and physical preparation)

Total weekly development: 5 hours

Off-Ice Learning & Accountability

Development in PSD extends well beyond the ice.

Each goaltender receives a physical development journal to support reflection, reinforcement, and long-term growth. Athletes are expected to review:

• On-ice concepts and drills

• Session objectives and key takeaways

• Personal performance notes and adjustments

In addition, goalies are given access to their training video clips, where they are guided through structured self-assessment. This process builds self-awareness, accelerates learning, and strengthens the goalie’s ability to self-correct.

The program also includes web-delivered seminars and guided discussions, reinforcing theory-based learning while fostering a strong sense of connection and camaraderie within the EGC community.