California Rubber

California’s and Nevada’s Authoritative Voice of Ice and Inline Hockey

Jr. Kings coach Tartaglione assumes role with USA Hockey

 

TartaglioneTommy Tartaglione, a coach within the Los Angeles Jr. Kings organization, was recently appointed Southern California’s goaltending development coordinator by USA Hockey.

Tartaglione’s multifaceted duties in the newly-created position include mentoring young goaltenders across the region, educating local goalie coaches, meeting with clubs and associations to implement goalie training curriculum and leading USA Hockey’s student goaltending coach programs.

“Twenty years ago in California, the only way to learn about goaltending was by watching a rare game on television,” said Tartaglione, a Torrance native. “Now, with the American Goaltending Development Program, every goalie from California will have the chance to learn the position the right way.”

Rick Cazares, a coach in the San Jose Jr. Sharks organization, was named Northern California’s coordinator.

“Adding more resources and support for goaltenders, both on the national level and the local level, is a priority for USA Hockey and our American Development Model (ADM),” said Phil Osaer, USA Hockey’s ADM manager for goaltending. “The goaltending development coordinators will play an important role in that process, giving young goaltenders support and guidance from experienced coaches with a wealth of goaltending experience.

“(The California Amateur Hockey Association) has really prioritized goalie development, which is important.”

A former Jr. Kings goaltender who also excelled locally playing high-level inline hockey, Tartaglione is entering his third season coaching in the club.

“Tommy brings something unique, too, with his roller and ice hockey backgrounds,” Osaer added. “I think that could be vital for goalie identification in Southern California.”

“There’s so many promising young goaltenders in our state, and I’m looking forward to not only being a part of their continued development, but other goaltenders and coaches around the country as well,” Tartaglione said.

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