“It’s kind of what I live for”
Tyler Leclair of Lobsinger Goaltending. Photo by: BILL POTRECZ
There are times when Tyler Leclair still pinches himself to make sure it isn’t all a dream.
The 27-year-old Welland native played minor hockey in his hometown and after graduating didn’t give the sport much of a thought for a few years.
Then came a request from a family friend to help coach a minor team and Leclair was quickly hooked.
“I was reluctant but I jumped into it and it’s been seven or eight years since,” the Notre Dame graduate said. “I had no idea I would be where I am now. I’m not a millionaire or anything but I enjoy it. It’s kind of what I live for it seems.”
Leclair works for Lobsinger Goaltending, owned and operated by former Niagara IceDogs netminder Lucas Lobsinger, as goalie coach for the Southern Tier U15 and U18 AAA teams as well as with the Thorold Blackhawks.
Leclair feels working under Lobsinger has been an invaluable experience.
“Lucas has really opened my eyes to working in the goaltending world,” he said. “Before it was a hobby. I never thought I would be in a position to be getting paid to do what I do. Every time on the ice with Luc it’s been like going to class.
“I always have a mindset when I go to a rink I have to leave learning something, pick up one thing. With Luc, I get back in my car and write down five or 10 things I can remember just off the top of my head. He’s really changed my whole perspective on coaching in general.”
Lobsinger feels Leclair is a natural who also works hard at his craft.
“Ty is a real student of the game and is always trying learn,” Lobsinger said. “That guy is in the rink as much or more than I am, whether he’s working for me, skating with the Blackhawks, or helping out STA.
“I really like his approach to coaching the position. He connects well with goaltenders of all ages and helps them through the process of working on their game and getting better rather than simply telling them what to do.”
Thorold coach Scott Barnes also tipped his cap to Leclair, particularly for his work with Blackhawks goaltender Christian Lynch, who is enjoying an outstanding season.
“He’s been a huge help to our team,” Barnes said. “I think the biggest thing is having someone for the goalies to bounce things off of. You look at Christian’s season, he’s had arguably an MVP season, and I think a lot of that is due to Ty. Christian was a rookie coming in and we had a bit of a tough start and he got on track.
“I talked to Lucas prior to the season and we had him out at our rookie camp getting a feel for him and he’s been great. He fits in well. He’s very into it. He’s got a real passion for it. It’s nice to see a young guy like that want to work and help the young guys out.”
Leclair beams with pride when asked about Lynch, who has a 2.46 goals-against average, .928 save percentage and five shutouts.
“Lynch has been a great kid to work with,” Leclair said. “He’s a really smart kid so there’s nothing I’m going to tell him he doesn’t have an inkling of.
“He’s got a very high ceiling. I’m excited to see where he might end up. He’s been so much fun to work with and watch. It’s been all him. Whatever that goalie is going to put into it, that’s what he’s going to get out of it.”
Leclair would one day love to be able to work as a full-time instructor.
“I have a full time 9-5 job and at some point there is going be a fork in the road and I’ll have to make a decision and when that decision comes I hope I’m equipped enough to make it,” he said. “The reason I am where I am now is because I’ve never said no to an opportunity. Whatever opportunity comes to me I’m going to try and advance it as far as it can go.”
Dear reader. If you liked this story or one of the 4,800 other stories found on our website, please consider hitting the Support Us button on the right-hand side of our home page and making a PayPal contribution to our website. Your support would be much appreciated. If you are a business owner, please consider advertising on our site. Our rates are reasonable and we provide plenty of exposure for your business. Contact bpotrecz@outlook.com for more information.
