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respected now. It's interesting that people get into the net and it's not looked on as you're completely crazy, like back in the day." — RYAN MILLER, BUFFALO SABRES "I think it's a case of where the protection is better, the athletes are better, the challenge of being a goaltender is a little more Vanbiesbrouck shared similar sentiments. "For Jonathan Quick and Tim Thomas, they showed us great mental elevation, which it takes to play two totally different styles of goaltending, but to get it done," said Vanbiesbrouck, who is now a member of USA Hockey's executive board as the vice president of the Junior Council. "There might not be anyone more technically sound than Ryan Miller, and what a great approach to the game. It's those fine lines." Miller believes the change in percep- tion of goaltenders is another key factor in the growth of the position. "I think it's a case of where the pro- tection is better, the athletes are better, the challenge of being a goaltender is a little more respected now," said the East Lansing, Mich., native. "It's interesting that people get into the net and it's not looked on as you're completely crazy, like back in the day." There's always concern that this current stretch of success is merely cyclical and could soon come to an end, but there's reason to believe American goaltenders will continue rising above. "I think you'll go through streaks no matter what, but I think [the stretch of success] shows how much we've devel- oped and it's kind of set the bar for every- body," Ayers said. The current group of NHL goaltenders is also setting the bar for each other, driv- ing each to be better. "I met Tim [Thomas] and Jonathan Quick this year at the All-Star Game so I've gotten to know them pretty well, and I met Ryan Miller at the awards show a couple years ago," said Howard, who is entering his fourth year as the main man between the pipes for the Red Wings. "It's those guys that have set the bar real high and I'm just trying to chase them down." Quick and Cory Schneider, who had a breakout season in Vancouver in 2011-12, are just 26 and Howard is 28, meaning each has a lot of good years ahead of them. Additionally, 23 American goalten- ders have been selected in the NHL Entry Draft since 2007, including eight within the first three rounds, so the pipeline appears to be well stocked. USA Hockey's Warren Strelow National could play a big role in making sure this recent string of success isn't just a fad. Ayers, who also serves as the program's coordinator, stressed the importance of taking advantage of this current stretch of American dominance in order to sustain it in the future. "Right now, for us where we need to capitalize on the success of the guys being in the NHL," he said. "I think [their success] will help tie some comparisons to younger kids to try to incorporate some of the abilities of the older guys into their own game and enhance it." it's a great opportunity how American goaltending got to this height and what it will take to keep it there, Vanbiesbrouck pointed to one unique ingredient that perhaps has helped this current crop separate itself from the rest of the world. "Maybe the additive is that American spir- it," the U.S. Hockey Hall of Famer said. N While there are many theories as to Goaltending Mentor Program, which was founded in 2007 and aims to provide a consistent nationwide program to recruit, develop and produce elite goaltenders, Chris Peters is a freelance writer based out of North Liberty, Iowa and is the former public relations manager for USA Hockey's National Team Development Program. USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM AUGUST.2012 17