I recently read an article online about marriage and something really struck me... Marriages that last are not because the couple agrees on issues but they have the ability to communicate about the issues. Naturally, I had to immediately apply this to goaltending and the relationship between the head coach and the goalie.
I cannot get over the lack of communication that goes on with head coaches and their goalies at all levels. You would think that a coach who's good fortune rides on his goaltending staff would make it a point to communicate with them and make sure they have a clear head. Far too many goalies are left hanging and spending way to much mental energy trying to figure out where they stand. There are even still coaches that do not notify their starting goalie a day in advance of a start.
Goalies don't need coaches to blow smoke but they do need to know where they stand and what role they have on a team. It is on the coach to do his part by communicating with his goalies and therefore earning their respect and trust. If a coach is straight up with a goalie there is a greater probability that he will be able to perform at a higher level, in which case everyone win's.
