The NDL, Rebound Control Myths, and Coaching Pet Peeves

Episode 152. Jamie and Buj are back and fired up.

This week starts with a breakdown of the National Development League, USA Hockey's attempt to create a Quad A tier in American hockey. What it is, what it could mean for AAA organizations like Fox Motors, why the rumored rule banning major junior play would kill it before it starts, and why the USHL keeps finding itself in an impossible spot no matter what USA Hockey does.

Then they get into goalie coaching pet peeves. Real ones. Backed by real stories from this past week on the ice.

Pet peeve number one: coaches who blow up a goalie's stance on day one of camp before they've seen them play a single meaningful situation. Why it destroys confidence, undoes years of development work, and why there is no perfect stance worth chasing.

Pet peeve number two: making changes without explaining why. You're building robots, not thinkers. Smart goalies coach themselves. That only happens when they understand the reason behind every adjustment.

Pet peeve number three: rebound control as a goal. The Roberto Luongo story is the perfect case study. Two years in New York trying to fix rebounds. Trade to Florida, simplify the message, Hall of Fame career. Track it out and reposition. That's rebound control.

They also get into the career trade-off of private coaching versus pro, why neither of them is willing to kiss the ring for a CHL job, the Bower one-piece skate leak, CCM's new TAC line, and why flow drills at any age should probably just not exist.

Shoutouts to Madden Omera and Matthew Brownley, two long-time goalies who earned their first official AAA starts at the Toronto Titans tournament at U16. And Charlotte Payne keeps winning at Delaware.

Use code GOALIESCIENCE16 for 30 days free in the Ghost Goaltending Club. Link in description.

Topics Covered:

What is the NDL and how does it affect AAA hockey

Why the major junior ban rumor would sink the league