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14 // SEPTEMBER 2026 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM O VER 200 ASPIRING COACH- ES filled the TRACK at New Balance for the final day of the 2026 National Goaltending Symposium in Boston. Participants and supporters anxiously awaited a Q&A ses- sion with 2026 Olympic gold medalist and Boston Fleet netminder Aerin Frankel. After Frankel made her way to the stage to thunderous applause, another surprise guest was set to round out a stellar weekend of learning and development in goaltending: Jim Craig, starting goaltender for the 1980 gold-medal winning U.S. Men's Olympic Ice Hockey Team, emerged to a standing ovation. "This sport, as a coach and athlete, is about preparing you for life," Craig said. "It's about learning how to win and lose. This is a very special sport, and goaltending is a special position. It takes passionate people, like the ones in this room. It is a lifelong journey." Goaltending enthusiasts from around the world descended upon Boston for the second biennial National Goaltending Symposium Aug. 6-8 to learn, develop and network with people passionate about goaltending. Steve Thompson, manager of goaltending development for USA Hockey, assembled a star-studded lineup of presenters. One of Thompson's goals was to bring together some of the top minds in goaltending, whether it be coaches at the professional and collegiate levels to current athletes such as Jeremy Swayman, Gwyneth Philips and Jacob Fowler. Thomas Magnusson, coaching icon and former head of goaltending development for the Swedish Ice Hockey Association, also participated in the symposium. "One of the most valuable parts of putting this event together has been connecting with all these experts in the field," Thompson said. "They love goaltending and want to give back. It's fun to have them come and share their time with the group and their passion for hockey." Programming included a variety of lec- tures, workshops, Q&A sessions and more. The focus was not limited to on-ice develop- ment, as specialists from beyond the crease were brought in to share their perspectives on the position. Mike Condon, former NHL goaltender and current owner of Condon Performance Consulting, gave a presentation on the importance of mental health and on the importance of education for goalies. "Goaltending, even goaltending coaching, can become very insulated," Condon said. "These types of events where people can bring ideas to the table and learn different perspectives are so important. Absorbing knowledge is just as important for coaches as it is athletes." Roger Grillo, part of the Montreal Canadiens coaching staff and former director of player development with USA Hockey, shared thoughts on drill design. "These types of events get people around the country excited about the game," Grillo, an original pioneer of USA Hockey's American Development Model, said. "If you're going to be involved with the sport, you need to embrace all facets of it. The more we can understand every element of the game, including goaltending, the better off we are all going to be." The symposium also featured USA Hockey's National Goaltending Expo, a free BETWEEN THE PIPES O F F T HE D R AW 2026 National Goaltending Symposium Educates and Celebrates The Position GOALTENDING | BY FRANCIS FORTE JIM CRAIG "Absorbing knowledge is just as important for coaches as it is athletes." PHOTOS BY Francis Forte