Goalie Science
Goalie Science is a podcast by goalies for goalies. The podcast covers hockey rehab, performance and science, and is hosted by former professional hockey goaltender Dr. Jamie Phillips and professional goalie coach Derek Bujan Listen in each week as we discuss the latest science and science-adjacent topics in the hockey world, and cover in depth topics for athletes, parents, coaches and more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The NDL, Rebound Control Myths, and Coaching Pet Peeves
Episode: 152
Hosts: Jamie Phillips and Buj
Recorded: Monday, October 5, 2026
The NDL Explained
The National Development League is USA Hockey's attempt to create a Quad A tier with 36 to 40 teams, structured like a junior hockey organization, designed to feed the USHL. Teams would operate at U15 and U17 levels with unlimited out-of-state American players and a cap of two international players per roster.
For Fox Motors Hockey, it is a damned-if-you-do situation. Join and risk losing local bubble players to travel costs and distance. Don't join and risk becoming a second-tier AAA...
Should Europeans Be Banned From Major Junior?
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Goalie Q&A: Everything Parents & Coaches Are Getting Wrong
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Small Goalies, and Why Hockey Canada Is Failing - Epi 139
Welcome back to Goalie Science.
Ben Cernick — original co-host, PhD researcher, and the guy who quietly uncollaborated all his Instagram posts with Jamie — is back on the pod. He texted saying we were slandering him. We invited him to prove it. This is what happened.
🎓 Who Is Ben and What Does He Actually Study?
Ben is two thirds through a PhD specifically focused on youth hockey development research. His work looks at how rule changes in minor hockey affect goalie and player behaviors. He works directly with the Swedish Ice Hockey Association on questio...
Small Goalies Are NOT Back — What an NHL Scout's Document Actually Says
Welcome back to Goalie Science — Episode 148.
Derek is ready for hockey season. Jamie is running on an iced espresso and white monster combo and fixing up a house he probably shouldn't have bought. Both are ready to get into it.
📚 The Talent Code — What It Actually Means for Goalie Development
Derek came in with notes from the book The Talent Code and broke down what the research actually says about high-level development. Key takeaways for goalies and parents:
Talent has to be built. Natural ability is a starting point, not a destina...
Why North America Has a Goalie Problem (And It's Not What You Think) | Goalie Science 147
Key Topics:
2025 Draft Breakdown
Not a single Canadian goalie drafted in the top 15 of the 2025 NHL Draft. Russia had 7 goalies drafted. Czech Republic had 6. The first Canadian goalie taken was Elliott Lennon in the 4th round, and he was US developed out of prep school. The guys break down what the numbers actually mean and what they don't.
The Russian Model
Russia identifies top goalies around age 11-12, places them near a developmental pathway (MHL, VHL, KHL), and brings them together for centralized camps several times a year to work on shared issues...
What was Missing in Tryouts | Episode 146
Tryout season is done. And whether your kid made the team or didn't, this episode is for you. Derek Boogaard just finished three weeks of evaluations — two teams he coached personally, five or six more he assisted with, and conversations with roughly 250 players. And the same problem kept showing up everywhere. It wasn't skating. It wasn't hands. It wasn't compete level. It was Hockey IQ. Kids who couldn't answer basic questions about strong side, weak side, or what they're supposed to do away from the puck. Kids whose hands were moving faster than their feet. Kids who could score 25 goals at...
The New NCAA 5-Year Clock Rule Is a Nightmare for Goalies
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I Cut Him Twice. Now He's Signing an NHL Deal
📲 Ghost Rehab Complete Performance Program
Running 365 days a year. Off-season training starts now. Goalie Science listeners get 50% off the first two months plus a 7-day free trial.
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Don't Get Cut - Tryout Season Survival Guide
Tryout season is here and Jamie and Derek are in the thick of it. This episode is a full breakdown of everything happening right now — how real tryout decisions actually get made, what coaches are doing in January that most parents don't see, why the 7-day tryout window is mostly theater, how to evaluate goalies when practice formats don't tell the whole story, what happens in the war room, and why your reputation as a parent matters more than you think. Plus a gut-check for parents of young kids who are rushing their way into the wrong level too soon — and...
One Coach Cut His Best Players on Purpose | Epsiode 142
Welcome back to Goalie Science.
After three months off (and yes, Derek missed an alarm), Jamie and Derek are back and working through a backlog of topics that have been building since before the Olympics.
