Aslanidis Becomes a Bronco!

Congratulations to long time Pro Crease Goaltender Alex Aslanidis on his commitment to Western Michigan University for the 2020-21 season! Alex, like many other great goaltenders, has endured a winding road that has tested but ultimately shown his perseverance in the net. 

Over the past five years, Alex's path has taken him to the National Team Development Program tryout camp, the Avon Old Farms School, a commitment to another NCAA school, being cut at the junior level, fighting then earning a starting role in the CCHL and now a spot at a historic NCAA program!

Congratulations Alex! We admire your desire and work ethic and are honored to have you as part of the Pro Crease family!

Bruch's Falcons Fly to First Win!

A huge congratulations to the Pro Crease Goaltending's Mackenzie Bruch and the Albertus Magnus Men's Hockey Team on their first NCAA win! The Falcons won in dramatic fashion 3-2 over the Fitchburg State Falcons 14 seconds into overtime!

The win comes soon after Mackenzie was featured in USA Hockey Magazine for being a true trailblazer as one of the very first women to be on a NCAA Men's Hockey Coaching Staff. We are very proud of Mackenzie and her truly amazing accomplishments!

For the full story on Mackenzie please click here. 

Pro Crease Preps Sweep Christmas Tournaments

Congratulations to the Kent School on their 2019 Avon Old Farms Christmas Tournament Championship! Prior to the holiday the Lions defeated Gunnery in the championship game 5-4. Then the next day the Salisbury School won the Flood - Mawr Championship 4-1 over the Hotchkiss School. 

Both Kent and Salisbury are regularly coached by Pro Crease Goaltending's Director of Coaching Matthew Michno. Congratulations to all the schools involved in both of these highly touted and scouted events!

Poreda Shines!

Pro Crease Goaltender and Summer Camp Coach, Jimmy Poreda has been named SUNYAC Goaltender of the Week for the second consecutive week. The SUNYAC is widely considered to be one of the top NCAA Division III leagues in the country. In Poreda's two games last weekend, he was

1-0-1, had a GAA of 0.92 and a save percentage of .960, a truly astounding weekend! For the full article please click here.

Huska's Hot Start!

Pro Crease Goaltending pro goaltender Adam Huska is off to a fantastic start with the Hartford Wolf Pack, the New York Rangers' AHL affiliate. Huska was recently featured on NHL.com as an under the radar player to watch! To read the full article click here.

Adam played NCAA college hockey at the University of Connecticut under the tutelage of Pro Crease Goaltending's Director of Coaching, Matthew Michno.

"The habits and attention to detail that I was able to learn from Matt at the NCAA level has really helped me transition and start off on the right foot at the professional level." - Adam Huska

Bruch Blazes a New Path!

Pro Crease Goaltending's very own, Mackenzie Bruch has been named Goaltending Coach for the Albertus Magnus Men's Ice Hockey team for the 2019 - 20 season. This is a tremendous moment both for Mackenzie and women in coaching as she will be one of the very first women to coach on a Men's NCAA Varsity staff.

Mackenzie will play an integral part in the development and performance of all the men's goaltenders on this new NCAA Division III team. Albertus Magnus Head Coach Kyle Wallack has spent the past two years assembling the team and staff for this year's inaugural season.

"We are very excited to have Mackenzie join our staff. She has excellent coaching experience, well educated and a great demeanor for coaching. It is about having the right people in place to help our student - athletes and Mackenzie is a great fit."

- Head Coach Kyle Wallack

Albertus Magnus is located in New Haven, CT. The Falcons have an extremely challenging schedule playing against the likes of Connecticut College, SUNY Brockport, Manhattenville and other premier Division III programs.

Welcome Coach Brooke Wolejko!!

Pro Crease Goaltending is very proud to announce the newest coach to our group, Brooke Wolejko. Coach Brooke is a Connecticut born and raised goaltender and has trained with Pro Crease Goaltending Owner Jared Waimon since her first days wearing the pads!

Growing up in South Windsor, CT Brooke played boys and girls hockey in Simsbury, CT before being an All League Goalie at the Westminster School. Upon graduation Brooke played at both St. Lawrence University and SUNY - Plattsburgh.

Pro Crease Goaltending has had a number of amazing women coaches over the years and we are excited to continue this recipe for success! Be on the look out for Brooke at your organization's practice and Pro Crease Goaltending Clinics.

Shortridge and Huska Shine!

Pro Crease alumni and NHL prospects Andrew Shortridge and Adam Huska recently wrapped up their first NHL Rookie Tournaments.

Shortridge signed with the San Jose Sharks after an All American season at Quinnipiac University while Adam Huska joined the New York Rangers after being drafted by them in 2015 and then spending three years at the University of Connecticut.

