Trust Your Goalie: James Gaertner on Coaching, Confidence, and Development

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What actually separates the goalies who make it… from the ones who don’t?

In this episode of The Goalie Mindset Podcast, Pete Fry sits down with Vancouver Island-based goalie coach James Gaertner, who’s been developing goalies for over 20 years.

James has worked with some high-level talent, including a goalie who just made his NHL debut with the New York Rangers. But what stands out isn’t just the results. It’s how those goalies think, prepare, and handle pressure.

This conversation goes deep into what coaches, parents, and goalies often get wrong.

Pete and James break down:

• The biggest mistake coaches make when handling goalies
• Why trust matters more than quick reactions after a bad goal
• When goalies should be told they’re starting and why timing matters
• Why there’s no “one right way” to prepare for a game
• The three things coaches actually look for when choosing a goalie
• What separates high-level goalies like Dylan Garand, Kristen Campbell, and Aaron Trotter

They also talk about something a lot of goalies overlook. It’s not just how you play when things are going well. It’s how you respond when things don’t.

Body language. Bounce back. Staying engaged even when you’re not busy. That’s what people notice.

James keeps it simple. Compete when it matters. Reset quickly. And trust your game.

There’s also a strong message for parents. You don’t need to coach your goalie. Just support them. The rest will take care of itself.

🎧 If you’re a goalie, parent, or coach trying to figure out what actually matters in development, this one will give you some clarity.

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