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What does it take to go from third-string goalie to helping your team win a national championship?

In this episode of The Goalie Mindset Podcast, Pete Fry sits down with Johnny Hicks, fresh off winning the NCAA National Championship with the University of Denver, alongside his longtime goalie coach, Nathan Wolfe. Together, they share the mindset, habits, and relationship that helped Johnny reach one of the biggest moments of his career.

This isn't just a conversation about winning. It's about everything that happens before the trophy.

Pete, Johnny, and Nathan dive into:

• How Johnny learned to manage fear and treat it as nothing more than background noise
• Why routines, positive self-talk, and confidence became the foundation of his game
• How to bounce back after a goal against without letting it affect the next save
• Why every game should be treated the same, whether it's opening night or the national championship
• The importance of staying present instead of chasing results
• How body language, breathing, and preparation help build confidence

Nathan also shares what he saw in Johnny from the very beginning and why his willingness to learn, stay disciplined, and trust the process separated him from so many other goalies.

One of the biggest lessons from this episode is simple:

Your opportunity may not come when you expect it, but when it does, you need to be ready.

Johnny started the season as Denver's third-string goalie. Instead of getting frustrated, he stayed patient, kept learning, trusted his preparation, and was ready when his chance came. That mindset helped lead him all the way to a national championship.

If you're a goalie, coach, or parent looking to build confidence, improve your mental game, and learn what it really means to trust the process, this episode is one you won't want to miss.

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What separates goalies who make it to the highest level from those who never quite get there?

In this episode of The Goalie Mindset Podcast, Pete Fry sits down with legendary goalie coach Eli Wilson, who has spent more than 25 years developing some of the best goaltenders in the world, including Carey Price, Devan Dubnyk, Stuart Skinner, Tim Thomas, and many more.

This conversation dives into the mental side of elite performance and what Eli has learned from working with goalies at every level of the game.

Pete and Eli discuss:

• What made Carey Price different from everyone else
• Why focus and concentration separate elite goalies
• The role competitiveness plays in long-term success
• Why some talented goalies never reach their potential
• How confidence, work ethic, and open-mindedness work together
• The biggest mistakes coaches and parents make with goalies
• Why gratitude and perspective matter during difficult seasons

One theme comes up again and again throughout the conversation:

The best goalies never stop trying to get better.

Whether it’s Carey Price, Devan Dubnyk, Stuart Skinner, or Tim Thomas, they all shared a willingness to learn, adapt, and keep improving, even when they were already performing at a high level.

Eli also shares some powerful advice for coaches. Building trust, communicating with your goalies, and focusing on helping them improve is far more effective than criticism, sarcasm, or dwelling on mistakes.

This episode is packed with lessons for goalies, coaches, and parents alike.

🎧 If you want to understand how elite goalies think, learn what separates great competitors from average ones, and discover what it really takes to keep improving year after year, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

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What does it take to stay calm, confident, and focused when you're playing in the biggest games of your life?

In this episode of The Goalie Mindset Podcast, Pete Fry sits down with San Jose Sharks prospect Christian Kirsch as he prepares for the Memorial Cup Final after an outstanding season and playoff run.

Christian shares his journey from growing up in Switzerland, moving through the Swiss development system, representing his country at multiple World Championships, and eventually making the jump to North America.

But this conversation goes much deeper than hockey.

Christian opens up about the mindset tools that helped transform his game and how learning to manage confidence, focus, and emotions has allowed him to perform at a higher level.

Pete and Christian discuss:

• How confidence routines changed his game
• Why the Confidence Anchor became one of his most valuable tools
• How to bounce back after a goal against
• The importance of treating every game the same, no matter how big the stage
• Why penalties, breakaways, and high-pressure situations are opportunities, not threats
• How to stay mentally fresh during a long season

One of the most powerful parts of the conversation is Christian's perspective on big games. Whether it's the World Juniors, playoffs, or the Memorial Cup Final, his approach stays the same:

"The puck is still the same size."

He also shares the importance of having an "on-off switch" as a goalie. Being fully locked in at the rink is important, but being able to step away from hockey and recharge is just as critical if you want to stay sharp throughout a long season.

This episode is packed with practical mindset lessons that goalies can start using immediately.

🎧 If you're looking to build confidence, improve your focus, and learn how elite goalies prepare for high-pressure moments, this episode is definitely worth a listen.

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How do you stay in the game for more than 20 years as a professional goalie?

In this episode of The Goalie Mindset Podcast, Pete Fry sits down with former pro goaltender Brett Jaeger, who built a career that lasted over two decades across North America and Europe.

Brett shares his journey from growing up in a tiny town in northern Alberta to playing junior hockey, pro hockey in the ECHL and CHL, and eventually building a long career overseas in England, Denmark, and Germany.

What makes this conversation powerful is how honest it is.

Brett talks about getting thrown into tough situations early, facing 60–70 shots a night as a teenager, struggling through difficult stretches, and learning how to stay mentally steady through it all.

Pete and Brett get into:

• Why playing on weaker teams can actually help goalies grow
• The importance of competing, even when things aren’t going well
• What Brett learned from guys like Robb Tallas and John Stevenson
• Why stretching and recovery helped extend his career
• How confidence and mindset become more important as you move up levels
• The difference between talented goalies and mentally tough goalies

Brett also shares a great message for goalie parents and coaches. Goalies already put enough pressure on themselves. They need support, trust, and room to work through adversity, not embarrassment or panic after every mistake.

