Gaertner Goaltending is a specialized and bespoke hockey development company focused on the most effective and personalized methods to take your goaltending game to the next level. The approach is based on a long-term model, forming solid foundational skills and aptitude reinforcement with regular contact and skill advancement over each player’s career. Both in season and off-season, we work with players to master the position and foster a game that has structure, balance and legacy.
In the last 14 years, James Gaertner has coached a wide range of athletes and teams from Minor Hockey Atom levels all the way through to BCHL, WHL, CHL, NCAA and professionals. His experience has equipped him with a unique perspective on the specific focused areas of the game that are appropriate for each level of player, and a learning priority for every style of goaltending. More than that, James genuinely commits his time and energy to his students and players, and supports their devotion to their hockey careers from day 1.
Gaertner Goaltending is the premier bespoke goaltending development service on Vancouver Island. Whether you’re booking one-on-one or small group sessions, we cater to each player’s specific needs!
Notable athletes:
Dylan Garand – CHL and WHL Goalie of the Year 2022; IIHF World Junior Championship Gold Medalist 2022; NY Rangers Draft Pick 2020 (4th rd); WHL Kamloops Blazers.
Dylan Ferguson – NHL Vegas Golden Knights; AHL Henderson Silver Knights; 2021 Kelly Cup with Fort Wayne Comets (ECHL); WHL Kamloops Blazers
Matthew Hutchison – WHL Vancouver Giants, https://theprovince.com/sports/hockey/junior-hockey/824728
John Hawthorne – NCAA Canisius College; BCHL Alberni Valley Bulldogs
Merek Pipes – NCAA Union College
Linden Marshall – Grüner, Norway; NCAA Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (graduate); AHL Cleveland Monsters; BCHL Trail Smoke Eaters
Please contact us to discover how we can take your game to the next level!
Current affiliations:
VIJHL – Lake Cowichan Kraken – Head Coach
CSSHL – Shawnigan Lake School – Program Goaltending Coach (since 2015)
Past:
BCHL – Cowichan Valley Capitals – Assistant Coach
VIJHL – Kerry Park Islanders & Nanaimo Buccaneers – Head Coach
Minor Hockey – Victoria Racquet Club and Kerry Park Minor Hockey – Goaltending Coach
Spring Hockey – Island Stars – Multiple age class Goaltending Coach
Skills Academy – Frances Kelsey Secondary School – Goaltending Coach
BC Female Midget AAA – Vancouver Island Seals – Goaltending Coach
BCHIL – University of Victoria Vikes – Assistant GM/Coach
BCHL – Victoria Grizzlies