The institute
Institute of Goaltending was founded in 2015 by Danish national team veteran, Sebastian Dahm. The school was founded on the simple principle that high quality goalie coaching should be available to young, aspiring athletes. The school was paused in 2020.
Later on, elite goaliecoach and development specialist, Nicolai Heine, became the head of the institute with a clear vision for the institute's future. Namely, to be a prestigious facility of learning and research, that not only produces top-tier professional goaltenders and human beings, but also advances the field of goaltending.
Nicolai Birk Heine
Head Instructor & President at Institute of Goaltending
Nicolai is a seasoned goaltending coach with over 16 years of experience developing goaltenders of all ages — and mentoring fellow coaches. Known for his thoughtful, in-depth approach to the game, he combines technical precision with a genuine love of hockey (he’ll tell you he’s really just a kid who misses playing himself).
Heine has led goaltending development in multiple organizations, served as Head Instructor at the Institute of Goaltending before stepping into his current leadership role, and has contributed to national team development through Danmarks Ishockey Union since 2022. His mission is clear: to help goaltenders become the best version of themselves while advancing the craft and science of goaltending.
Values at IOG
- Pragmatic attitude
- Stoic principles
- Holistic thinking
- Philosophical curiosity