Demko’s Future Uncertain as Canucks Shift Goalie Coach’s Role – The Hockey Writers – Canucks Goaltending

In a recent discussion, Jason Brough and guest host Josh Elliott-Wolfe delved into a significant shift within the Vancouver Canucks organization that may have broader implications than it initially appears. Ian Clark, the renowned goalie coach who has played a crucial role in developing the team’s goaltenders, including star goalie Thatcher Demko, is transitioning into a new role. Clark will now serve as a goalie scout and goaltending development coach rather than working directly with the Canucks’ goalies daily.

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While this change might not seem like a major upheaval at first glance, Brough and Elliott-Wolfe argue that it could have far-reaching effects on the team, especially regarding Demko’s future.

The Importance of a Goalie Coach: More Than Just Techniques

During the discussion, Brough highlighted the often-overlooked importance of a goalie coach in a team’s success, drawing parallels to the role of a swing coach in golf. He explained that as top golfers like Tiger Woods have benefited immensely from their swing coaches, who bring specific philosophies and techniques to their game, goalies rely heavily on their coaches for guidance, development, and peak performance.

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Clark, who has been instrumental in Demko’s rise to become one of the NHL’s top goaltenders, brings unique skills and a deep understanding of the goaltending position. His daily presence on the ice has been pivotal in fine-tuning Demko’s game, and their rapport cannot be easily replaced. Brough emphasizes that even though Clark will still be part of the organization, his shift away from day-to-day coaching duties introduces an element of uncertainty.

The Unknowns Facing Canucks Goalie Thatcher Demko

Brough added that this change adds another layer to the already complex narrative surrounding Demko this season. He is dealing with health issues, including recovering from injuries, which have already cast doubts on his ability to stay in top form. Now, with a new goalie coach stepping in, there’s a question of whether this new coach will mesh well with Demko and whether his approach will align with what has worked for Demko in the past.

The new coach, whose style and methods are still largely unknown, might have his own ideas about how the…