Testimonials.
““When I met Dusty, my life as a goalie and as a person, were in rough shape. I had no idea how to play goal anymore and I also didn’t know who I was as a person either.
I would view myself as a person based on how I played in the game last night.
Dusty quickly taught me that the most important quality is to enjoy life! Dusty never gave up on me and always believed in me. Dusty’s positive attitude, attention to detail, and knowledge of the game helped take my game to new levels. Working with Dusty has allowed me to succeed in every environment I’m put in, whether that’s in hockey or in life.
Despite both of us going our separate ways with the Kings, we still work together to this day. Whether it’s coaching advice I need that day, or just some words of encouragement, Dusty always has the answer that makes me ready to perform as a goalie and as a person! “
-Jack Campbell (Toronto Maple Leafs, NHL)
“Dusty’s unique approach to goalie coaching allows him to personally connect with goalies and reach a deeper level than most goalie coaches in the world. His contagious positive attitude brings a bright light onto the ice no matter the circumstances.
In my personal experience with Dusty, his years of playing have allowed him to teach the feeling of a save, rather than be a ‘cookie cutter’ technical goalie coach. He is able to free you from the mindset of being a robot, and allow you to make saves outside the norm of today’s standards.”
-Jeremy Smith (NHL, AHL, KHL)
“I thank Dusty for reviving my career. He is a very good goalie coach and his understanding of goaltending isn’t solely on physical abilities of a goaltender, but he also excels in understanding the mental aspect of the game. It was in this area, that he especially helped me get back my game and my career. His reach goes far beyond hockey. Dusty’s understanding of the mental parts of the game is exceptional. He understands the person and then helps goalies reach their potential both on and off the ice.
I feel privileged to call Dusty my friend. I would not have achieved the stuff I did in the hockey world without him. I can’t thank Dusty enough for his help in hockey and in my life.
Thank you Dusty.”
-Peter Budaj (Retired NHL Goaltender)
“Dusty, like he has for many goalies, came into my career when I needed his help the most. At many points in my hockey career, you can lose track of why you play the game. I got caught up in the business side of the game and things that I couldn’t control. Dusty had a great way of reminding me of why I love the game and keeping hockey in perspective.
He was amazing at communicating. Every time I talk with Dusty I feel happy, positive and better about myself. Not just on the ice, but off it as well.
As a goalie, the game is much larger than just the technical side. If you can approach the game with a clear head, enjoy and love the game, there is no telling the success you can reach. That’s what Dusty did for me and continues to do.”
- Michael Hutchinson (Toronto Maple Leafs, NHL)
“Dusty and I were both rookies when we met in the Winnipeg organisation. To think of now…this was so long ago, that he actually taught me the RVH, haha!
Dusty’s focus was to build a real relationship with you. Looking back, that’s the only way the whole thing works. And it’s rare in the pro ranks.
He is knowledgable about the technical aspects, but where he excels is the one-on-one confidence boosting conversations, where you always feel like you’re top priority. He is empathetic, yet firm. With a great sense of optimism.
Thank you Dusty, I wish you continued success. Your future clients are lucky to have you.”
- Juho Olkinuora (Detroit Red Wings/Grand Rapids Griffins))
“My dad had a way of keeping my head in the right place no matter what the situation. A massive part of the game is mental and his ability to get you through any mental or emotional issues in your game, is what sets him apart from other coaches.
He always wanted me to have fun, and when hockey is fun, you play like you know you can.”
-Jonah Imoo (Dusty’s son and was part of the 1st and only father/son goalie tandem in professional hockey)
Thoughtful Email From A Parent:
I wanted to drop you a line to thank you for the work you’ve done with my son, Elliott.
Elliott is a 12U goalie, and as he continued to develop as a goalie physically, he began almost obsessively focusing on aspects of his game. In all honesty, it began to eat away at him where he started losing his enjoyment of the game. He started down the overly competitive road where things became too black and white in his game, and it was impacting his life outside of hockey as well. The best way I could put it was that he was the most “serious” 10 year old I had ever seen.
At first it was kind of amusing, but then it began to become concerning. We began considering looking for help. We had spoken with various psychologists and none of it really resonate. That’s when I reached out to you for the first time. We’re long time LA Kings season ticket holders, so we were very familiar with the work you did. I never imagined that you’d be willing to work with Elliott. I was just hoping that you would be willing to talk with him once, and based on who you’ve worked with, Elliott might listen to you more.
To my surprise, you not only spoke with me, but you opened up to have a chat with Elliott and you agreed to work with him. Since then, we’ve seen remarkable improvements in Elliott. It started with small changes: where he used to blow up, he’d show some restraint; where he would be overly critical of himself, he’d lighten up and move on quickly. Over time, those changes grew in both his personality and his game. As he found himself and became more secure with who he was, his game blossomed, and more importantly, he’s gaining more and more confidence just being himself.
Your approach of helping athletes/people center themselves has had a huge impact on Elliott. He loves his meetings with you and looks forward to them weekly. Goaltending can be such a cerebral position, and it can seem unfair to put that kind of pressure on a young kid. Elliott was definitely feeling the weight until he had a chance to meet with you. Elliott has more fun playing now than ever before, and he’s motivated to work harder every time out for the right reason: because he loves it.
At a tournament, we ran into a guy wearing a “Motley Thoughts” hat, and turned out to be Peter Budaj. I think he summed it up best when he heard that you had been working with Elliott: “Dusty… man… the guy just knows what to say, you know?”
Thanks, bud. I’m really glad to call you a friend and I can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done with Elliott.
- Peter Kim
Kind words from another coach about the 3 Day Coaching Immersion
Recently, I participated in The Goalie Therapist 3 day Coaching Immersion Program. I now understand why so many professional goaltenders like Jack Campbell and Peter Budaj attest to him as a coach and mentor.
I expected that on Day One (and all the days for that matter) that I would be listening for the most part. Dusty, through his experience and understanding, provoked me into talking. He genuinely wanted to know my perspectives and thoughts. By getting to know me, he knew he would best be able to guide me best on my natural self and impulses. His genuine interest in my thoughts and approach allowed him to best understand me which, in turn, enabled him to dissect strengths and areas to develop with myself and my coaching. The foundation of his persona and coaching style is a genuine interest and concern for each person he engages and he always starts with listening.
Dusty and I had some interesting and poignant conversations over those three days and it makes me wish I had him as a coach in my days as a professional, as I know I would have been far more confident and definitely more effective. The fact that I already can see tangible results in my coaching is quite remarkable and a testament to Dusty. I know I will be recommending that my junior, collegiate, and pro clients give him a call and just have an introductory conversation with him. I also will recommend it to my coaching colleagues. It is very easy in our profession to get stuck in our own train of thought. Dusty opened my eyes to a broadened perspective of what a coach is and, for that and gaining a new friend, I am forever grateful.
Thank you, Dusty!
George Bosak
-Bosak Goaltending Development