New Goaltending Coach

With Olie Kolzig taking the goalie coach position with the Washington Capitals the Americans have brought in Lyle Mast to take over:

Tri-City Americans’ Governor/General Manager Bob Tory announced today that the club has named Lyle Mast as the team’s new goaltending coach for the upcoming 2011-12 season.

With over 25 years of experience in the goaltending coaching and consulting business, Mast brings a wealth of expertise to the Americans. Most recently, Mast has spent the previous two seasons working as a goaltending coach for the Edmonton Oil Kings in addition to serving in the same capacity with the University of Alberta Golden Bears Men’s hockey team since 2007. Mast is also the owner and founder of Optimum Reaction Sports, a goaltender training company that researches and develops programs through biomechanics related to the position.

“We are very pleased to welcome Lyle to our coaching staff,” said Tory. “He has a tremendous amount of experience with working and fine-tuning goaltenders and helping them improve their level of play. We look forward to him working with all of our goaltenders and strengthening that position throughout our organization.”

Tory continued by saying that “with Olie (Kolzig) taking a job with the Washington Capitals, I felt it was necessary to have someone available to work with our goaltenders on a regular, structured basis. With two new goaltenders joining our club this year, having access to a full-time goaltending coach becomes a tremendous asset for our club.”

"As a goaltending coach, I am extremely excited and honored to become a part of such an organization and the opportunity to work in this environment,” expressed Mast. “The Tri-City Americans have an incredible history of selecting and developing elite goaltenders, which I believe is a part of their environment and culture.” (Americans)

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Drinnan notes graduated American Tyler Schmidt has a tryout with the Edmonton Oilers:

Over the last few WHL seasons, it is fair to say that D Tyler Schmidt has been one of the league’s most under-rated players.

Schmidt, who played out his eligibility last season, his fifth with the Tri-City Americans, put up 19, 14, 41, 38 and 53 points from 2006-07 through last season. He also picked up 72, 129, 164, 119 and 159 penalty minutes.

At 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, he is an honest defenceman. Plays the same at home and on the road.

He has committed to attend the U of Manitoba and play for the Bisons, but now comes word that he also has agreed to an ATO with the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers.

The Bisons are heading overseas later this month for games in Italy, Austria and Germany. Upon the Bisons’ return from Europe, Schmidt will go to camp with the Oilers. (Taking Note)