Shortridge's tournament was highlighted by a 45 save win over the Arizona Coyotes. Adam Huska and the New York Rangers won 5-3 over the St. Louis Blues in their last game of the Traverse City NHL Rookie Tournament.

Waimon Hired by Tampa Bay Lightning

Pro Crease Goaltending is excited to announce that Owner and Founder Jared Waimon has been hired by the Tampa Bay Lightning as their Goaltending Scout. Jared is extremely excited about the opportunity to work in the NHL and continue to help move Pro Crease Goaltending forward by expanding his knowledge of the position to a global level.

"I am very humbled and honored to have been hired by the Tampa Bay Lightning. This is an exciting time for myself and the entire Pro Crease Goaltending family."

Pro Crease Director of Coaching Matthew Michno and Head Coach / Director of Women's Goaltending Mackenzie Bruch and Mike Mammone, Director of Pro Crease Goaltending Fairfield County will continue their amazing work this season.

Michno at Predators Development Camp

Pro Crease Goaltending's Director of Coaching Matthew Michno is currently in attendance coaching at the Nashville Predators Development. This is an incredible opportunity for Matt to work with some of the world's best including his prized goaltending pupil Tomas Vomacka who attends the University of Connecticut where Matt is entering his third season as the goaltending coach.

To view the development camp updates click here.

Steel Selects Shane!

A special congratulations to Pro Crease Goaltender Ian Shane on being drafted by the Chicago Steel of the USHL in the USHL's Phase II draft.

Ian just completed his junior season at the Westminster School where he was an All Conference Selection. In 26 games played, Ian posted a .937 save percentage and a 1.86 goals against average.

The Chicago Steel are coming off a banner season having made it all the way to the league finals before falling to the Sioux Falls Stampede. The Steel are lead by their General Manager Ryan Hardy. Ryan is a Connecticut native who has spoken and coached at a number of Pro Crease Goaltending events over the years.

To visit the Chicago Steel website click here.

Garteig's Growlers are Rolling!

Michael Garteig and the Newfoundland Growlers are currently in the second round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs and hold a 3 game to 2 advantage over the Manchester Monarchs. 

Garteig and the Growlers defeated the Brampton Beast in the first round over 6 games. Through 10 playoff games, Garteig boasts a 7-4-0 record with a 2.54 goals against average and a .917 save percentage. 

The Newfoundland Growlers are the ECHL affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Prior to playing in the Toronto Maple Leaf organization, Garteig was signed by the Vancouver Canucks after a banner career at Quinnipiac University where he worked with Pro Crease Goaltending Owner, Jared Waimon. 

To get all current the Growler news, visit their homepage by clicking here. 

Shortridge Makes His First Professional Start!

After signing his first professional contract after a record breaking junior season at Quinnipiac University, Andrew Shortridge made his debut on April 13th for the San Jose Barracuda, the San Jose Sharks AHL affiliate. 

Andrew made a series of fantastic saves and kept the routine saves routine. In all, he made 33 saves on 36 shots. Although the Barracuda fell to the Colorado Eagles 3-2, Andrew demonstrated that both his poise and style of play will translate well to one of the highest levels of hockey in the world. 

Additional news from Andrew's past season at Quinnipiac include his having led the country in save percentage (.940%) and goals against average (1.51). That goals against average is good for top 10 all-time in the NCAA! Both of those statistics are new Quinnipiac University records.   

To View the Full Press Release Click Here.

Another Pro Crease Client Begins His Professional Career

Congratulations to Adam Huska on signing his first professional contract with the New York Rangers. Huska, a 2015 Rangers draft pick, signed a two year deal after a three year collegiate career at the University of Connecticut where he was coached by Pro Crease Goaltending Director of Coaching, Matthew Michno.  

On March 15th, Adam posted his first professional victory playing with the Rangers' AHL affiliate Hartford Wolf Pack by defeating the Utica Comets 5-3; Adam made 25 saves in the win. 

For the full press release please click here.

Shortridge Wins the Ken Dryden Award!

Congratulations to Pro Crease Goaltender Andrew Shortridge on winning the Ken Dryden Award as the ECAC's Top Goaltender! Andrew is currently a junior at Quinnipiac University where he is coached by Pro Crease Goaltending's Owner and Founder Jared Waimon. 

Shortridge paced not only the ECAC, but the nation in both goals-against average (1.51) and save percentage (.941) in 2018-'19. He also ranked in the Top10 in winning percentage, going 17-6-2 for the Bobcats (.720) during the regular season. 

Andrew is also a semi-finalist for the Mike Richter Award. The Richter award is given annually to the nation's top collegiate goaltender as voted by various members of the media, NCAA coaches and administrators. 