This one covers a lot of ground. Here's what's inside:
🏒 Olympics Gold Medal Game Breakdown The US won. Canada is in shambles. But how can you not love that game? The pace, the decision-making, the skill level — this is how hockey is supposed to look. Jamie and Derek break down Hellebuyck performance vs. Binnington's, and why depth management makes...
Why Some Goalies Make the NHL | Episode 141 Ft | Roope Koistinen
In this episode, Jamie and Roope cover:
Roope’s background: Northern Finland, starting goalie at 4, full-time by 9
Why he started coaching while still playing: “I didn’t get the help, so I wanted to help others”
How Finland’s goalie coaching education system works (levels, regional coaches, consistent messaging)
The shift in Finnish coaching culture: more organized education and easier pathways into coaching
Building a goalie development program from scratch at Kärpät:
More resources + more ice time (4–5 goalie touches per week, not 1)
Recruiting coaches and bu...
Confidence is a Checklist | Episode 140
30 Ways in 30 Days to become a better hockey player, delivered right to your inbox: https://app.arketa.co/ghostathletica/intake-form/7AeAoDC0KdRC5f35oYUs
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Confidence Isn’t Built How You Think | Episode 139
Why mistakes are necessary for learning — but not all mistakes should be allowed
The difference between technical freedom vs habit correction
Confidence explained as preparation and standards, not results
Resiliency as the ability to bounce back from failure
Why tying confidence to outcomes is dangerous
How coaches should individualize accountability (not all players get the same leash)
Youth hockey habits vs tactics (ages 9–12)
Why goalie tip training often fails due to predictability
The importance of surprise and randomness in goalie development
Scre...
Should Coaches Try and Win? Episode 138 - Quick Shift Episode
Key Points Discussed
The youth hockey buzzword problem: “development” often gets reduced to individual skill work and ignores human development.
Why Derek believes winning matters — not as the only priority, but as a teacher of responsibility, teamwork, pressure, and accountability.
Confidence explained: confidence is owned, built through preparation (routine, hydration, nutrition, visualization), and shouldn’t be dependent on external validation.
Resiliency explained: bouncing back from fear, failure, and adversity — and why kids must experience competitive situations to learn it.
Coaching reality: a coach being “hard on a player”...
The Truth about Spring Hockey | Episode 137
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Quick intro + Ottawa Senators rumor mill and why “team statements” create speculation
Youth hockey politics: tier friction, recruiting paranoia, and why organizations resist outside help
Workshop outreach update: education, injury prevention, nutrition, and performance presentations for teams (in-person or remote)
Development philosophy: pushing kids forward vs protecting organizations
“Hard truth” segment: survivorship bias, genetic ceilings, and why “just work harder” is incomplete advice
Goalie development realities: style isn’t copy/paste—find what works for the ath...
How We Ruined Canadian Hockey | Episode 137
In Episode 137 of the Goalie Science Podcast, Jamie and Derek dig deep into Canada’s World Junior Championship loss and the public outcry that followed. They examine whether the Canadian player development model is flawed, tackling issues like open borders, super teams, lack of adversity, and overemphasis on early winning. They challenge reactionary takes blaming CHL imports, half-ice hockey, and goalie selection. They also discuss goaltending performances across the tournament, the impact of structured vs unstructured youth environments, and why North American goalies may be falling behind. The episode wraps with a discussion on nepotism in hockey, injury load management, an...
World Junior Drama, Coaching Mistakes, Q & A | Episode 136
Hosts:
Dr. Jamie Phillips – Former pro goalie, DPT, Founder of Ghost Rehab & EGM
Derek Bujan – Owner, Bjan Goaltending & On Ice Hockey Performance
Special Format:
First-ever in-person episode with special appearances from Jamie’s wife and a live Q&A from the community.
Topics Covered:
Team Canada’s World Junior goalie selection controversy
Zayne Parekh’s NHL future: skill vs. attitude
Coaching regrets: overcoaching, goalie rotation, and learning the hard way
Gender-b...
