SNAPSHOT
Name: Mike Valley
Hometown: Frisco, TX
Born: Richmond, BC
Date of Birth: September 3, 1976
Citizenship: (Dual) Canadian 🇨🇦 Swedish 🇸🇪
Current Role: Mental Performance Coach / Goaltending Consultant
Specialty: Goaltending development and mindset training
Website: elitegoalies.com
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: Mike Valley on LinkedIn
Elite Prospects: Mike Valley on Elite Prospects
BIO
Mike Valley is a highly respected goaltending coach, author, and mental performance expert. Best known for his tenure with the Dallas Stars as NHL Goaltending Coach and Director of Goaltending Development, Mike is recognized across the hockey world for his deep understanding of both the technical and mental aspects of elite goaltending.
He began his coaching career with the Nashville Predators in 2008 before spending nearly a decade with the Dallas Stars organization in progressive roles. In addition to his NHL experience, Mike has coached in the AHL, worked with NCAA programs, and continues to influence goaltenders globally through his platform, Think Strong Sports.
As a player, Mike competed professionally in the AHL, ECHL, and Sweden, and his experience across levels gives him a unique perspective on player development.
Career Highlights:
- Goaltending Coach, Dallas Stars (2009–2015)
- Director of Goaltending Development, Dallas Stars (2015–2017)
- Goaltending Coach, Nashville Predators (2008–2009)
- AHL & NCAA coaching experience
- Professional playing career in AHL, ECHL, and Sweden
- Founder of Think Strong Sports
- Co-author of The Power Within series and Embracing the Grind
Mike Valley’s approach blends high-performance goaltending with elite mindset training, helping athletes develop the clarity, discipline, and edge required to reach their full potential.
COACHING HISTORY
- 2008–09: Goaltending Coach, Nashville Predators (NHL)
- 2008–09: Goaltending Coach, Milwaukee Admirals (AHL)
- 2008–09: Volunteer Goaltending Coach, University of Wisconsin (NCAA)
- 2009–15: Goaltending Coach, Dallas Stars (NHL)
- 2015–17: Director of Player Development & Director of Goaltending Development, Dallas Stars (NHL)
PLAYING HISTORY
- University of Wisconsin (NCAA) – Led team to WCHA Championship
- Syracuse Crunch (AHL)
- Augusta Lynx, Wheeling Nailers, Peoria Rivermen (ECHL)
- Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Worcester IceCats (AHL)
- Björklöven IF and AIK – Sweden
- Dressed for Vancouver Canucks (NHL) in 1998
- Retired in 2004
COACHING PHILOSOPHY
“I’m not just here to improve your technique — I want you to understand your game on a deep level. My mission is to help goalies build the habits, mindset, and self-awareness they need to perform under pressure and grow over time.”
MEDIA & PRESS FEATURES
- Glass and Out Podcast, Ep. 297 (2025) – On goaltending evolution, redefining success, and building elite habits
- InGoal Radio Podcast, Ep. 288 – Stories from the NHL and lessons in development
- The Full 60 Podcast – On goalie evaluation, the mental game, and working with Tim Thomas
- InGoal Magazine – Power Within III Excerpt – Excerpt from The Power Within III
- TCS Live – The Coaches Site Presenter – Featured speaker at The Coaches Site conference
PUBLICATIONS
These titles, co-authored with Justin Goldman, are widely used by coaches, goaltenders, and sports psychologists to better understand elite performance.
FINAL NOTE
Mike Valley’s legacy is built on innovation, empathy, and leadership — helping goaltenders push their boundaries through a unique combination of tactical mastery and mental resilience.
