The Toronto Maple Leafs officially named Rick St. Croix their new goaltending coach Friday. The 57-year-old who once played for the Leafs replaces the recently departed Francois Allaire, who cited interference from the coaching staff as his reason for leaving.
St. Croix says he’ll maintain a flexible approach to teaching – no surprise there, given Allaire was criticized by Leafs management for failing to adapt to modern goaltending techniques.
“I tell the goalies ‘I’m not out to change you. That’s not my right to do that. I will identify your strengths or weaknesses or red flags. I’m not going to say you should be this or that. I’m hoping to help you be the best you can be,’” St. Croix told MapleLeafs.com.
Goaltending was once again a major weakness for the Leafs last season. As it stands, last year’s starter, James Reimer, will return as the No. 1, while the inexperienced Ben Scrivens is set to back up.