ISLANDERS ADD ISLANDER AS GOALIE COACH

ISLANDERS ADD ISLANDER AS GOALIE COACH PORT HOOD, NS, August 28, 2013 - A Prince Edward Islander has joined the Cape Breton West Islanders coaching staff as goalie coach for the Nova Scotia Major Midget Hockey League team. The Islanders have introduced Robin Stewart as the newest member of the team's staff.

Stewart is an experienced goalie and goalie coach who has moved to the area to further his education. He says he is committed to evolving a goalie’s techniques, paying attention to the fine-details while pushing his goaltenders to their limits to prepare them for the future.

The team expressed pleasure in having him become part of the 2013-14 Cape Breton West Islanders Hockey Club in a news release.

Growing up in PE.I., Stewart played the majority of his minor hockey under some of the province’s best coaches. He has been successful at every level, winning provincial championships and top goaltender awards at the Atom, Novice, Pee Wee, Bantam and Junior levels as well as Atlantic shutout championships at the Bantam and Junior levels.

In his early years, Stewart was fortunate to spend summers and winters with goalie influences such as Pat Develin, Joey MacDonald, and Drew MacIntyre. They pushed his limits and helped him capitalize on his early goalie fundamentals. Former NHL goalies Kay Whitmore and Rick Wamsley also spent time with Stewart, who brings his collection of influences with him to the ice.

Stewart started his teaching roots at Andrew’s Hockey Growth Programs at the age of 12 as a demonstrator. He then quickly worked his way to a goaltender instructor; there, he learned and taught fine-detailed skating techniques and movements while working alongside some of the best up-and-coming players.

After moving on from minor hockey, Stewart attended the prestigious preparatory school Upper Canada College in Toronto on sports scholarships. He was part of Blues Hockey for three years playing US and Canadian Prep Hockey.

He joined the National Sports Academy in Lake Placid, New York where he played and trained in some of the best facilities in the country. He played against New England and Midwest Prep powerhouses, shuffling a rigorous Junior schedule. Stewart has now returned to the region to continue his education, start a career and become involved in coaching