Adam Carlson – Director of Goaltending Development
Adam Carlson is a dedicated hockey coach whose passion for goaltending and player development is matched by his extensive experience both behind the bench and on the ice. With over 15 years of coaching and a seven-year professional playing career, Adam offers a rare combination of technical mastery, pro-level insight, and genuine commitment to helping athletes reach their full potential.
A proud graduate of Edina High School (Edina, Minnesota), Adam’s path through the game is one defined by perseverance, discipline, and a relentless drive for excellence. After being cut each year in high school, he climbed through the junior ranks, spending three seasons developing his game—two of them in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) with the Coulee Region Chill. His growth and determination earned him a roster spot at Mercyhurst University, where he competed at the NCAA Division I level.
At Mercyhurst, Adam’s meticulous preparation and deep understanding of the goaltending position caught the attention of NHL scouts. His hard work culminated in signing an NHL contract with the Washington Capitals—a dream realized through persistence and passion. Though his journey didn’t include NHL ice time, Adam went on to play professionally for more than seven seasons across multiple leagues, earning respect for his leadership, professionalism, and resilience.
Now in his third year as a full-time coach, Adam has transformed his professional experience into a powerful teaching and development platform. With 15 years of coaching experience, including two seasons behind a professional bench, he has earned a reputation as a detail-oriented, player-focused coach who connects with athletes at every level—from youth goalies to Division I and professional players.
Adam’s coaching philosophy goes beyond technique—it’s about mindset, preparation, and efficiency. He uses his extensive network across high school, collegiate, and professional hockey to create opportunities and mentorship pathways for the players he works with.
Whether guiding a young goaltender taking their first steps in the crease or refining the game of a college or pro athlete, Adam Carlson’s passion, professionalism, and proven track record make him an invaluable resource for any player or program striving for the next level. and their families. Based on the experiences he has gained as a player, coach, and scout, Eric strives to equip his clients with knowledge of all possible options so that, together with their families, his clients can make the best decisions for their amateur careers.
Eric has been the Head Scout for the Fairbanks Ice Dogs of the North American Hockey League since 2009. During that time, the Ice Dogs have won three Robertson Cup Championships and are consistently one of the top teams in the NAHL to move players on to the collegiate level. Prior to joining the Ice Dogs staff, Eric spent five years coaching high school hockey in his home state of Minnesota, followed by three years at the prestigious Shattuck-St. Mary’s Prep School in Faribault, MN. Eric played his collegiate hockey at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN from 1997-2000 where he was a part of three MIAC Championship teams and two NCAA tournament appearances.