Saturday, June 15, 2013

OHL holds ‘Protect the Net’ Symposium

Press Release

The Ontario Hockey League’s ‘Protect the Net’ symposium featured presentations and discussions aimed at generating new ideas and recommendations on how the development of goaltenders in Ontario can be improved at all levels of the game.

The two-day symposium held June 10-11 at Angus Glen consisted of over 40 delegates representing all areas of hockey including OHL Head Coaches, General Managers, and Goaltending Coaches in attendance, along with representatives from Hockey Canada, Ontario minor hockey programs, parents, and players.

“Developing elite goaltenders in Ontario is a common goal at all levels of our game,” said Joe Birch, the OHL’s Senior Director of Hockey Development and Special Events.  “The symposium was designed to address the many challenges that exist at the goaltending position in our province and develop recommendations for change at all levels from grassroots to the OHL.  It was great to see so much energy and passion for our game throughout the presentations and group discussions.”

Symposium presentations included Coaching and Development by Sebastien Farrese of the Belleville Bulls, the Players’ Perspective by Seamus Kotyk of Ontario’s Under-17 Team, and the Parents’ Perspective by Greg Millen of Hockey Night in Canada.

All three presentations were followed by a Question and Answer period with a panel of delegates facilitated by Sportsnet’s Daren Millard.  The Coaching Development panel included Dale DeGray of the Owen Sound Attack, Tony Foresi of the Minor Hockey ALLIANCE of Ontario, and Scott Oakman of the Greater Toronto Hockey League.  The Players’ Perspective panel included OHL grad and current Vancouver Canucks consultant Dan Cloutier, OHL Goaltender of the Year Jordan Binnington of the Owen Sound Attack, and Sudbury Wolves prospect Troy Timpano.  The Parents’ Perspective panel included John Binnington, Steve Timpano, Pat O’Callaghan of the Markham Waxers, and Rod Wisco of the Whitby Wildcats.

Panel Q/A sessions were followed by Group Discussions aimed at generating Feedback and Recommendations.

With the ‘Protect the Net’ symposium complete, the league will now evaluate all group feedback, key points and recommendations with the goal of developing action items and initiatives that can be shared and implemented with hockey partners, goaltenders and their families at all levels of the game.

(Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

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