#60 Rick DiPietro: Developing the Complete Goaltender

Former NHL goaltender Rick DiPietro joins host Zack Nowak on the USA Hockey Podcast to reflect on his journey from youth hockey to the NHL and share what he has learned about developing goaltenders and young athletes.

DiPietro discusses the value of playing multiple sports, the importance of athleticism and puck handling for goaltenders, and how coaches can create better practice environments that develop goalies alongside the rest of the team. He also shares his perspective on how the goaltending position has evolved, his experiences with the U.S. National Team Development Program and representing Team USA, and the lessons he has carried into coaching youth hockey today.

The conversation closes with DiPietro’s advice for coaches working with goaltenders: if you do not know, ask, find resources, involve your goalie and make their development an intentional part of practice.