Hockey Canada hires Dustin Schwartz as head of goaltending

It might be hyperbolic to say that Canadian goaltending is in a crisis, but the state of the position in Canada is certainly experiencing a slump.

Hockey Canada has recognized this, and are taking steps to make Canadian goaltending world class yet again. As first reported by The Athletic‘s James Mirtle, Hockey Canada has hired Dustin Schwartz as the organization’s first full-time head of goaltending.

Schwartz, 47, served as the goaltending coach of the Edmonton Oilers for 11 seasons, from 2014-15 until 2024-25, making him the longest-serving goaltending coach in franchise history. He has also acted as a goaltending coach for the Edmonton Oil Kings of the Western Hockey League (WHL), along with the Spruce Grove Saints and Fort Saskatchewan Traders of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL).

In his new role with Hockey Canada, Schwartz will evaluate, select, and develop goaltenders within the program, and serve as the goaltending coach for several national teams starting in 2027. He will also help oversee various goaltending camps and initiatives. He will report to Scott Salmond, Hockey Canada’s senior vice-president of high performance and hockey operations.

In a statement released by Hockey Canada on Monday, Salmond expressed his enthusiasm for hiring Schwartz.

“Dustin’s success and experience with goaltenders in the NHL, internationally and in Major Junior hockey speak for themselves, and we are thrilled to welcome him to Hockey Canada to oversee our goaltending department,” Salmond said. “This is a critical position for our organization and our Members, and we will continue to seek innovative opportunities to advance our work to develop more goaltenders across Canada from the grassroots to our national team programs.”

Schwartz also shared his excitement about taking on this new role within Hockey Canada.

“It is an honour to be hired by Hockey Canada, and the expansive job description provides the opportunity to work in a multitude of different areas with the goal of enhancing and evolving the goaltending position under the Hockey Canada umbrella,” Schwartz said. “My passion for the game combined with the opportunity to focus on the development and growth of the goaltenders and coaches across the country is very special. This new goaltending program is designed to have a positive impact on goaltenders of the future and elite Canadian professionals at the highest level. Representing Canada has always been a privilege, and working with many of the top goaltenders, coaches and hockey minds in our country is an undertaking I am truly looking forward to.”