From hockey passion to business
Yellowknife goalie coach has heart set on the North
Walter Strong
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, October 8, 2014
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Hockey North goalie coach Tony Stapelton is well known for the time and dedication he puts into elevating the level of goaltending, and goalie coaching, across the North.
Goalie Robbie Paddock, left, takes instruction from Tony Stapleton, centre, as Inuvik coach Patrick March watches on. Stapleton was coaching coaches on the finer points of goaltending improvement in Yellowknife. Stapleton's years of coaching with Hockey North has lead to a private Yellowknife-based goaltending clinic with Standout Goaltending. - Walter Strong/NNSL photo |
But what might not be so well known is that he is in his second season of running Standout Goaltending, his private Yellowknife-based goaltending clinic.
Stapelton has been coaching goaltending in the North for more than ten years with the Yk Minor Hockey Association, and has been involved with goalie training and selection at high levels of the game, including for the Arctic Winter Games, and Team Canada junior teams.
In Stapleton's time, he's only seen interest grow for goalie specific training.
"The demand is there," Stapleton said.
"We've realized that throughout the minor hockey associations there is a gap, and that's goalie-specific training."
Since starting Standout Goaltending last year, Stapleton has had more than 40 goalies come through is private clinics.
Mostly taught one-on-one whenever ice time allows, it's become a second job for Stapelton.
"I usually spend 20 hours a week at the rink," Stapelton said.
"Last week, I had 22 ice times in seven days, plus my full time job."
Mini goaltending camps are planned for the December and March student holidays. Stapleton said the upcoming winter camps are almost full, with a potentional week long, full-time goaltending camp in the works for this summer, but not yet finalized.
A second generation goaldtender, the postion is in Stapleton's blood. Austin Stapleton, Tony's son, was last season's midget goalie of the year.
"My passion is hockey," Stapelton said.
"Just helping the kids is worth it. We need to provide for any athlete that has the desire to grow. We need make sure there's somebody there for them."
The next stage for Standout Goaltending is to advance to full Hockey Canada affiliation, and the professional certification to be able to qualify goalie coaches under the Hockey Canada banner.
That's a two-year goal for Stapleton. Until then, you'll find him near the crease.
