Chris Driedger: What the KHL Taught Him on the Way Back to the NHL (Ep. 368)
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In a 2026 interview with InGoal Radio, Chris Driedger discussed the foundational lesson he learned from Slovenian goalie coach Peter Skrabelj during his time in the KHL with Traktor Chelyabinsk. Driedger also explained how his long-standing 'recoil' style suits the current NHL before it became a mainstream topic, and how he's building on that foundation with Vancouver Canucks goalie coach Marko Torenius as he returns to the NHL on a PTO.
- Driedger credits Slovenian KHL goalie coach Peter Skrabelj with teaching him a foundational lesson that reshaped his approach to goaltending.
- Driedger's personal 'recoil' style predates the mainstream adoption of the technique in the NHL, giving him a natural fit in today's game.
- Finnish Canucks goalie coach Marko Torenius is already influencing Driedger's development since his PTO signing with Vancouver.
- A long-time Vaughn pad user, Driedger may start Canucks camp wearing Joey Daccord's Team USA True pads from the World Championships.
- Building good practice routines — not just pre-game habits — is the key developmental focus in the Parent Playbook segment this episode.
Episode 368 of the InGoal Radio Podcast, presented by The Hockey Shop Source for Sports, features an informative conversation with Chris Driedger as he returns to the NHL.
Feature Interview
presented by NHL Sense Arena
In the feature interview, presented by NHL Sense Arena, Driedger shares insights into his time in the KHL and his decision to come back to the NHL on a PTO with the Vancouver Canucks. He talks about the valuable foundational lesson he learned from Slovenian goalie coach Peter Skrabelj in the KHL, what he’s learned so far from Finnish Canucks goalie coach Marko Torenius, how some of the recent changes in playing style in the NHL suit a personal style that included “recoil” long before it was a mainstream topic, and why a long-time Vaughn user might start Canucks camp wearing Joey Daccord’s Team USA True pads from the World Championships.
Parent Segment
presented by Stop It Goaltending U
In the Parent Playbook, presented by Stop It Goaltending U the App, Hutch talks about the importance of building good habits and routines — around practices, not just games — for getting to the rink and getting ready to play.
Pro Reads
presented by Vizual EdgeWe also review the latest Pro Reads, presented by Vizual Edge, featuring a fantastic, almost four-minute breakdown on rush management from Eric Comrie of the San Jose Sharks.
Weekly Gear Segment
presented by The Hockey Shop Source for SportsAnd in our weekly gear segment we look at the latest iteration of Bauer’s GSX pads and gloves, an extremely popular lower price point option with plenty of higher-end feel and features.
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