Is Your Agent Hurting or Helping | Episode 135
Topics Covered:
Why one youth hockey all-star team was picked by drawing names
How coaches can better support goalies through anxiety & pressure
U.S. junior league breakdown: NAHL, NCDC, NA3HL, BCHL
The risk of trusting the wrong advisor (or coach)
Differences between junior and AAA development environments
Goalie career mismanagement: how it happens, how to avoid it
NHL goalie trends + how Olympic ice changes the crease landscape
Coaching shoutouts, gear wins, and what we’re testing next
Open Borders, Broken Goalies & Christmas Gear Picks | Episode 134
Featured Gifts
Edge Protect Post Guards
Easy Crease
Mask Scraps Custom Paint
Cement Pegs & Pro Pegs
Bauer Shadow/Flylite Sticks
Cut-resistant socks + poly socks
Padskins full wraps
Oculus + Sense Arena (for injured goalies only)
Goalie Mobility Program (365 days, 4 tracks)
Shot clickers (for parents who can’t count)
Heated vests for freezing cold rinks
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The One Where We Break Wrists | Episode 133
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Is Your Kid a Donkey | Episode 132
Check out Charlotte Hockey Lab! https://charlottehockeylab.com/
Topics Covered.Why some kids are donkeys… and how we discipline them
Should coaches be friends, mentors, or surrogate parents?
When to actually consider leaving your current team or club
How to evaluate your goalie’s options based on radius, budget, and coaching turnover
Billeting young kids—what’s too young?
Emo and punk nostalgia: Alexis on Fire, Silverstein, Linkin Park, and Hawthorne Heights
Pregame music, CD binders, and being 10 years old listening to Offspring
Hosted...
Are Small Area Games the NHL Secret? | GOALIE SCIENCE |Episode 131
Topics Covered:
One puck drill: why it’s the most valuable goalie drill on the planet
Playing on a weak team: how it can fast-track your development
Why spring hockey should be chaos
Stick saves part 2: gloves, rebounds, and puck rotation
The truth behind “developmental” programs that don’t develop
Goalies who are afraid to get scored on
November slumps: why it happens and how to get through it
Vision problems & goalie performance: Acreman case study
Strength training...
Playing on Bad Teams Will Ruin Your Career | Episode 130
Easycrease: https://www.easycrease.com/
1st Phorm Supplements: https://1stphorm.com/68e7ffdc802b2
Ovr Performance: https://www.ovrperformance.com/GRP
Giveaway Instructions
We’re giving away a free Easy Crease!
To enter:
Go to the YouTube video
Comment on who you think is more of a winner – Connor Hellebuyck or Jordan Binnington
Each comment = 1 entryWinner announced in next episode!
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STOP Making Stick Saves | GOALIE SCIENCE Episode 129
Visit stonewallmind.academy/goaliesciencepodcast
A complete mental performance training course built on real research and science. Learn the same mental performance strategies used by elite goalies worldwide. Master pregame routines, eliminate slumps quickly, and build unshakeable confidence.
_________1st Phorm Discount link: https://1stphorm.com/68e7ffdc802b2
Topics Covered:
Stick saves: necessary skill or outdated tactic?
Why young goalies with soft pads give up more rebounds
Should goalies rotate their stick to elevate pucks?
When coaches say “I develop every player”… do the...
Don't Play AAA Hockey | Episode 128
Visit stonewallmind.academy/goaliesciencepodcast A complete mental performance training course built on real research and science. Learn the same mental performance strategies used by elite goalies worldwide. Master pregame routines, eliminate slumps quickly, and build unshakeable confidence.
Why some goalies play great and still get scratched
Balancing wins, performance, and process-focused mindsets
The real reason AAA ice time isn’t 50/50
Building goalie depth: how to “Build a Goalie” at the U8-U9 level
Coaches: stop ghosting kids you signed
Goalies: stop blaming D—learn to manage the endzone<...
How Bad Do You Want it? Episode 127
In-Season Hockey Training: https://www.ghostrehab.com/programs/remote-training
Topics Covered:
Lack of effort and intentionality in goalie training
Why off-season gains disappear without in-season maintenance
The four pillars of elite-level endzone management
Coaches do play favorites—and why it’s earned
The myth of “I’ll just turn it on in games”
Rhymer back in Toronto? Leafs fans, buckle up
Two standout goalie shoutouts: NCAA & Junior A
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Goalies Shouldn't Play NCAA | Episode 126
Presented by: The Goalie Glove Guy — Turning your glove from bricks into butter. Repairs, break-ins, rebuilds—done right.
Topics covered:
Behind-the-scenes of Jamie’s wedding (Fran should run the CHL)
CHL & OHL’s partnership with GOJHL — why it matters
NCAA vs CHL tug-of-war for elite junior talent
Major Junior vs College Hockey development for goalies
The transfer portal and how it’s changing commitment culture
Speculation: Will Hockey Canada ban NCAA players from World Juniors?
