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THE FINAL LINE OF DEFENSE U.S. National Goaltending Camp Gives Invitees Opportunity To Further Their Goaltending Skills THE FINAL LINE OF DEFENSE By MICHAEL REEDY The 2023 National Goaltending Camp took place May 19-21 at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Mich. The three days consisted of on-ice skill development, video analysis and mental performance training activities for the 24 invitees, ranging from 16 to 23 years old. The camp allowed the netminders to compete amongst their peers, grow their games, self-evaluate, and learn from an experienced camp staff. Along with development on and off the ice, the camp is a good indicator of which goaltenders could be backing a future U.S. National Team. "The group that's here, the 12 men and 12 women, they've been identified as potential candidates for our national teams," said David Lassonde, USA Hockey 's national goaltending coach. "That's why they 're at this camp. They 've been evaluated for a number of years, and we're excited about this group and to further see their skills." Three days is a rather quick turnaround time to meet with 24 different goaltenders and help them develop and focus on their craft. It's important for both the players and staff to take advantage of their time together and utilize their time wisely. "We really take advantage of these three days," said Alli Altmann, U.S. Women's National Team goaltending coach. "They have a heavy workload on the ice as well as utilizing a lot of video review with them on top of that, since we don't g et many touchpoints with them during the season. We're surrounded by an excellent staff of NHL and college coaches, and we always want to make lasting impacts for when they go home." V I D E O 34 // JUNE 2023 The Goalie Issue USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM Some sights and sounds from the 2023 National Goaltending Camp.