Body Cradling

During the last few here at GDI Prairies goaltenders have been asking questions on certain aspects of their position to make sure they are correcting their own mistakes, and also to develop a techniqually sound position for their upcomming tryouts. Today we will direct your attention towards a large focus in each goaltenders game, Body Cradling.


The use of the body goes hand in hand with a strong, centered position. The goalie that established consistent and optimal positions will potentially activate the body. This occurs because the body unit is taking up the bulk of the net, and therefore, the bulk of shots will attempt to access the net through this body coverage.

Proper cradling technique is vital for rebound control on the body. Well positioned goaltenders understand the importance of angle which, in turn, activates the body. These goalies should expect a large proportion of shots to come into their body position. Thus, the importance of cradling. This technique first and foremost requires acceptance. In other words, do not interfere with the oncoming puck. Simply allow it to come into your down body position. A combination of "concaving" your body and also maintaining compact glove support will retain the puck.

Check out the following video from icinteractive on Body Cradling, featuring a young Morgan Clark, who now plays for the Swift Current Broncos of the WHL and was a NHL Draft pick of the Vancouver Canucks.

To view other video's from Ian Clark's Twitter Page you can visit his page at Icinteractive. It is updated frequently with insight and tips towards all goaltending aspects. As founder and president of GDI, Ian Clark has built an organization recognized for the development of high-performance goaltenders at all levels of play.

Body Cradling

Pats hit the ice; Tendler Awarded Shutout

The Regina Pats training camp has now begun and after the end of Day 2, Pats hopeful Derek Tendler finished with a shutout during the evening intersquad game. Team Grey competed against Team Red Friday evening with a decision of a 4-1 lose. Tendler earned a shutout while playing half the game in net for Team Grey.

Over the past two months Tendler had dedicated two weeks to GDI Prairie's Regional Camps. He was involved with the on and off ice development of the up and coming goaltenders. These camps resided in Saskatoon and Regina.

For more information on Tendler and the Regina Pats, stay in touch by viewing them online.

Pats hit the ice; Tendler Awarded Shutout

Training Camp Approaching

The most important time of the year for a goaltender by far is the summer time. This is when you can bare down and work on technique and develop new tactics into your own personal game. Goaltenders that prepare and train diligently in the summer by perfecting their fundamentals, adding new tools to their game, and working out off the ice are adding a competitive advantage which will help them excel beyond their competitors.

Examine the length of time up until your training camp dates and begin to prepare for the season. The longer length of your training period you can give yourself the better results you will have in the end. The muscle memory that you have for each situation is not implemented over night. The goal of your summer training should be to enter the season knowing how you want to play each situation to the point where your movements become subconscious. Your summer will play a major determinant in whether you will achieve your goals for the new season approaching.
In the next couple of weeks begin to prepare physically and mentally for the new season. Confidence will play a large factor in your ability to move on and surpass your competition throughout training camp. A successful goaltender is one who knows how to control the factors of the game that they can control, and stay positive and confident without any distractions. Have a personal belief that you can handle whatever comes your way.

A word to the wise.... do not wait to get prepared for tryouts. Those that have success come fall have been training for a while already so get in now!!!! Remaining one on one training dates in August are filling up so make sure you sign up online or call to secure your training sessions before training camp/ tryouts this fall. Bookings can be made by calling (204) 489-7465, or by signing up online.

Training Camp Approaching

GDI Prairies Summer Camps

Throughout July and August GDI Prairies held Regional Camps in Saskatoon, Winnipeg, and Regina. Each camp consisted of both ADV2 and HP3 Progressions. Regional camps are tailored to one week of on and off ice specific goaltender training.

Through each week we saw various goaltenders grow and develop fundamental skills and progress in steps to become more solid and consistent in all technical areas that were introduced to their position. Goaltenders began to improve dramatically due to the countless number of repetitions that they got in during the camp. At most camps when goalies are not in the net they are inactive without instruction. At GDI camps you are never standing around for long. We have instructors that float to help and make sure goaltenders are doing position-specific-movements when not in the net. Hard work is a GDI hallmark!

Take a look at some of the pictures throughout the 3 weeks.



Joey Rewucki, Selkirk Steelers, instructing movements
Joe Caligiuri working on developing depth


Ryan Cyr pointing out key areas of the drill

GDI Prairies Summer Camps

GDI Prairies Grand Opening

Opening on August 4th, the newest Satellite Center located at the newly opened hockey complex, The Rink, is where GDI Prairies will now call home for all 1 on 1 training needs.

Over the past two weeks goaltenders have come arise to what the new center has to offer. The specific instruction that is detailed for each lesson by GDI has reached a new level of training compared to any other goaltender training that is offered throughout the prairies region. Each lesson compiles a strict focus on movement and in net technical play. Different packages available range from 1 on 1 lessons available in 1,5,10 packs and also 24 week Curriculum lessons that are sold in 6 week segments. Curriculum bookings are focused on either ADV2 or HP3 level of GDI Performance.

For more information about GDI Prairies, and on how to register for sessions, you can view both GDI Prairies Online and The Rink Online.

The GDI Prairies Training Center is launching this blog to provide the goaltenders of the Prairie Region and beyond with information and updates about GDI and goaltending in general.

Check back often for frequent updates and for tips on technique, the latest in equipment, GDI camp and programming updates, photos, and videos. We will also carry information and insight on other beneficial areas to the position including the mental side of goaltending, off ice conditioning, and nutrition.