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Mark Visentin named CHL Goalie of the Week
10/8/2009 - http://www.ontariohockeyleague.com/
Pro Goaltending is proud to announce Mark Visentin of the Niagara IceDogs was named Canadian Hockey League Goaltender of the Week for the week ending October 4. In two starts, Mark registered one win, stopped 97 of 101 shots faced, a GAA of 2.01 and a save percentage of .960.
Mark is in his second OHL season with the IceDogs and is eligible for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Through five games this season he has posted a 2-3-0-0 record with a 2.82 goals-against-average and a .930 save percentage.
Pro Goaltending is very pleased to see Mark enjoy success through hard work and commitment to developing as a goaltender. We wish him the very best during the season.
Sebastian Dahm
Aces sign goalie with eyes on prize
9/30/2009 - http://www.adn.com
DAHM: Denmark native hopes to repeat success from last season's playoff run.
Incoming Alaska Aces goaltender Sebastian Dahm knows all about Jean-Philippe Lamoureux, the guy who backstopped the club to the ECHL's Kelly Cup Finals last season and set the bar high for masked men who follow.
Dahm (pronounced Dam), a 22-year-old from Denmark by way of junior hockey in Sweden, major- junior hockey in Ontario and one season in the American Hockey League, knows Lamoureux parlayed his All-ECHL rookie season into an NHL contract with the Buffalo Sabres.
And come to think of it, Dahm sounds a lot like Lamoureux -- driven to succeed.
"J.P.'s contract cemented the idea that here, things can work out for you like that,'' Dahm said. "I'm here to develop and I'm here to become a better goalie.
"The intent I had when I signed is to play a lot of games and be the starting goalie, and like J.P., make a run deep into the playoffs."
The Aces on Wednesday announced Dahm's arrival from the Peoria Rivermen, their AHL affiliate.
The club also announced the arrival of five others from Peoria: NHL-contracted defenseman Alexander Hellstrom, who played briefly for Alaska last season; NHL-contracted forward Tomas Kana, a second-round draft pick who bagged 20 points and a plus-14 rating in 30 games for the Aces last season; rookie forward Jack Combs, who racked 74 goals in his last two seasons in the Ontario Hockey League; rookie forward Chris Morehouse, small and tenacious with some scoring touch; and rookie forward Patrick Brosnihan, who last season completed his college career at Yale.
That brings to 23 the numbers of players the Aces have announced for training camp, which opens Friday. The club today is expected to announce a few more guys and also release its training camp schedule.
Dahm put up strong numbers last season for the AHL Syracuse, which did not qualify for the Calder Cup playoffs. He went 10-11-0 with a 2.66 goals-against average and .914 save percentage. He ended the season particularly strong, going 5-5-0 in February with a 2.33 goals against and .926 save percentage.
Dahm also played one game in the World Championships in the spring, stopping 33 shots in Demark's 5-1 loss to Finland, which featured several NHL players.
Dahm left his hometown of Copenhagen at 16 and played two seasons of junior hockey in Sweden. He followed that with three seasons in the Ontario Hockey League, one of three Canadian-based major-junior leagues that develop abundant NHL talent.
"If you want to get noticed, it's not in Denmark,'' Dahm said. "Scouts just aren't there."
Dahm, who went undrafted and had a one-year deal in Syracuse, said his agent persuaded him that Alaska presented a good option for his development.
"My agent said Alaska is one of the best places, if not the best place, to play in the ECHL," Dahm said.
Naturally, Dahm would like to duplicate Lamoureux's success, but he said the comparison stops at sweater numbers. Lamoureux wore No. 1.
"I'm not going to take No. 1, either,'' Dahm said with a laugh. "I've always been No. 29, so hopefully I'll get that.
Stars Sign Tyler Beskorowany To Entry-Level Deal
09/22/2009
Pro Goaltending is proud to announce that student Tyler Beskorowany has signed a three year, entry-level contract with the Dallas Stars. Tyler was Dallas’ second-round selection (No. 59 overall) in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. He has spent the last two seasons with the Owen Sound Attack of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). On August 15th, 2009, Tyler was traded from Owen Sound to the Kingston Frontenacs.
