InGoal Radio Episode 75: Dustin Schwartz
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Goaltending coach Dustin Schwartz argues that tracking is far more than simply watching the puck — it is a foundational element that directly influences a goaltender's mobility and every aspect of the position, not just save execution. A trained teacher as well as a former WHL and USports goaltender, Schwartz began working with Carter Hart when Hart was just 12 years old.
- Tracking is not just puck-watching — Schwartz identifies it as a core driver of a goaltender's mobility and overall positioning, not merely a save-execution skill.
- Schwartz builds goaltender development around three foundational elements: tracking, movement, and positioning.
- A trained teacher by education, Schwartz applies individualized instruction to each goaltender regardless of age or level — from youth players to NHL veterans.
- Schwartz began working with Carter Hart when Hart was 12 years old, and also works with NHL veteran Mike Smith of the Oilers.
- During the NHL pause, Schwartz ran virtual development camps and participated in a WHL/Hockey Canada goaltending symposium presented by InGoal Magazine.
Feature Interview
presented by NHL Sense Arena
Goaltending Coach Dustin Schwartz caught up with Kevin Woodley to talk about development, with a particular focus on approaches he has taken during the NHL pause running virtual development camps and professional development, including the recent WHL/Hockey Canada goaltending symposium that InGoal presented. They dove into the importance of a technical foundation for young goaltenders and three key elements: tracking, movement and positioning. While we hear about tracking now all the time, Schwartz explains how it is so much more than watching the puck. He notes that it is a key element in your mobility and indeed all aspects of the position — not just the save execution. Schwartz, a WHL and USports goaltender himself, is also a trained teacher. He touches on how that is inseparable from his coaching and his approach of working with each goaltender as an individual – whether working with someone from his own vintage in Mike Smith with the Oilers or with youngsters much as he did when he began working with Carter Hart as a 12-year old.
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