Advice for 17-year-old go...
Are You READY TO PLAY Games? | Episode 125
Topics Covered:
Why goalies struggle in their first 5 starts of the season
The science of scanning, rebound tracking & better coaching language
Overuse of RVH and the dangers of robotic “zone mapping”
Teaching puck handling the right way—with processing, not panic
Coaching philosophy: show, don’t tell
Asking better questions as an athlete
The value of reps, not just structure, in training camps
Jamie’s behind-the-scenes chaos building his new gym
Gear Talk: CCM EFlex 7, Vaughn pants, Bauer pads...
Secrets Behind a Perfect Break-In with Devon Butz | Episode 124
Guest: Devon Butz – The Goalie Glove Guy https://www.instagram.com/thegoaliegloveguy/?hl=en
Host: Derek Bujan (@bjangoaltending)
What You’ll Learn:
Why 90% of new gloves don’t close properly out of the box
The hidden quality control issues behind major brands
How Devon breaks in gloves and rebuilds them for elite performance
What makes Bauer, Vaughn, Warrior, and True gloves different
The best way to dry and maintain your glove (hint: stop throwing it on your garage...
The Greatest Q&A Ever! | Episode #123
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RVH Secrets Exposed! | GOALIE SCIECE Episode 122
Key Topics Covered:
How to break in a glove the right way
Why over-teaching RVH can backfire for young goalies
The science of hip and ankle positions in butterfly/RVH
Skate lace vs. bungee debate: what really matters
Gear innovation: Bauer’s Connect skates and their benefits
EGM Labs app growth, 365 skating patterns, and video resources
Preparing for the Brick Tournament and spotlighting young talent
Behind the scenes of running goalie schools in summer
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Are you the Michael Jordan of Goaltending? | Goalie Science 121
Episode Notes:
🎙 Hosts:
Dr. Jamie Phillips – Former professional goalie, physical therapist, performance coach
Derek Bjan – Owner of Bjan Goaltending and On Ice Hockey Performance Center
📌 Topics Covered:
Why baseball doesn’t directly improve glove saves in goalies
Overcoaching and how we ruin natural instincts in youth goalies
Root cause vs. symptom: how to evaluate true performance gaps
Misguided “sport-specific” training and its unintended consequences
Why the only 1:1 transferable skill for hockey is… hockey
...Ft. Chuck Thuss | Goalie Science Episode 120
🎧 Guest:
Chuck Thuss – Former pro goaltender, All-American at Miami University, certified performance coach, founder of The Compassionate Connection
📌 Topics Covered:
Differentiating nerves from anxiety in athletes
How performance expectations can become destructive
The mental health toll of professional hockey
Signs parents and coaches should never ignore
Chuck’s personal story of survival and rediscovery
Building emotional resilience in goalies and youth athletes
Social media’s impact on athlete identity and anxiety
The importan...
Your Phone is Ruining Your Game | Ft. Larissa Mills | Episode 119
Main Topics:
Why point shots are (mostly) useless in the NHL
How dopamine spikes from phones damage goalie performance
Why goalies must “earn their playing time at practice”
The myth that strong goalies are “too bulky”
The epidemic of low hockey IQ in today’s players
How sleep, structure, and screen habits affect cognition and confidence
iPads on the bench: helpful or harmful?
Gaming vs. scrolling: what’s the real impact?
Key Quote:
“If yo...
How to Bounce Back | Goalie Vlogs | Episode 118
Join EGM Labs Now! https://www.elitegoaliemethod.com/egm-labs/
Main Topics Covered:
Why being a “goalie YouTuber” is harder than it looks
Self-correcting as coaches: How Jamie and Derek adjusted their summer approach
The “No Saves Made” summer: Designing training to be brutally effective
How to mentally rebound after bad games or playoff slumps
A deep dive on NHL Cup-winning goalies and why they aren’t always “superstars”
Goalie trivia and stats from MoneyPuck.com
The importance of structured rebound drills...
More Tryout Nightmares; Clark Cup Champions | Episode 117
📱 EGM Labs App Plug: Jamie’s full goalie development library in your pocket
https://www.elitegoaliemethod.com/egm-labs/
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Open borders Sucks; tryout nightmares | GOALIE SCIENCE Episode 116
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Is my Mask Safe?! | Ft. Elliot Siskins From Bauer Goalie | Episode 115
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Goalie Training Mistakes (Don't Do These) | Episode 114
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