Working in the NHL for 19 years with the Los Angeles Kings, Bill Ranford brought a wealth of experience and insight to TCS Live 2025. A Conn Smythe Trophy winner with the Edmonton Oilers in 1990, Ranford has seen the evolution of goaltending and its coaching firsthand. But what he emphasized most during his session wasn’t just about stopping pucks, it was about relationships. Specifically, the connection between goalie coaches, their goalies, and the rest of the coaching staff.

Right from the start, Ranford made it clear: this presentation wasn’t just for goalie coaches. “I’m speaking with all coaches today,” he said. Over his time in LA, he worked with six head coaches and 11 assistant coaches, learning early that success comes from trust, communication, and collaboration. Ranford has always aimed to stay under the radar, letting the goalies’ performance speak for itself, but he stressed that a goalie coach should never isolate themselves from the rest of the staff.

Trust is the foundation. Ranford shared a story about Darryl Sutter, highlighting the expectations placed on coaching staff and the importance of meeting them while building a consistent message for players. He reminded coaches that constant communication isn’t optional. 

“Good goaltending creates good coaches” 

That was from a clip Ranford shared from legendary coach Rick Bowness that demonstrates, pretty clearly, how a goalie coach can elevate the entire team. Ranford sharing a clip from a head coach in the NHL about how important that coach thinks goaltending is captures the whole idea; a goalie coach who supports their head coach while the head coach understands how important the goalie coach is will create a stable and valued professional partnership.

Ranford outlined key strategies to build stability and trust in the goalie coach / head coach relationship:

• Maintain a flexible schedule and let goalies playing well stay in the net.

• Build a clear case for goalie rotations.

• Take the pressure of goalie management off the head coach’s mind.

• Deliver feedback at the right time.

• Help coaches understand the intricacies of the position.

The session concluded with Ranford exploring system philosophies and tactics, tailored to each team’s needs. From powerplay to penalty kill, and even specific communication for goalies on breakouts, he reinforced that every coach must work together to protect the most important position on the ice.

Coaches’ Challenge: Examine your own staff’s communication and trust with your goalie coach. What can you do to ensure your goaltending is not just strong, but fully supported by the entire team?

Noteworthy timestamps:

• 0:00 Background
• 2:15 Building trust
• 5:10 Communication
• 7:45 Importance of goaltending
• 9:35 Head coach relationship
• 14:55 Educating the coach
• 17:35 Practice plans 
• 20:15 Drills
• 22:20 System philosophies
• 28:00 Assistant coach relationship