Martin St. Louis
Head Coach-Montreal Canadians
I’ve known Nolan for almost 20 years; we trained many summers together both on and off the ice. We were both in pursuit of achieving our goals in the professional hockey world. Nolan has always been a dedicated athlete that matched work ethic and attitude, and he always treated everyone around him with respect. He was a true pro! His playing career from college to the pros speaks for itself.
I’m not surprised that he has transitioned his craft into coaching. Over the years we have had plenty on discussions about the game of hockey but also about developing young players. I coached youth hockey in the Connecticut area for 7 years, before moving to Montreal to coach professionally, and on many occasions, Nolan was on the ice at the same time working with our goalies. I witnessed his coaching first hand- he’s a great communicator who can execute the plan put in place by being direct but is also patient with the athlete.
His knowledge of the position is not only what brings value, his work at Clear Sight Analytics has also made him dive into the analytics of the game which is a valuable tool to bring to the big picture and success of a team. Data is a big part of the game these days and Nolan is very experienced with that side and can add to any goaltender’s vision. I also think recruiting goalies will be easier because of everything he’s done as a player and mentor- a young athlete will trust they have someone who can help them reach their goals. Nolan is very organized and can work with a team of coaches to push the program to a higher level.
In my opinion, when you factor everything that Nolan can bring as a coach, I’m not sure who could be more qualified.
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Jonathan Quick
New York Rangers NHL
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“I love Nolan’s approach to the game! He gives me the opportunity to look at my game from a different angle and this helps me get ready for my upcoming season.“
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Strauss Mann
Brunswick School, Fargo USHL, Michigan NCAA, Current Professional Goaltender
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"Nolan is a great goalie coach, mentor and person. He is very calm, focused and passionate in his approach with his goalies and cares so much about their personal success. I can’t thank him enough for his guidance over the years…and for always believing in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. “
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Mike Roberts
Elite Hockey, Taft School, Dartmouth University
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”Nolan has been instrumental in my development as a goalie. From the technical to the mental, he has taught me so much, drawing from his experience at the highest level. I wouldn’t be where I am today without his coaching and mentorship.”
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Goalie Parent
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“I highly recommend Nolan Schaefer. My son has had the privilege of working closely with Nolan since the age of 14, and under his guidance, has flourished in his hockey journey, currently excelling in his first year of college hockey (at age 21).
Nolan's impact on my son's development cannot be overstated. Not only does he possess a wealth of firsthand experience from his own professional playing career, but he also demonstrates a profound understanding of every facet of goaltending. Through meticulous analysis, personalized feedback, and smart coaching methods such as one-on-one sessions and video analysis, Nolan has consistently elevated my son's performance on the ice. What sets Nolan apart is his unwavering honesty tempered with constructive criticism, turning setbacks into valuable learning opportunities.
By joining Nolan, you would gain not only a seasoned coach but also a strategic thinker who approaches goaltending with a blend of expertise and analytical rigor. Moreover, Nolan's ability to forge strong connections with his players is remarkable. My son has sought Nolan's counsel during challenging moments, whether it be recovering from a tough game or navigating unfamiliar territory during tryouts abroad. Nolan's empathetic demeanor and genuine concern for his players make him a trusted mentor not only to athletes but also to parents and fellow coaches.”