Episode 79 Jason Labarbera

Jason LaBarbera joined Carter Hart as featured guests when the first WHL / Hockey Canada Goaltending Symposium presented by InGoal Magazine wrapped up with a two-part Hot Stove hosted by our own Daren Millard. We already included the exclusive half hour interview with Hart in last week's podcast, which was loaded with valuable insights from the impressive young Philadelphia Flyers goaltender, and now we are excited to share our 30-minute conversation with LaBarbera, who has transitioned to goalie coaching since ending his 16-season NHL career in 2016, working with the Calgary Hitmen in the WHL and helping Canada win gold at last year’s IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships. LaBarbera worked with a lot of elite goaltending coaches during his playing days, including Bill Ranford with the Los Angeles Kings, Ian Clark with the Vancouver Canucks, Benoit Allaire with the New York Rangers, and Sean Burke with the Arizona (then Phoenix) Coyotes. The 40-year-old shared insights from both worlds, including lessons from his playing days, and how he’s learned to blend those coaches’ unique approaches with his own strengths now. Loaded with insights from off and on the ice, including his favorite drills, make sure you stay right to the end to hear how an errant stick toss after getting pulled in the ECHL led to a visit on the bench from local police, and played a direct role to his first call up to the NHL.