One of the best lines from the episode comes from Glenn Hall, who once signed Brett’s blocker with this message:

“Don’t be afraid to sweat.”

That pretty much sums up this whole conversation.

🎧 If you’re a goalie who wants to build confidence, handle adversity better, and learn what it really takes to survive and thrive in pro hockey, this episode is packed with value.

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What does it actually take to perform at the highest level… when everything is on the line?

In this episode of The Goalie Mindset Podcast, Pete Fry sits down with Bill Ranford. Two-time Stanley Cup champion. Conn Smythe winner. One of the most respected goalie minds in the game.

This isn’t just about his career. It’s about how he thought, how he handled pressure, and what allowed him to perform when it mattered most.

Bill shares what his routine looked like, how he dealt with nerves, and why competing harder than the guy at the other end was always his focus.

They get into:

• Why routine mattered more than superstition
• How he handled nerves, even to the point of getting sick before games
• The mindset shift from backup to true starter
• What consistency really looks like at the NHL level
• Why focusing on the next save is everything
• How to deal with bad goals without letting them spiral

One thing that stands out is how simple his approach was. He didn’t overcomplicate it. He just competed, trusted himself, and stayed focused on what he could control.

He also talks about something a lot of goalies don’t realize. You can play great and still lose. You can feel good and still not be present. That’s part of the position. The key is learning how to respond.

There’s a lot in here for goalies who want to level up, especially when it comes to mindset and consistency.

🎧 If you want to play with more confidence, stay steady through the ups and downs, and understand what it really takes to win, this one’s worth your time.

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What actually separates the goalies who make it… from the ones who don’t?

In this episode of The Goalie Mindset Podcast, Pete Fry sits down with Vancouver Island-based goalie coach James Gaertner, who’s been developing goalies for over 20 years.

James has worked with some high-level talent, including a goalie who just made his NHL debut with the New York Rangers. But what stands out isn’t just the results. It’s how those goalies think, prepare, and handle pressure.

This conversation goes deep into what coaches, parents, and goalies often get wrong.

Pete and James break down:

• The biggest mistake coaches make when handling goalies
• Why trust matters more than quick reactions after a bad goal
• When goalies should be told they’re starting and why timing matters
• Why there’s no “one right way” to prepare for a game
• The three things coaches actually look for when choosing a goalie
• What separates high-level goalies like Dylan Garand, Kristen Campbell, and Aaron Trotter

They also talk about something a lot of goalies overlook. It’s not just how you play when things are going well. It’s how you respond when things don’t.

Body language. Bounce back. Staying engaged even when you’re not busy. That’s what people notice.

James keeps it simple. Compete when it matters. Reset quickly. And trust your game.

There’s also a strong message for parents. You don’t need to coach your goalie. Just support them. The rest will take care of itself.

🎧 If you’re a goalie, parent, or coach trying to figure out what actually matters in development, this one will give you some clarity.

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What does it really take to win at the highest level… over and over again?

In this episode of The Goalie Mindset Podcast, Pete Fry sits down with Grant Fuhr. Five-time Stanley Cup champion. Hockey Hall of Famer. One of the most clutch goalies to ever play the game.

Instead of just talking about his career, this conversation goes deeper into how he actually performed under pressure.

Grant shares what went through his mind before games, how he prepared, and what allowed him to stay calm in the biggest moments. One of the biggest takeaways is simple but powerful. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be good, and make the save when it matters.

They get into:

• What his game day routine actually looked like
• How he prepared mentally without overthinking
• Why he focused on being “good” instead of chasing perfection
• How he stayed calm after giving up a goal
• What confidence really means for a goalie
• Why body language affects your whole team
• How to handle pressure, especially in big games

Grant also talks about one of the toughest moments in his career and how he bounced back from it. His approach is straightforward. Feel it, learn from it, then let it go and move on.

There’s a lot in here that young goalies can take and use right away. Nothing complicated. Just real habits and ways of thinking that actually work.

🎧 If you’re a goalie who wants to stay calm, build confidence, and play your best when it matters, this is one you’ll want to listen to.

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What happens when a goalie realizes the biggest opponent isn’t the shooter… but their own mind?

In this episode of The Goalie Mindset Podcast, Pete Fry sits down with former OHL goaltender Joe Ranger. Joe shares his journey from battling adversity in minor hockey to playing junior and college hockey, and how learning the mental side of the game changed everything for him.

He talks about growing up on a smaller team in the Ottawa Valley, going through early struggles in the OHL, and a moment where his confidence almost disappeared after a tough loss. Instead of letting that define him, he found a way to build himself back up and become stronger mentally.

Now a Certified Goalie Mindset Coach, Joe is helping young goalies develop the same tools he wishes he had earlier in his career.

In this conversation, Pete and Joe get into:

• The difference between the Athlete Mindset and Fan Mindset
• How overthinking can quietly hurt your performance
• What it’s really like mentally to play a 68-game junior season
• Why playing on a weaker team can actually help you grow
• Why confidence, focus, and managing your mental energy matter so much
• How mindset training carries over into life off the ice

Joe also shares something a lot of goalies go through but don’t always say out loud. There were times he felt like quitting. What helped him push through was learning to zoom out and see the bigger picture. One bad game or rough stretch doesn’t define you. What matters is how you grow from it.

This episode is real. No fluff. Just honest experiences, tough moments, and lessons that can help both goalies and parents navigate the ups and downs.

🎧 If you want to build real confidence and start playing with a clearer mind, this one’s worth a listen.

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