The BMHA encourages opportunity for all children interested in trying the goaltending position.  We offer specific goalie training (Free Goalie Clinics) and specialized goalie equipment (Free Equipment Loaner Program) for each and every age group/team in our Association. 

Regardless of the age of the Player, it’s never too late to begin playing goaltender. Over the years, there have been many children who only decided at the Atom or Pee Wee levels to make the switch and, regardless of any concerns they may have had at the time of “starting late”, these are many of the same goalies you’ll see today on our competitive teams (right up into Rangers AA).

In IP (4, 5 and 6 years old) teams are only allowed to use a goalie under limited conditions, and only for a relatively small part of the season. Even on those occasions where a team is allowed to use a goalie, each and every participant must be offered the opportunity throughout the season – so it’s unlikely that anyone would have multiple chances to be the goalie at this very young age.

In Novice (7 and 8 years old) teams are expected to have a goalie for all games – but BMHA Coaches/Teams are expected to continue to offer opportunity to all Players on the team, meaning a fair rotation of non-dedicated goalies at all levels of Novice. 

At the start of every season, all Novice aged players are evaluated on their skating and other hockey abilities (NO Goalie Evaluations at Novice) and then they are grouped into teams based on skill level. Once on a team, Players may all ask their Coach if they are interested in playing goaltender throughout the season. Every one who expresses interest will get a turn playing goal on a rotational basis.

Coaches are each provided goalie equipment, for Players to share among their team, at IP and Novice Levels.

At the Atom through Midget age groups, goalies are evaluated and placed on a team – based on their ability as a goaltender – at the start of every season.  Those still interested in trying the goaltending position during the year, should speak with their coach, asking for the opportunity.

Players are individually provided goalie equipment, upon request, for Atom to Midget Levels. (Free Equipment Loaner Program)

The BMHA hosts several Goalie Clinics every year and all goalies in our Association are invited (Free Goalie Clinics). Since teams are offered 2 spots in each of these clinics, there is often opportunity for a Coach to send in a Player who is considering the possibility of being a goaltender – even if they are not the team goalie just yet.

Another excellent place to try out the position, or gather a little bit of experience, is to register as a Goalie in the BMHA Spring 4 on 4 Program.  This offers a chance to play hockey in an informal and less competitive environment (teams don’t keep score/goalies rotate every few whistles/and it’s a very short season/commitment). 

Other information about being a goalie as well as goalie specific training can be found at:

http://www.hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/7630/la_id/1.htm
http://www.mercerhockey.com/AMHD/Welcome.html
http://www.goaleru.com
http://www.hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/40119/ss_id/7534/la_id/1.htm

For additional information or to ask any questions about being a goalie with BMHA please contact Mark Kirkey – goalieclinic@blackburnstingers.com