Newly hired Team Canada goalie coach, Ron Tugnutt excited about test to bring about best goaltending
Team Canada did not hire former National Hockey League (NHL) goalie, Ron Tugnutt, as the teams goaltending coach without a reason. Seeing the vast experience and diverse playing abilities the 44-year-old brings along with him, the Canadian management hopes
that this will be a good learning experience for the young players.
Retiring during the 2003-2004 season from the NHL, Tugnutt knows how hard it is to make a name in the professional league, something that was not the case when he was newly drafted as Quebec Nordiques 81st overall pick during the 1986 NHL Entry
Draft.
Now, something that has become vastly accepted is that new and young talent has created more competition in the NHL than ever before and unless you are a top notch goalie, having a regular playing position is very difficult.
"It's tougher for young goalies today because, besides the fact there are only two goalies on a team, it's how long these goalies are playing now", Tugnutt said. "They're playing into their 40's. If you think about it, the way they stay in shape, that's
also made it tougher on young goalies".
In a prime example of this, it can be seen in the NHL that now more and more veteran goalies are retaining their positions as a clubs primary, go-to goaltender, and with the latest discoveries and techniques to remain healthy and active longer, younger goalkeepers
are finding it more difficult in finding a position.
This ultimately leads younger player to spend time in the minor leagues like the American Hockey League (AHL), East Coast Hockey League (ECHL), Western Hockey League (WHL) and a number of others.
"Today, a lot more guys are spending more time in the minors and developing their game, which I think is beneficial," Tugnutt said. "Everyone wants to get to the NHL sooner, but spending time in the minors is great for their development. This way, when they
do get to the NHL, they are there to stay."
Having played with a number of teams like Edmonton Oilers, Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, Pittsburgh Penguins, Columbus Blue Jackets and Dallas Stars, Ron Tugnutt just might provide that special experience the team needs.
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