Mastering the Crease: Inside Lacrosse New Brunswick's Goaltending Development Program

The future is bright for goaltenders in New Brunswick! Lacrosse New Brunswick’s Goaltending Development Programis already in full swing, revolutionizing the way lacrosse goalies are trained and developed across the province. By combining cutting-edge technology, expert mentorship, on-floor training, and a focus on tactical excellence, this program is setting a new standard for goaltending in the Maritime provinces.

Game-Changing Features

At the heart of the program is Vizual Edge Training, a groundbreaking tool used by professional athletes to enhance vision, cognition, and reaction time. Trusted by NHL goaltenders, this innovative training sharpens skills that are crucial for success in the crease, such as tracking shots and reacting to rapidly changing game scenarios.

Participants also take part in on-floor sessions, which target technical development, refinement, and excellence. These sessions focus on the mechanics of the position, including precise footwork, angles, rebound control, and shot-stopping consistency. The goal is to ensure goaltenders have a solid technical foundation to perform at their best, no matter the situation.

The program’s integration of virtual sessions with National Lacrosse League (NLL) goaltenders and industry expertsprovides invaluable insights into preparation, positioning, and how to thrive under pressure. But what truly sets this program apart is its emphasis on tactical training—a critical yet often overlooked component for goalies.

“Our goalies often go through the minor lacrosse system in the Maritime provinces with little to no instruction on the many different tactical systems on both sides of the ball,” said Chris Burgess, Technical Director of Lacrosse New Brunswick. “An overall increase in tactical understanding in net will help our top goalies prepare, anticipate, recognize, and react to what’s happening in front of them. Most other goaltending programs are one-off camps—while engaging and definitely beneficial, it takes a lot more to truly craft an excellent goaltender, who is arguably the most important player on any team.”

Program Lead Evan Richtsfeld: The Heart of the Program

At the core of the Goaltending Development Program is Evan Richtsfeld, who serves as the program lead and the Saint John Rapids Goaltending Coach. Evan’s dedication and passion for developing the next generation of goaltenders has been a driving force behind the program’s success.

“This program is something I take a lot of pride in,” says Richtsfeld. “It’s more than just teaching technique; it’s about developing a goalie’s mental approach and tactical awareness to become a complete player. I want our athletes to leave here with not just technical skills but a deep understanding of how to read the game, anticipate plays, and make smart decisions when it counts. This is how we develop goalies who are truly ready for the challenges at the next level.”

Evan’s hands-on approach includes conducting on-floor sessions that focus on the fundamentals of goaltending while simultaneously challenging goalies to hone their tactical decision-making in real-time. His extensive experience as a coach and goaltender has made him a highly respected figure in the New Brunswick lacrosse community.

A Vision for the Future

The Goaltending Development Program is already expanding its reach, with plans to include U13 and U15 goaltendersin a more remedial variation tailored to young athletes just entering competitive lacrosse. By starting with foundational skills and building a strong understanding of the game’s tactical side early on, the program aims to create a strong pipeline of top-level goaltenders for the future.

“The goal is to ensure that even the youngest goalies understand the fundamentals of positioning, reaction, and tactical systems,” Richtsfeld explains. “These athletes will be better prepared as they grow, not just technically but also in terms of their ability to read the game and make quick decisions under pressure.”

Building on Success

The Goaltending Development Program aligns with Lacrosse New Brunswick’s high-performance pathways, including the Athlete Centered Excellence (ACE) Program, Canada Summer Games Program, and Junior A Box Lacrosse. This ensures that goaltenders are not just ready for local competition, but are equipped to succeed at the national level.

“We’re proud of what we’ve built so far,” says Richtsfeld. “But this is just the beginning. We want to build a legacy of elite goaltenders in New Brunswick, and we’re already seeing our athletes rise to the challenge.”

What’s Next?

As the program continues to grow, Lacrosse New Brunswick is excited to see how its goaltenders will perform on the regional and national stage. With more athletes joining each year, the future of goaltending in New Brunswick has never been brighter.

For more information on the Goaltending Development Program, visit [LNB website link] or contact Chris Burgess at [contact information].

The Goaltending Development Program is an example of how passion, dedication, and innovation can combine to elevate a position to new heights. New Brunswick’s goalies are ready to shine—and it all starts here, with Evan Richtsfeld leading the way.