Tyler earned a .930 save percentage and 2.31 GAA in the 2009 Traverse City Prospects Tournament earlier this month, ranking third among tournament goalies in both categories. Tyler now joins a growing list of Pro Goaltending students who have made the successful jump from junior and collegiate to professional hockey. Good luck, Tyler!Dahm signs with St. Louis Blues
08/13/2009
Pro Goaltending is proud to announce student Sebastian Dahm has signed with the St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League.
Sebastian split his first season as a professional between the Johnstown Chiefs in the ECHL and the Syracuse Crunch in the AHL. In Syracuse, Sebastian went 10-11-0 with a goals-against average of 2.66 and a save percentage of .914 in 24 games for Syracuse. We wish you all the best of luck, Sebastian!New York Rangers select Scott Stajcer
07/1/2009
Pro Goaltending is proud to announce that Scott Stajcer was selected by the New York Rangers in the 5th Round, 140th overall at this years NHL Entry Draft in Montreal.
Last season with the OHL's Owen Sound Attack, Stajcer posted a 13-12-3-2 record, 3.59 goals-against average and .905 save percentage. Scott was rated the second-best North American goaltender by NHL Central Scouting in its midterm rankings. He was also one of four goaltenders chosen to play in the CHL-NHL Top Prospects Game in January.
To find out more information about Scott and his experience leading up to the NHL Draft, please check out this article from NHL.com
Congratulations, Scott, for this tremendous achievement!
Hershey Bears win AHL's 2009 Calder Cup; Michael Neuvirth earns playoff MVP
06/15/2009
The Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League (AHL) and Pro Goaltending student Michael Neuvirth have captured the 2009 Calder Cup championship by defeating the Manitoba Moose 4-2 in the series. The Bears, the AHL affiliate for the NHL’s Washington Capitals, won their second title in the last four years and their 10th overall, establishing a new league record.
Also, the rookie goaltender won the Jack A. Butterfield Trophy as the most valuable player of the 2009 Calder Cup Playoffs, finishing with a 16-6 record, a 1.92 goals-against average, .932 save percentage, and four shutouts. The 21-year-old Neuvirth was a second-round draft choice by the Capitals in 2006, and was one of 13 Bears to also skate for Washington during the 2008-09 season.
Pro Goaltending would like to congratulate the Hershey Bears and Michael on achieving this tremendous honour.
Pro Goaltending student Christian Boucher signs in Netherlands
06/04/2009
Pro Goaltending is very proud to announce that long time student, Christian Boucher, has signed with the Nijmegen Devils in the Dutch Eredivisie, the highest-level hockey division in the Netherlands. Christian begain working with Pro Goaltending while playing for the Cumberland Grads in the Central Junior 'A' Hockey League (CJHL).
Christian then advanced his hockey career and education by attending Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh and playing NCAA Divison 1 hockey. In his four years at RMU, Christian was awarded USCHO.com National Defensive Player of the Week honours, named the CHA Defensive Player of the Week three times, and earned CHA Rookie of the Week honours twice.
Last season, Christian enjoyed his first pro season with the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees in the Central Hockey League (CHL). In 37 games played and close to 2,000 minutes played, Christian averaged a 2.89 GAA and 0.919 save percentage. Congratulations, Christian! We wish you all the best.
Michael Neuvirth and the Hershey Bears have taken a 1-0 lead over the Manitoba Moose
06/01/2009
Michael Neuvirth and the Hershey Bears have taken a 1-0 lead over the Manitoba Moose in the AHL Calder Cup finals. Michael has posted a 0.925 save percentage and a 2.12 GAA in 17 games during the Bears' playoff run.
A second round pick to the Washington Capitals in 2007, Michael spent the majority of this year with Hershey and was rewarded with some time with the Capitals.
Due to his hard work and determination, Michael has consistantly improved each year since joining Pro Goaltending. We wish Michael all the best!
Mississippi’s Kevin Beech Named CHL’s Most Outstanding Goaltender
03/20/2009 - www.centralhockeyleague.com
The Central Hockey League (CHL) announced today that Kevin Beech of the Mississippi RiverKings has been named the recipient of the 2008-09 Central Hockey League’s Most Outstanding Goaltender award (Scott Brower Award). The award is ‘presented annually to the Central Hockey League’s most outstanding goaltender, in memory of Scott Brower, former Memphis goaltender and Corpus Christi employee.’ Voting was done by CHL head coaches, communications departments and selected media members in each market.
