Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1545462
PHOTOS COURTESY Julia Takatsuka created a system where every single kid gets to try playing goalie through revolutionary quick-change gear. During the scrimmage station in Learn To Play classes, the coaching staff will set up a quick-change station for kids to quickly add the necessary padding to play as goaltenders. In roughly 30 seconds, a skater can transform into a netminder. In the last year, they've upgraded the quick- change equipment so each kid can use the correct stick based on whether they are left- or right-handed, and there is a plethora of Kraken-based pads that the players can adorn between the pipes. The best part of this approach is seeing the 'a-ha' moment when kids realize this is the position they want to play. "A lot of them are apprehensive to try it at first, or maybe they know that it's what they want to do and they're really going for it," Takatsuka said. "But it's super cool to see when they find the thing that they love, and it's also the thing that I love, so it's cool to be able to share that with them and see them really enjoy it and grow." One obstacle for children trying goalie is the expense of the equipment. Goalies wear extra pads, have special gloves and sticks, and need tailored equipment to their bodies. It's an expense that many parents don't want to jump into immediately. But Takatsuka and the coaching staff at the Kraken Community Iceplex have found a way to reduce these costs for families until they are certain their kid wants to spend their time in net. With hand-me-down and donated gear, kids of all ages, sizes and preferences can try goalie gear before investing, making parents much more willing to let their kids try the position. Since the Iceplex was built in 2021, the development program has grown from six teams, two full-time goaltenders, and 30 kids in Learn To Play to 40 teams, hundreds of kids and goalies for every level. She's seen kids who couldn't skate at first grow into strong players, and she's been there for them every step of the way. In just a short amount of time, Takatsuka has turned Seattle into a hub for goaltending development. Her passion for the position and her approach to coaching drive interest and give kids room to try new things—even if it's just for a sticker on their helmet. P JUNE 2026 // THE GOALIE ISSUE // 23 2021: Seattle Kraken's inaugural NHL season and opening of the Kraken Community Iceplex.