IceDogs add local goalie coach
The Niagara IceDogs didn’t have to look very far for the newest member of their coaching staff.
The IceDogs found a replacement in their backyard when goalie coach Bob Janosz resigned, bringing in St. Catharines native Jason Barron to fill the position.
“You never really know which way the hockey world is going to turn,” said Barron, a 27-year-old graduate of St. Francis Secondary School. “The IceDogs are close to home and the opportunity, with me living in the region and being from Niagara, it made a lot of sense for myself.
“Obviously the IceDogs are very prominent in the region and growing up and going to games, I’m extremely excited to jump on board in this capacity with them and work with the goaltenders to ultimately achieve their long-term goals.”
Barron has a varied and impressive background including working in goaltender development with the Erie Otters, working as goalie coach and hockey operations coordinator for Ridley College Prep Hockey, and being on staff at Nashville Predators goaltending coach and Welland native Ben Vanderklok’s local goaltending school.
“I can’t speak enough, I don’t think I can put into words, how much I have learned from the difference experiences I have had,” Barron said. “Being with Ben and his goalie school and learning from someone at the NHL level has been invaluable.”
Barron, a graduate of Brock University’s Sport Management Program, did an internship at Ridley before he was hired.
“Being at Ridley with (hockey coaches) Mike McCourt and Amanda Wark and being on their staff for quite some time now, I’ve grown so much as a coach,” he said. “Their athletics department does a fantastic job working with their coaches on the professional development side to grow their portfolio.
“I can’t say enough about Ridley. Those programs have really developed over the years and have had some great athletes come through, and, more importantly, some great people and great students come through which I think makes that program so special.”
Barron plans to continue at Ridley as goaltending coach as time permits.
“The role will change a little bit but I’m still going to help out,” he said.
Barron also enjoyed his time with the Otters under former IceDogs general manager Dave Brown, where he did some scouting.
“Having an opportunity to be with Dave Brown and his staff was phenomenal,” Barron said. “I learned from those guys day in and day out.”
Barron feels it is necessary to look at athletes individually.
“You’re constantly learning, whether you’re learning from management or the coaching staff you are with and I think you learn from the athletes too,” he said. “Every athlete brings a little something different. There is not just one way to play the game and your job as a coach is to make that connection and work with them to build on their strengths and minimize their deficiencies in every aspect.
“Every athlete is unique in the way they play the game and have success. I’ve seen a lot of guys have success playing the game different ways. There is not one size fits all.”
Niagara head coach Billy Burke is excited to have Barron on board.
“Jason is a guy I have known for years and who has always impressed me with his professionalism and work ethic,” Burke said. “He is a passionate and dedicated coach with years of proven goaltender development already under his belt. I think he will be a fantastic addition to our staff and I can’t wait to get started with Jason.”
Ice cubes: The IceDogs open training camp with rookie orientation day Monday at 9:30 a.m. Full training camp gets underway Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. Spectators are permitted.
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