" EASILY THE BEST PLACE TO TRAIN IF YOU WANT TO BECOME ELITE."
OUR STAFF
MATT SMITH- PRESIDENT/HEAD INSTRUCTOR
Matt is the current Owner/President of Matt Smith Goaltending Inc. which was created in 2009. Matt has worked with over 30 Professional/Major Junior/NCAA D1 goaltenders. In the span of 2011-19(8 years) he has seen 20 of his students drafted to Major Junior and 4 signed professional contracts. Smith also spent six seasons as the goaltending coach of the Guelph Storm (OHL). A combination of youth and passion allow for Smith to easily relate and push his students to higher levels. Matt has been fortunate enough to take the ice with multiple NHL and professional goaltending coaches in which he attributes his outlook towards the position. He is rapidly gaining a reputation for success both from minor hockey to professional ranks.
In six seasons in Guelph, Smith would have an immediate impact. In his first season starting goaltender Garret Sparks would set a franchise record in wins (36) and Shutouts (7) a long side being named team MVP, CHL Goaltender of the month twice, winning IIHF World Junior Gold, and signing an NHL contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
In the 2013-14 season the success would continue with starter Justin Nichols coming just one win shy of Spark's previous record with 35 wins on the season. Nichols would also be named OHL goaltender of the month twice. Backup goaltender Matt Mancina would win the D.W. 'Minty' Award for top rookie goaltender and be named CHL goaltender of the week in December. That same season the Storm would go onto win the Hamilton Spectator Trophy (regular season champions) and the J.F. Ross Robertson Cup as OHL Champions for only the third time in franchise history.
In 2014-15 starting goaltender Justin Nichols would be named the team MVP and set a new franchise record, becoming the only goaltender is Guelph Storm history to have back to back 30+ win seasons.
2015-16 saw a disappointing year as the Storm rebuilt from a championship run however starting goaltender Michael Giugovaz had career highs in save percentage and shutouts and was named CHL goaltender of the month in January.
In 2017-18 Starting goaltender Anthony Popovich would be named the teams Most Improved Player and would earn an invite to Dallas Stars camp.
Prior to coaching in the OHL, Smith coached junior B in Guelph for a single season where starter Colin Furlong would win League MVP honors and sign an OHL contract with the Kingston Frontenacs.
He also works as a goaltender mentor for 5 different minor hockey organizations.
Smith has played at the Junior B, Teir II, OHL, and CIS levels. As a player he would win a Sutherland Cup with the Elmira Sugar Kings and an OHL Championship in 2008 with the Kitchener Rangers. Smith also played a single season with the Guelph Gryphons(OUA) where he would earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology.
In six seasons in Guelph, Smith would have an immediate impact. In his first season starting goaltender Garret Sparks would set a franchise record in wins (36) and Shutouts (7) a long side being named team MVP, CHL Goaltender of the month twice, winning IIHF World Junior Gold, and signing an NHL contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
In the 2013-14 season the success would continue with starter Justin Nichols coming just one win shy of Spark's previous record with 35 wins on the season. Nichols would also be named OHL goaltender of the month twice. Backup goaltender Matt Mancina would win the D.W. 'Minty' Award for top rookie goaltender and be named CHL goaltender of the week in December. That same season the Storm would go onto win the Hamilton Spectator Trophy (regular season champions) and the J.F. Ross Robertson Cup as OHL Champions for only the third time in franchise history.
In 2014-15 starting goaltender Justin Nichols would be named the team MVP and set a new franchise record, becoming the only goaltender is Guelph Storm history to have back to back 30+ win seasons.
2015-16 saw a disappointing year as the Storm rebuilt from a championship run however starting goaltender Michael Giugovaz had career highs in save percentage and shutouts and was named CHL goaltender of the month in January.
In 2017-18 Starting goaltender Anthony Popovich would be named the teams Most Improved Player and would earn an invite to Dallas Stars camp.
Prior to coaching in the OHL, Smith coached junior B in Guelph for a single season where starter Colin Furlong would win League MVP honors and sign an OHL contract with the Kingston Frontenacs.
He also works as a goaltender mentor for 5 different minor hockey organizations.
Smith has played at the Junior B, Teir II, OHL, and CIS levels. As a player he would win a Sutherland Cup with the Elmira Sugar Kings and an OHL Championship in 2008 with the Kitchener Rangers. Smith also played a single season with the Guelph Gryphons(OUA) where he would earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology.
KEATON HARTIGAN- SENIOR INSTRUCTOR
Keaton joins our staff as a full time instructor at MSGI. He currently is the goalending coach for the University of Waterloo Warriors (OUA).
Prior to U of Waterloo he spent two seasons with the Waterloo Siskins (GOJHL) where in his first season the team with make a Cherry Cup final appearance. Hartigan retired from playing in 2014 with professional playing experience in Rapid City (CHL) and Herentals HYC (Netherlands).. Prior to playing professional Keaton played 4 years at the University of Waterloo where he was named an OUA all star and was team MVP.
Keaton grew up in Kitchener where he would play AAA hockey in the Kitchener Minor Hockey Association. In junior Hartigan would spend time with the Kitchener Dutchmen where he would win the team MVP in 2006 and finish his Junior career with the Georgetown Raiders (OJHL) before joining the CIS. ranks.
Prior to U of Waterloo he spent two seasons with the Waterloo Siskins (GOJHL) where in his first season the team with make a Cherry Cup final appearance. Hartigan retired from playing in 2014 with professional playing experience in Rapid City (CHL) and Herentals HYC (Netherlands).. Prior to playing professional Keaton played 4 years at the University of Waterloo where he was named an OUA all star and was team MVP.
Keaton grew up in Kitchener where he would play AAA hockey in the Kitchener Minor Hockey Association. In junior Hartigan would spend time with the Kitchener Dutchmen where he would win the team MVP in 2006 and finish his Junior career with the Georgetown Raiders (OJHL) before joining the CIS. ranks.