Development Leagues

It is important for all goaltender to find the right path for their success whether it is the route of major junior hockey or the NCAA division I or II

In order to make the jump to major junior the process must be made at a young age, there is a 15 year old draft that takes players based on skill and potential at a young age, this route is the quickest step for players looking to make it the NHL, however it is not always the best. Very few goaltenders are drafted in the NHL these days as they can be found through free agency and teams in the NHL like to have more developed goaltenders rather than take a chance on a young kid.
Here are some of the statistics of goaltender league in major junior
OHL goalie stats

WHL goalie stats

QMJHL goalie Stats

The alternate route for goaltenders to take is the route of junior "A" and then on to the NCAA, the benefits of this route is that it allows goaltenders to mature into the goaltenders they are instead of a team taking a chance on potential. This path can be difficult as there are many different junior routes to take one to the NCAA. An added benefit is the education factor. The best leagues that allow for such routes is the USHL or the BCHL in which most players are committed out of each year.

BCHL goalie stas

USHL goalie stats

This route is the most competitive league for goaltenders as it has a plethora of prospects playing here as a stepping stone to the NCAA

NCAA goalie stats