The Red Deer Rebels will have a new goalie coach for the 2021-22 WHL season.
Red Deer announced Wednesday that Ian Gordon is the club’s new director of goaltending/goalie coach after they decided not to renew the contract of Kraymer Barnstable. Barnstable held the role from September 2018 until the end of last season.
Gordon has worked extensively with WHL netminders, including the last eight seasons as the goalie coach for the Seattle Thunderbirds. He also owns and operates a goalie school out of Edmonton and has also spent time with Hockey Canada and the U17 program as a goalie coach.
“With Ian’s experience working with young prospects and experienced goaltenders in our league, we’re excited to add him to our coaching and scouting staff,” said Red Deer Rebels GM Brent Sutter.
The 46-year-old from North Battleford, Sask., also played three seasons for the Swift Current Broncos from 1992-95 and won a WHL championship with the team in 1993.
Gordon attended several NHL training camps after his final WHL season with the Saskatoon Blades, before landing with the Saint John Flames of the American Hockey League. He played two AHL seasons, followed by five in the IHL before heading overseas.
In Europe, he played 13 seasons in the German Elite League with three different teams.