In what turned out to be the closest race of any of the CHL awards, Beech earned 18 votes of the 50 ballots turned in. Texas’ Brett Jaeger finished second among the finalists earning 11 votes.
Beech is engrained among the league leaders with his 35 wins (first), 2.43 goals against average (third), three shutouts (tied for first, 2966:16 minutes (first) and four shootout wins (tied for first). His 35 wins are the most in the CHL since Tyler Weiman’s 33 wins with Colorado during the 2003-04 season and is the eighth highest win total in league history.
The Brantford, Ontario native has won many awards throughout the 2008-09 season being named the Oakley CHL Goaltender of the Week on two occasions and the Sher-Wood/CHL Goaltender of the Month for January and February. In his short two-year professional career, Beech has posted a 49-18-4 record with seven shutouts playing with Laredo and Youngstown along with Mississippi. Beech could also take home the CHL Most Valuable Player (to be awarded on Monday, March 23rd) as he is one of five finalists for the award.
The second-year pro and first-year RiverKings defeated the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs, 6-0, on New Year’s Eve earning his first shutout of the season spring boarding him to an unbelievable second half of the season. Since December 31st, Beech has gone 23-3-3 with three shutouts allowing just 64 goals in those 29 games. The 2005 sixth round selection of the Tampa Bay Lightning has saved his best for the best going 9-2-1 versus the other three division winners.
The remaining CHL awards will be announced on Monday, March 23rd with the Joe Burton Scoring Championship and CHL Most Valuable Player awards. Already announced earlier this week were the recipients of CHL Athletic Trainer of the Year (Rocky Mountain’s Osama Kassab), CHL Gunner Garrett Equipment Manager of the Year (Rapid City’s Shawn Smith), CHL Coach of the Year (Mississippi’s Kevin Kaminski), Rick Kozuback Award (Tulsa’s Jeff Lund), CHL’s Most Outstanding Defenseman (Colorado’s Aaron Schneekloth), CHL Rookie of the Year (Laredo’s Darryl Smith) and CHL Man of the Year (Amarillo’s Austin Sutter) honors, along with both the 2008-2009 All-CHL and All-Rookie teams.
Kevin Beech
The dream is still alive
11/18/2008 - www.prohockeynews.com
SOUTHAVEN, Miss-- In Southwestern Ontario in the city of Brantford on a cold Saturday afternoon it is game 7 of the Stanley Cup final. In goal is a young Kevin Beech who stops shot after shot in the overtime until his team finally scores the game winner. Beech once again is a Stanley Cup winner. It is the dream of every Canadian boy growing up playing hockey to win the Stanley Cup and for Kevin Beech his dream is still alive.
Born in London, Ontario then moving to Brantford, Beech began his hockey career like any other Canadian boy on the outdoor rink and playing minor hockey.
"When I was 6 I started playing hockey, but not as a goalie,” Beech said. “I played forward for a couple of years and at that age if you could skate you were going to get 3 to 5 goals a game and I was able to skate pretty good."
It wasn't until Kevin was 9 years old that playing goal seemed more appealing than playing forward and taking shifts because the goalie got to play the whole game.
"When I was 9 I had to make a decision (about) what I was going to be and I liked that the goalie got to play the whole game,” Beech said. “It was the most important position. I also wanted to be like my older brother Jeff who was a pretty good goalie growing up."
Kevin credits his family as having the biggest influence in his life with helping him and supporting his dream to play professional hockey.
"My parents, brother and sister have supported me in hockey since I was kid,” Beech added. “I wouldn't be where I am now if it wasn't for them."
Kevin's parents are like any other parent with a child in hockey. They log countless miles driving to arenas for games, going to out of town tournaments and making sure that they are at all games and practices. This has not gone unnoticed by Kevin who appreciates everything they have done for him in his pursuit to play pro hockey.
"I do not know how many miles my parents have put on vehicles driving all across Ontario for hockey games,” Beech said. “They would always be at my hockey games."
Even during the summer he never gave his parents a break because he played summer hockey and attended hockey schools.
"I never really gave them a break in summers either,” Beech said. “I played summer hockey and then (went to) a goalie school or two. They never once tried to discourage playing hockey so much or traveling all over for me. They have really supported me in my goal to play professional."
