Lloydminster, AB – The Lloydminster Bobcats of the Alberta Junior Hockey League are proud to announce that Goaltender Coach Sheldon Goertzen has been hired by the Seattle Torrent of the PWHL.
Goertzen, who joined the Bobcats in 2019, has been an instrumental part of the organizations rebuild. Under his guidance, the Bobcats have produced an impressive list of goaltenders who have advanced to the next level, including Kolby Thornton (AJHL Goalie of the Year – University of Manitoba), Anders Miller (Everett Silvertips), Freddie Halyk (Brown University), and Jack Solomon (UMass Lowell).
“I got to work with many incredible athletes and support their development,” said Goertzen. “I was lucky enough to be part of journeys that led to goaltenders moving on to NCAA Division I, U Sports, and even NHL training camps. Those relationships are what I value the most.”
Bobcats General Manager Nigel Dube expressed pride in Goertzen’s advancement:
“As an organization and community, we are so proud of Sheldon for his move to the Seattle Torrent. Both he and Andrew Gilbert were our first hires when we set out to change the culture and program in the Border City. His fingerprints are all over this organization and where it is today. His track record speaks for itself. He saw something in goalies that others didn’t, and the way he connected with them brought out their best.”
Originally from Lloydminster, Goertzen spent six seasons with the Bobcats.
“Having been with the Bobcats for six years, I got to experience the full rebuild of the team’s identity and what it truly means to be a Bobcat,” he said. “I will always be fond of Lloydminster’s community and the support they provided—from teddy bear toss nights to weekday games packed with local kids, to filling the old Civic for playoffs. The atmosphere was one of the best I’ve experienced.”
Goertzen also reflected on the trust and opportunity given to him.
“I will always be grateful for Nigel giving me an opportunity and trusting me with the development of the Bobcats’ goaltenders. He believed in the plans I had and recognized the value a goaltending coach brings. It speaks to how well-rounded the Bobcats organization has become.”
He concluded with appreciation for his hometown and optimism for the team’s future.
“Lloydminster will always be special to me—from being the place I graduated to the place I got to coach. The Bobcats are in great hands, and I’m excited to see them compete for a championship in their fantastic new facility.”
Goertzen has been a part of the Hockey Canada female development program for the past three seasons representing the community and country!
“He has represented our organization at every level, local camps during the summer, director of elite hockey goaltending for us, at the University and national level. He was very humble and hard working in his position. He’s done so much for our program and we are excited to watch him continue to grow in Seattle!” finished Dube.
The Lloydminster Bobcats organization wish Sheldon all the success as he begins his professional coaching career! Once a Bobcat, always a Bobcat!
