ECAC Goalie of the Year, Ian Shane on Mindset, Adversity, And Doing Your Best

From California to Cornell: Lessons from Goalie Ian Shane’s Incredible Journey

When you think of hockey hotbeds, California isn’t first on the list. But Ian Shane didn’t need a traditional zip code to become an Ivy League standout and ECAC Goaltender of the Year. On Our Kids Play Goalie, Ian joins Lee Elias, Christy Casciano Burns, and Mike Benelli to unpack his path—from picking up pads because the goalie didn’t show, to leading the nation in goals-against average, to stepping into pro hockey.

Adversity Builds Athletes

Ian grew up facing heaps of rubber on AA teams. What some see as a setback became his springboard. Those 60-shot nights sharpened reads, resilience, and problem-solving under fire.

Takeaway for families: Don’t fear tough seasons. They can be the best teacher.

The Mindset Shift That Changed Everything

Arriving at Cornell as the third goalie, Ian stopped comparing himself to others and started competing with himself. He leaned on process over outcome, journaling, and books on stoicism—controlling what he could control and letting go of the rest. That shift opened the door to the starter’s crease.

Parent/coach note: Help young goalies fall in love with the process—habits, recovery, focus—so confidence isn’t tied to one game.

Habits Young Goalies Can Start Today

• Fuel well: “Trash in, trash out.”

• Build routines: Off-ice strength, mobility, and hand–eye work.

• Smart reps: Use NHL Sense Arena for low-impact, high-quality reads and tracking before you hit the ice.

• Stay balanced: Academics and character matter at every level.

Communication Creates Confidence

Goalies shouldn’t isolate. Ian emphasizes joining PK/defensive meetings, aligning on two-on-ones, net-front coverage, and rim reads. Coaches and parents can watch for “tells” (over-jumpy feet, late reads) and check in early.

Reset Strategies Mid-Game

Pressure spikes happen. Ian uses slow exhales and heart-rate awareness to return to the present. Simple, repeatable resets are clutch for composure.

The AAA Reality Check

You don’t need Tier 1 to advance. Development can happen anywhere when the habits are right—especially if you’re training with and learning from strong players whenever possible.

For Coaches: Practice Plans That Include Goalies

You don’t need a goalie-only session to help your netminders. Tweak team drills to add angle changes, net drives, slot passes, and post work. Invite goalies (or your goalie coach) to give input so they’re training game-like patterns—not just straight-line shots.

Parting Advice to Young Goalies

“Do your best, forget the rest — and make sure you’re having fun.” Joy fuels the grind. When fun and purpose meet, progress follows.