Mike Ayers: Coaching Demko, Woll, and Fowler, Plus 93-Year-Old Goalie John Snesar (Ep. 375)
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Boston College and USA Hockey goalie coach Mike Ayers, who developed NHL stars Thatcher Demko, Joseph Woll, and Jacob Fowler, traces his coaching origins to working in a sporting goods store after walking away from minor pro hockey. In this InGoal Radio interview, Ayers recounts getting his start in goal after taking a frozen tennis ball between the eyes from his older brother, and shares how his philosophies evolved across decades at USA Hockey and Boston College.
- Mike Ayers began his goaltending career after being struck between the eyes by a frozen tennis ball thrown by his older brother, sparking a lifelong connection to the position.
- Ayers transitioned from a minor pro playing career to coaching after someone spotted him working in a sporting goods store and challenged him to return to hockey.
- Working at both USA Hockey and Boston College, Ayers developed NHL-caliber goalies including Thatcher Demko, Joseph Woll, and Jacob Fowler.
- 93-year-old John Snesar has played goal for more than 80 years — still twice a week — tracing his start to a 1945 Quaker Oats promotion and a signed photo of Turk Broda.
- PWHL coaches Joey Ali (Vancouver Goldeneyes) and Brad Fogal (Toronto Sceptres) advise how young goalies can stay engaged and keep developing even when not playing.
Episode 375 of the InGoal Radio Podcast, presented by The Hockey Shop Source for Sports, features a double dip of guests, leading in with longtime Boston College and USA Hockey goalie coach Mike Ayers, who has worked with several NHL stars, and wrapping with 93-year-old John Snesar, who was featured on the InGoal website celebration of International Goalie Day.
Feature Interview
presented by NHL Sense Arena
In the feature interviews, presented by NHL Sense Arena, Ayers shares some incredible stories ranging from how he got started in goal (by taking a frozen tennis ball between the eyes and getting split open by his older brother) to how he got started coaching after walking away from a minor pro career (working in a sporting good store when someone asked what the heck are you doing here?). Ayers gives insights into his time, influences and evolving philosophies from working at USA Hockey and Boston College, including with stars like Thatcher Demko, Joseph Woll, and Jacob Fowler, to name just a few, making this a can’t miss interview.
The bonus interview features Snesar and an incredible 80-plus years playing goal that all started in 1945 with an offer on a box of Quaker Oats at breakfast and a signed photo of Turk Broda that followed. At 93, he still has the photo and still plays twice a week, having witnessed first hand the evolution of a position he still loves. It’s another can’t miss conversation.
Parent Segment
presented by Stop It Goaltending U
In the Parent Playbook, presented by Stop it Goaltending U the App, Hutch answers a great question from a parent about what their young goalie can do on the bench to still learn and develop when they don’t play, and he gets help from two PWHL coaches with the answers!
To contact the two coaches featured in this Parent segment: Joey Ali, goalie coach of the Vancouver Goldeneyes, at Pro-Formance Goalie School – Fraser Valley, and Brad Fogal, goalie coach of the Toronto Sceptres, at The Goalie Training Institute.
Pro Reads
presented by Vizual EdgeWe also review the latest Pro Reads, presented by Vizual Edge, with Devin Cooley explaining what it means for him and all Flames goalies to “stay in your lines” and how it helps.
Weekly Gear Segment
presented by The Hockey Shop Source for SportsAnd in our weekly gear segment, presented by The Hockey Shop Source for Sports, we look at the new Warrior Cabin Fever stick, which comes with ODR-inspired graphics and a much lower price.
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