RED BANK, N.J. - As part of the ongoing effort to enhance player development opportunities locally, the Atlantic Affiliate Player Development Program hosted its first High Performance Clinic this spring. The clinic offered participants an opportunity to learn new skills from high-level coaches, including college and junior coaches who these players normally do not have the opportunity to work with.

“There are some video sessions involved, off-ice sessions involved too,” explained Atlantic Affiliate Associated Goaltending Development Coordinator Terry Jarkowsky. “If you can learn one new thing from every coach, and you add that to your toolbox, then you’ve got six or seven things you can try.”

The affiliate has been working hard to expand development opportunities for goaltenders after reviewing statistics and feedback from the national office and local associations. “It’s the first co-ed program we’re doing through the Player Development Program,” said Atlantic Affiliate Director of Player Development John DiNorcia. “It encompasses 20 goalies and 20 shooters,” he explained, which makes it unique compared to standard skills clinics that feature a much different ratio.

While participants were focused on developing their skills at the clinic, coaches reminded players of the importance of taking away techniques that help them build on their skills each day at practice during the regular season. “Two days is a very short period of time,” remarked Manager of Player Development Rich Hansen. “The best players, the best goaltenders, the best athletes have intrinsic motivation. They go off and take development in their own hands.”