Following game 2 of camp, where Team Easton fought back for a thrilling 2-1 win over Team Bauer, IHA guest coach Phil Osaer gave a captivating motivational presentation to players and coaches about achieving goals in hockey using a long term focus. Phil Osaer is the ADM Manger of Goaltending for USA hockey and has been working with IHA coaches Bruce Poling and Tom Boschman this week to provide specialist coaching to our goaltenders. In his presentation, Phil emphasised the long term nature of hockey development, stating that players do not reach their peak until their mid 20’s. He explained that developing a strong athletic base, being a student of the game (he phrased it as being a “hockey nerd”) and, most importantly, surrounding yourself with the right environment and being a good person were the keys to reaching the elite level of the sport. He also emphasised that there was no need for players to travel overseas at an early age in order to accomplish their goals. He viewed our climate and the multitude of various other sports we have access to as advantages in developing as hockey players.
As a goaltender, Phil was a draft pick of the St Louis Blues, and had a 12-year professional career in North America and Europe, including a short stint with the New York Rangers. Since retiring as a player, he has been active as a goaltending coach in the USHL and the NCAA with Michigan State. He recently joined USA hockey and has provided our goaltenders and our coaches with a level of instruction that is definitely world-class. He will also leave a lasting positive impression on all our players at camp.