Prep School Prowess

2019 was an amazing season for Pro Crease Goaltenders playing at the prep school level. Ian Shane (Westminster School), Thomas Gale (Deerfield Academy) and Henry Wilder (Hotchkiss School) were named to the All NEPSAC - West Team as the top goaltenders. 

This is a tremendous feat for those goaltenders and each worked individually with a different Pro Crease Goaltending Coach. Ian worked each week with Jared Waimon, Thomas was seen by Shenae Lundberg (a Deerfield alumni) and Mackenzie Bruch worked with Henry all season at Hotchkiss. 

Alex Aslanidis (Avon Old Farms), Ian Shane and Evan Ruschil (Trinity Pawling School) were named to the All Founder's League Team. Evan is a regular particpant in our Frozen 72 and Elite Week summer camps. Next season, Evan will enroll at Williams College, a top academic and athletics school in the ultra competitive NESCAC. 

Congratulations to all of our prep school goaltenders!

GIRL'S FIGURE SKATING LOSES ITS EDGE TO HOCKEY

The Wall Street Journal reports that girl's hockey is on a significant growth curve with participation up 25% from five years ago and doubled since 2000. "The popularity of girls hockey has taken off and I think a lot of that has to do with role modeling that emanates from girl's Olympic success and even the recent participation of Kendall Coyne at this year's NHL All Star game who competed in the fastest skater event" (the first woman to do so) says Scott Hamilton, 1984 Olympic figure skating champion.

At Pro Crease Goaltending, we've noticed the same growth curve which is the reason we created a women's only camp three years ago and this year, in addition to the women's day camp, we're offering a three-day women's overnight camp. "Women are looking for the same level of coaching as men and we've been able to bring in elite women's coaches from top collegiate programs" says Jared Waimon, Owner/Founder Pro Crease Goaltending.

Check out our 2019 women's camp schedule below or on our website. For the complete Wall Street Journal article, press here.

Vomacka Hitting his Stride!

Pro Crease Goaltender Tomas Vomacka, a freshman at the University of Connecticut, has been heating up over the past month highlighted by a 29 save 5-0 shutout by the Huskies over Merrimack College on February 9th. The following Friday in a thriller that went to overtime UCONN defeated offensive juggernaut Boston University 3-2. 

Pro Crease Goaltending Director of Coaching, Matthew Michno, has been the Goaltending Coach for the University of Connecticut for the past two seasons. Matthew works daily with both Tomas, a Nashville Predators draft pick in 2017, and Adam Huska a 2015 New York Rangers draft pick. 

Keep up the good work Tomas and Matt!

Stone to Represent Team USA!

A huge congratulations to long time Pro Crease Women's Goaltender, Hannah Stone on being named to USA Hockey's 2019 U.S. Women's National University Team! Hannah along with 21 other players will compete in the 2019 Winter World University Games from March 1-9th in Krasnoyarsk, Russia.

Hannah both grew up and played her youth hockey in Connecticut prior to attending the Westminster School where she continued to train with Pro Crease Goaltending. Hannah is an original attendee of the Pro Crease Women's Summer Camp and a tremendous influence on her fellow teammates and women goaltenders.

Pro Crease Goaltending is running two Women's Camp this summer! For more details click here.

To see the full press release, click here. 

"Goaltending, weaponized: How the next generation of goalies is ready to dominate"

Pro Crease Goaltending was recently featured in The Athletic, a subscription-based sports news website that provides national and local coverage of professional and college sports. The author, Boston Bruins' beat writer Fluto Shinzawa, provided a unique perspective to the article: he attended a Pro Crease training session on skates!

With an emphasis on how today's emerging goaltenders are being trained, the article features Pro Crease owner/founder Jared Waimon, director of instruction Matt Michno, AHL veteran Scott Munroe and sports psychologist Jason Emery. See the following excerpts; the entire article is available via the link below.

• "A warning to shooters: You are in trouble: The next wave of goalies is approaching. They are equipped with tools granted to no other generation"

• Meanwhile, NHL teams are learning that sky-scraping size is no longer a priority. Shorter goalies once bypassed without a second thought are now given proper consideration. The result: a deeper pool of smart, technical, athletic and confident goalies.

• It's why goalie coaches like Waimon have turned their teaching manuals upside down. Stay up, they say. Shuffle, don't slide. Think through the game instead of executing pre-programmed technique.

• The psychologist's talk is about fortifying the muscle that is regularly under attack from bad goals, surging crowd noise, teammates' misplays and equipment malfunctions. The trick for every goalie is to maintain performance when things go sideways."It's not a trait you're born with. It's just not," Emery tells the students. "Anybody can develop this. It is a process.

For the full article please, click here.