Frequently Asked Questions
What is the goal of your program?
All of our skill development programs are designed by goalies for goalies. We provide participants with the much-needed attention and goalie-specific coaching they truly deserve, but rarely get.
Goalies who have chosen to play this important and demanding position receive the most up-to-date instruction they need to maximize development. Goalies of all abilities improve their core fundamental skills and boost their self-confidence in a challenging and enthusiastic learning environment.
When did you open your school?
Our goalie school was established in 1995 in the Minneeapolis-St. Paul Area. We continue to grow in popularity. Hundreds of goalies from Minnesota, twelve other states and Canada have chosen our program to assist in the development of their goaltending skills and take their game to the next level.
How many coaches are on the ice?
Depending on class size, we have three to four coaches on the ice with the goalies. Our coaches do an excellent job of explaining, demonstrating and reinforcing the latest goaltending techniques used by today's successful goalies. We also may use college/high school goalies as demonstrators.
What style do you teach?
We believe there is no one goaltending style that fits everyone. Therefore we do not create robotic-like goalies who all look, move and play the same way. We develop the individual skills of each goalie so they evolve into a style that best suits their abilities. We teach goalies a variety of fundamentals skills and advanced techniques necessary for success.
What is a typical on-ice session like?
On-ice sessions begin with a variety of challenging goalie-specific skating and movement drills. Goalies are then divided into smaller groups to focus on specific skills and save selections. We also work on angles, rebound control, and breakaways.
How many ice hours are in each session?
Fundamental sessions consist of six hours of on-ice training, advanced sessions feature eight hours of on-ice training. All ice time is at night and weekends. Parents are welcome to stay and watch the training sessions.
How many pucks will my child see?
Your child will have the opportunity to stop tons of shots during each training session. In addition to stopping pucks, they will also work on a variety of other essential aspects of becoming a successful goaltender.
Does your staff meet with parents?
Yes, there is a short introductory meeting for parents and the goalies prior to start of the first ice hour. Coaches also are available to answer questions from parents throughout the weekend.
Do you provide any goalie equipment?
No we do not. Goalies are responsible for providing all of their own equipment. Often times, your hockey association has equipment available for summer or fall programs. Goalies are required to wear the proper equipment as required by USA Hockey.
A bit of history...
Steve Carroll was a Hall of Fame goalie at Edina High School and an All-American and NCAA National Champion at Minnesota State University, Mankato.
After his playing days ended, Steve recognized that most youth hockey goalies received little or no constructive coaching. He was determined to change that way of thinking and do what he could to help goalies of all abilities improve their skills and achieve their goals.
Steve organized his first goalie school in 1995 and his program quickly became a skill development leader. Many goalie schools have come and gone since Steve’s started sharing his passion and enthusiasm for the position. And today, the Carroll Goalie School is going strong!