Kevin's dream to play professional hockey came a step closer when he was drafted by the Sudbury Wolves in the Ontario Hockey League in 2002. His experience playing in Sudbury was an enjoyable one.
"Sudbury is a great hockey city,” Beech said. “The fan support is unbelievable.”
Beech has some special memories while playing in a Wolves uniform.
"Being born in London and having extended family there I was only able to play one game in London while with the Wolves,” Beech said. “It was a 3-2 shootout win. I managed first star in that game and stopped (Patrick) Kane, and (Sam) Gagner in the shootout. That was a special win for me with lots of family and friends there."
As with any hockey team there are highs and lows and for Kevin the low point came when he was traded. But he was happy that he got the chance to play for Coach/General Manager Mike Folingo before being traded and called him the biggest influence on him in a Wolves uniform.
"I would call him a player’s coach,” Beech added. “He treats you very well (and) at the same time makes sure you put the work needed to be successful. I learned a lot from him about hockey in general. He also has so much passion for the game that you want to play for him and do well."
With the high points come the low points and it was the trade that caught him off guard.
"I was traded at the deadline in my overage year,” Beech said. “It was something that caught me off guard and I had a tough time dealing with it when it happened. Sudbury was like a second home to me at the point in my 4th season."
Kevin was drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2005 NHL entry draft and he realized how close he was now to his dream of playing in the National Hockey League.
He had a quick stint in the American Hockey League with the Springfield Falcons in 2006-07, then found himself with the CHL’s Laredo Bucks and Youngstown in 2007-08. He now finds himself guarding the goal for the Mississippi RiverKings of the CHL.
Though the pro game is faster than the junior game, some players have to adjust for the quickness at the higher level. But for Kevin his game has not changed that much since his junior days.
"I really haven't had to change my game to much,” Beech said. “I think professional (hockey) is all about being consistent though, which was an issue for me in juniors. The game is 90% mental they say and I believe that. I believe I am more mature now and have come a really long way to being ready every night instead of being ready to go most nights. That is the main difference I believe in what I changed and what was needed to be successful at this level."
Hockey players have this thing for playing golf in the off season and for Kevin it is no different. He likes to hit the links in the summer and even go back to Sudbury to visit his billet Elsie with whom he billeted for four years in Sudbury. "Obviously being a typical hockey player (I play golf), but I enjoy anything active and outdoors like camping and surfing. I even go back in to Sudbury to visit Elsie, the lady who I was billeted with during my years in Sudbury."
The dream to play in the National Hockey League is still there for Kevin and even though he is hundreds of miles from home and the outdoor rinks of Canada where he learned to play, for Beech it’s like being a kid all over again, only on a bigger rink.Attack grab OT win in Kingston
www.owensoundsuntimes.com
The adoring fans rushing up to Owen Sound Attack goalie Tyler Beskorowany might want more than an autograph.
They just might just want to rub the 18-year-old Hamner native for luck. All the one-time Owen Sound Attack 14th round pick has done in the span of two short seasons is:
"Just getting the opportunity to play here last year was great and everything just keeps evolving from there, so I just have to keep on working that much harder," the lanky Beskorowany said in an interview prior to making 26 saves in the Attack's 2-1 overtime win in Kingston Friday.
"It's a great opportunity to play on the (OHL) team with all those great players. Playing against Russia and seeing the different style of game will be interesting."
Beskorowany is one of 12 goalies -- four each from the OHL, the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League -- who will play a touring Russian team later this month. Beskorowany and St. Mike's Chris Carozzi will share the duties Nov. 20 in Guelph.
"The goalies are all great goalies, so there's a lot of competition," said Beskorowany. "I just have to show them what I've got. Just to be out there with the guys shows that they're obviously interested."
Attack coach Mark Reeds noted that Beskorowany works hard with goalie coach Mark Lawrence, spends a lot of time training and reviews his goals against in an effort to get better.
"He's created some good fortune for himself through his work ethic," said Reeds. "He works really hard and he's very dedicated, so all his success speaks volumes about all of the hard work he's put in."
Joey Hishon scored late in the third to tie the game and then Andrew Wilkins won it with a goal 54 seconds into overtime for the Attack (6-5-2-1, fourth in the Midwest Division).
The Attack play tonight in Belleville and wrap up the Eastern swing Sunday afternoon in Ottawa.
