Lloydminster, AB – The Lloydminster Bobcats have stability in the crease when it comes to Goalie Coach Sheldon Goertzen who will return to the Bobcats again for his 5th season in 2023-24 season.
As well, Goertzen was recently named to the 2023-23 Canada National Women’s Development Team, “being named to the National Development Program is a huge honor. It’s still hard to believe at times it happened. To be able to work with those athletes and alongside those coaches is a great opportunity to share my knowledge and grow myself” explained Goertzen.
Knowledge and experience are key to Goertzen’s coaching path as he is set to work with the 2023-24 Canada National Women’s Development Team as their goaltending consultant, he oversees the University of Saskatchewan Women’s Program, and is the owner of Solid Goaltending. “When you look at the work Sheldon does is really impressive, he is always evolving and his work with team’s continues with joining the National Women’s Development Team” stated Bobcats General Manager Nigel Dube.
Goertzen will return to the Bobcats for his 5th season and start where he left off with Bobcats goalie Matthew Syverson who was the 2022-23 Unsung Hero. Goertzen explains what it means to return “I am thrilled to be back with the Bobcats for my 5th season. Being able to continue to develop the athletes and achieve their individual goals to drive success individually and as a team. It has been incredible to be a part of the Bobcats program that redeveloped into one that is not only competitive on the ice and is creating better people off.”
Former Bobcat goalie Kolby Thornton was named the Alberta Junior Hockey League Goalie of the year in the 2021-22 season while the University of Saskatchewan goalie Jessica Vance was named the Canada West Most Valuable Player in 2018, followed by team MVP’s for 3 consecutive seasons in a row (2017-18, 2018-19, 2018-19), both under the guidance of Goertzen. “He has a proven track record in development, one of the most impressive pieces is how the goalies he worked with continue to go back in the off season once they move on to the next level, speaks volumes to his craft” mentioned Dube.
The Bobcats continue to build on their relationship with Lloydminster Minor Hockey and Lloydminster Elite Hockey where Goertzen oversees the goalie development for another season. “His ability to connect with goalies is outstanding, whether it be at the university, junior, or youth level. He builds the goalies up and has a way to get the most out of their development while having a lot of fun!” finished Dube.
The Lloydminster Bobcats will kick off their Main Camp on August 25th before starting preseason on September 1st at the Civic Centre! Download the Bobcats app to stay up to date will all things Bobcats!
