Goalie development program in works

Hockey goaltending development in Fort Frances just got a much-needed shot in the arm.
The Fort Frances Minor Hockey Association is set to offer more goaltending training opportunities for future Patrick Roys and Martin Brodeurs to fine-tune their craft here in town.
Though in its early stages of development, the program definitely will start up in the fall with a weekly practice session to give aspiring goalies the opportunity to improve their skills.
“The most important position on the team, and the most neglected position on the team, is goaltending,” said program co-ordinator Glenn Witherspoon, a former goalie in his playing days.
“We thought we should pay a little more attention and help goalies develop,” he reasoned. “Some individuals are just naturals and some need to come along slowly and we’ll probably end up with both kinds, so we’ll try to make them better.”
FFMHA president Wayne Strachan, who also is head coach of the Fort Frances Jr. Sabres, echoed Witherspoon’s sentiments for the program and is looking forward to getting it off the ground.
“This is a program that should have started years ago as it always seems we have a shortage of goalies in Fort Frances,” Strachan noted. “We are hoping this program will strengthen the goalies we have and entice a few more kids into wanting to play goal.”
The FFMHA also has teamed up with the Sabres, assigning players from the junior squad to local minor hockey teams to help coach and mentor the youngsters.
“Both the Sabres’ organization and FFMHA believe this relationship is for the good,” Strachan enthused.
“Coaching is volunteer and not all the coaches can make every game or practice, so we feel by assigning a junior player, the coaches [will] have extra help to run their practises and help out during games.
“It’s a good thing for the Sabre players as it gets them involved with the community,” Strachan added. “It’s something for them to do on nights that the team is off and gives them added experience in life skills.”
In other news, the Sabres signed a pair of players over the past week to bolster their lineup for the 2008-09 season.
Dan Smith, from Hermantown, Mn., comes to the squad fresh out of high school. But he certainly won’t be intimidated playing against the bigger, stronger junior players with his 6’2”, 190-pound frame.
“He brings size and with his abilities will help our smaller, more talented forwards,” Strachan noted.
“We are excited to bring Dan in and feel once he gets some junior games under his belt will help in our quest to improve in the standings this season,” he added.
Meanwhile, Chris Sinclair is returning to the fold after a successful second half of last season. He came to the team midway through the winter and recorded 20 points in 20 games.
Sinclair will be expected to carry an even bigger offensive load this coming season.
“Chris is a returning player from last season [who] is highly-skilled and will be relied on heavily offensively this season as a 20-year-old,” Strachan remarked.
“We have Chris pegged in to help fill the voids of losing MVP Quinn Amiel and top 10 scorer Mike Ainsworth.”
The 5’4”, 160-pound forward makes up for his lack of size with grit and solid offensive instincts.
“Chris is small in stature, but plays the game bigger and adds a lot of excitement to the team and games,” Strachan said. “His speed and offensive awareness make him fun to watch and gives our team a chance to make things happen.
“Chris should be a great leader for us this season.”