Mark Visentin has just been selected to represent Team Ontario at the World U-17 Challenge
www.hdco.on.ca - Click here to view full article
TORONTO, ON – Team Ontario Director of Operations Robert Kitamura is pleased to announce the 22-man roster for Ontario's Under 17 Team that will compete in the 2009 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge being held in Port Alberni, British Columbia from December 29th, 2008 through January 4th, 2009.
“After evaluating these high performance athletes during the last 2 months, I am pleased and proud to announce this year’s men’s Under-17 Team that will represent Ontario at the upcoming 2008/2009 World Hockey Challenge being held in Port Alberni, British Columbia said Team Ontario Director of Operations Rob Kitamura. Selecting a team from the available talent pool in Ontario is always a difficult task; however, I believe that the coaching staff and I have selected the 22 best players that will represent Ontario with pride and class both on and off the ice at this high performance event. We are confident that this group of athletes are committed and prepared to compete for the Gold medal at the upcoming World Hockey Challenge, stated Kitamura.”
This international event features five regional teams competing from across Canada and five international teams from Finland, Germany, Russia, Slovakia and USA.
Team Ontario will play in a conference against Team Pacific, Team Atlantic, Russia and Germany.
Team Ontario will begin their quest for Gold on December 28th with an exhibition game against Finland and will play their first game of the round-robin series against Team Atlantic on December 29th. The bronze and gold medal games will be played on January 4th.
The Hockey Development Centre for Ontario (HDCO) facilitates the Men’s Under-17 hockey program on behalf of the 3 Ontario Branches of Hockey Canada.
Tyler Beskorowany on Dallas Stars TV
http://stars.nhl.tv
Video: Tyler Beskorowany on Dallas Stars TV
Pro Goaltending student Danny Taylor featured on NHL.com
Pro Goaltending student and Los Angeles Kings prospect Danny Taylor is featured in an article on NHL.com Taylor, a seventh round pick in 2004, spent last season in the AHL with the Manchestor Monarchs and was 13-5-2 in 23 appearances with a 2.40 goals-against average and a .921 save percentage.
Pro Goaltending Student Beskorowany Invited to Team Canada Under-20 Program of Excellence Camp
Tyler Beskorowany, goaltender for the Owen Sound Attack of the OHL and Pro Goaltending student, has been selected to attend Hockey Canada's Program of Excellence Camp in Calgary from June 12-15.
Twelve goaltenders were selected by Hockey Canada based on evaluations done by Team Canada coaches and scouts during the 2007-08 season and in consultation with coaches, general managers and team officials throughout the Canadian Hockey League and National Hockey League. All of the on-ice sessions will beheld at the Father David Bauer Olympic Arena in Calgary, AB and will be open to the public.
Beskorowany was 12-19-1 with over 2, 000 minutes played and a .900 save percentage in 35 games played this season with the Attack. Congratulations, Tyler!
Hockey Season is Over
Pro Goaltending
For many of us, hockey season is over. As hockey continues to evolve it is increasingly becoming more demanding both physically and mentally for goaltenders. Players now use the off-season to recondition their bodies and minds as they prepare for the new season. However, players often forget to enjoy other activities during their time away from the rink. The summer season is a perfect time to enjoy other activities while working on both on and off-ice conditioning. Students can enjoy great outdoor sports that will help complement their hockey training. For example, taking up tennis is a great way to improve agility and hand-eye coordination.
Many students ask whether playing summer hockey is a good idea. I believe it is but only until a certain age. As players get older, being an athlete becomes so much more than what happens on the ice. Students must learn to become involved in other activities to keep their minds relaxed. Stepping away from the game will put things in perspective and help refresh your mind for summer training and upcoming season.
The middle of July is a good time to head back on the ice. Players will be on the tail-end of their off-ice workouts and will be in great shape to begin their training sessions on the ice.
By finding time to do other things, your mind will be a fresh slate to learn new skills and be more likely to put them into action during the season.
At Michael Lawrence Pro Goaltending, we are committed to providing professional level instruction and consultation to our students. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or comments throughout the summer. Any questions may be addressed through our Contact Us option. Check www.progoaltending.com for future articles and company information.
From all of our staff, we congratulate you on a great season and wish you all the best of luck in your future endeavours. Have a safe and happy summer.