Shield Goaltending

Goalie Training in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

Shield Goaltending is a dedicated goaltending school in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Founded in 2020 by head coach Marek Benda, Shield trains goalies of every age and level, from U9 players trying the position for the first time to junior and professional goalies. On ice training runs year round at Capital Hyundai Arena and other rinks in the St. John’s area.

Head Coach Marek Benda

Marek is a former professional goaltender from the Czech Republic who played in the QMJHL with the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles and then professionally in Europe before moving to Canada in 2013. He is the goaltending coach of the Newfoundland Regiment of the QMJHL and was the goaltending coach of the Newfoundland Growlers, the ECHL affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs, when they won the 2019 Kelly Cup. Goalies Marek has coached include Louis Antoine Denault, a 2026 Florida Panthers draft pick, Antoine Proulx, Luke Cavallin, Riley Mercer, Dryden McKay, Keith Petruzelli, Michael Garteig and Vlastislav Peksa.

European Roots, North American Game

Marek grew up as a goalie in the European school of goaltending and built his coaching career in North American junior and professional hockey. Shield goalies get the best of both: the European focus on skating, patience and reading the play, combined with the North American emphasis on structure, positioning and battling in a fast, crowded crease.

Our Coaching Philosophy

Every Shield session is built on technical precision. We teach the details of the position, including skating, stance, positioning, rebound control, tracking and reading the play. We explain the why behind every movement, so goalies understand their game instead of copying it. Our instructors include goalies who grew up in the Shield program and now coach the next generation.

Programs

• Junior and pro goalie development: individual training for elite junior, college and professional goalies.
• Private lessons: one on one sessions with Marek or a Shield instructor, built around the individual goalie.
• Goalie sessions by age group: U9, U11, U13 and U15 groups in Fall, Winter and Spring terms, so goalies train with others at their level.
• Power skating: Fall and Winter programs, including early morning groups for U15 and U18 players.
• Summer goalie camps: camp weeks through July and August across several arenas, with dedicated shooters.
• Shield Lab: virtual reality training on Meta Quest 3 with Sense Arena software to sharpen tracking and decision making.

New to Goaltending? Try It Free

Any child who wants to try goalie can book a first session free of charge. Shield provides rental goalie equipment for the session, and can extend the rental while the family decides. Families only need to bring skates. We recommend starting with a private session so the first experience in the crease is a positive one, then moving into group sessions as interest grows.

Girls and Women Goalies

Shield welcomes female goalies at every level and offers programming specifically for girls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can my child learn to play goalie in St. John’s or elsewhere in Newfoundland? Shield Goaltending offers beginner friendly goalie training with a free first session and rental gear.

What ages do you coach? From U9 beginners through junior and professional goalies.

Do we need to own goalie gear? No. Shield provides rental gear for new goalies.

Contact

Email info@shieldgoaltending.com, call 709 725 7785, or visit shieldgoaltending.com to see current programs and register. #BeTheShield