AHAI Launches New Statewide Goaltending Academy

AHAI is excited to announce the creation of the AHAI Goaltending Academy, a statewide initiative designed to introduce more players to the position, expand access to specialized instruction and build a stronger development community for Illinois goalies.

Bob Zalabak, Goaltending Director for the Chicago Hawks, has been appointed AHAI’s Director of Goaltending Development.

Bob has created an independent network of hockey professionals focused on player development, accessibility and growing the game. His initiatives include Zalabak Hockey Group, an the Chicago Hawks Goaltending Academy, Vision Goalie Academy, Hockey Heroes Roller Hockey and the Great Goalies Grant, which helps address the rising cost of participation.

Last season, Bob’s program at the Darien Sportsplex trained 139 goalies representing 36 different hockey programs, including Tier I, Tier II and Tier III organizations, high schools and out-of-state programs.

Those numbers demonstrate both the demand for goalie-specific development and Bob’s ability to work with players from many different organizations. The model is simple: help the goalie improve, support the club the goalie already represents and strengthen hockey throughout Illinois.

Bob’s team includes:

Garret Sparks
Head of Curriculum and Instruction, Former Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender

Alanna Serviss
Lead Instructor and Head of Girls Advancement,  Former Division I and professional goaltender

Scott Darling
Lead Instructor and Head of Goaltending Operations and Analytics
Former Chicago Blackhawks goaltender and 2015 Stanley Cup champion

Together, the team will develop the Academy’s curriculum, lead instruction and educate local coaches and goalie leads so development continues during regular club practices.

The Academy’s first initiative will be a clinic from 10-31 to 2-6 at WIllowbrook Ice Arena that focuses on current high school and 16U and 18U club goalies, as well as goalies entering high school next year. More information and registration can be found here. Additional programming is planned for a TBD Chicagoland location in spring 2027.

We are excited to bring Illinois goalies, families, coaches and clubs together and give more players the opportunity to discover, enjoy and succeed at the position.

Contact Bob with questions at GoalieDirector@ahai.org. 

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