•  Remember, you already play the most helpful role, the one of a parent.

•  Set a positive example around the rink. You are one of the most influential people in your goaltender's life, so lead by example.

•  Be aware of how much your involvement can impact on your goaltenders success. Do you make derogatory comments about other goaltenders? Are you always in the coach's face? Even well meaning comments can be misconstrued. Do you take up too much of the coach's time?  

•  As your goaltender reaches higher levels (Junior and above) realize that this is like a job for your goaltender. If your son or daughter is over 18 and they worked, you would not call their employer to talk about the business and how your son/daughter is doing. It must also be that way with the coach and the team.

•  Once the game begins, let the goaltender play. The time for advice is before and after, not during the game.

•  Don't be fooled by early short-term success. The race to success is usually a marathon not a sprint.   Early success is just a qualifying sign of possible potential not confirmation of stardom.

•  Properly equip your goaltender, not only for their protection but also for their possible success.

•  Teach your goaltender independence; make them responsible for carrying and putting on their own equipment.

•  Keep a grasp on reality for any give performance. Playing should be a life lesson not life and death. Remember the goaltender is usually not as bad as his worst games and not as great as his good games.

•  No matter how unfair, it is your goaltenders job to keep the puck out of the net, don't blame others for your goaltender not doing it . Say the right things, teach responsibility, and blame no one. Innocent statements to attempt to soothe or motivate often does not turn out to be support at all.

•  Let your goaltender take responsibility for their success or failure.

•  When you enter the car let your goaltender initiate the game talk. Be a mirror and bounce questions back to them. Let them find the answers. Discuss what happened, how they feel about it and what they could have done differently. What did they learn and were they ready for the unexpected.

•  Help your goaltender take a mature, long-term view of their hockey. Focus on goals and continued personal improvement.

•  Remind your goaltender that they have years ahead to master the position. Keep the talk on positive reminders on what to work on.

•  If you coach your goaltender, focus should be on skating, stance and general techniques. These should be done using simplistic repetitive drills.

•  Once the goaltender is older and with strong basics, look for good technical advice from outside sources.

•  When selecting a goalie school, it is important to choose one that fits your goalies age and skill level. Make sure the teaching program concentrates on different techniques for different ages and skill levels.