New Year, New Goals, and a Different Approach to Goalie Development
Happy New Year!
Before I dive into some exciting camp news, I want to share something about goal setting that could transform your game in 2025.
Here's the thing about goals - we often make them too big, too distant, and too overwhelming. This year, I'm changing things up, and I want to show you how this applies perfectly to goalie development.
Instead of setting year-long goals, I'm breaking 2025 into 6-week "micro-sprints." Here's why:
Back in my NHL coaching days, we used segment bonuses to keep players focused on what was right in front of them rather than getting overwhelmed by the long season. Each sprint gives you a fresh start and a specific focus. Just like pro goalies don't try to fix everything at once, you shouldn't either. Pick one aspect, master it, then move to the next.
This approach gives you 8 opportunities throughout the year to level up different aspects of your game. Each with its own wins to celebrate. Small victories compound into major improvements.
Instead of vague goals like "make the team" or "be the starter," break it down into actionable sprints:
Mental Game Sprint:
10 minutes of visualization before every practice
Journal after each game (3 wins, 1 area to improve)
Practice breathing techniques during timeouts
Physical Sprint:
3 strength sessions per week
Sleep 8+ hours every night
Meal prep for optimal energy
Game Preparation Sprint:
Video study of 2 pro goalies weekly
Perfect your pre-game routine
Learn PP tactics/systems from a player/coaches perspective
The magic happens when you stop thinking about next season and start focusing on what you can do today, tomorrow, and this week.
Speaking of focused development...
FLORIDA MENTORSHIP CAMP (June 16-20):
With Josh Robinson and myself at Hertz Arena
Only 4 spots remaining (we cap at 9 goalies total)
$3,800 USD
This isn't about running you through drills - it's about building your game from the ground up.
Here's what makes this special: We treat you like a pro because that's what we know. No shortcuts. No sugar coating. Just proven systems that worked at the highest level of hockey. When you've got 9 goalies and multiple pro coaches, great things happen. You get the kind of personal attention that's impossible with bigger groups.
The truth? Most camps are selling volume. We're delivering customization.
VANCOUVER MENTORSHIP CAMP (End of June - Beginning of July):
With Pasco Valana and myself
$3,800 CAD
Final ice times are being confirmed at this moment (waiting on Olympic Oval)
Between Pasco and me, we've developed goalies who've gone from junior hockey to the NHL. We've seen what works, what doesn't, and most importantly - what it takes to make it.
If you're serious about next-level development:
The safe path is doing what everyone else does. But if you want extraordinary results, you need extraordinary training.
Here's to making 2025 count, one sprint at a time.
Mike Valley
P.S. Just like our approach to goals, these camps are about focused, intensive development. We review all applications personally, looking for goalies who are ready to work and learn.