FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LA Junior Kings Announce Mike Buckley (Kings Goaltending Coach) as Goaltending Development Coordinator
Elite NHL and International Coaching Experience to Benefit LA Junior Kings Youth Goaltenders
El Segundo, Calif. — The LA Junior Kings are proud to announce the addition of Mike Buckley, the LA Kings Goalie Coach (NHL), as the organization’s Goaltending Development Coordinator, bringing decades of elite coaching experience and a proven track record of developing goaltenders at the highest levels of hockey.
Buckley joins the LA Junior Kings with an accomplished coaching career that began with the creation of a unique development model through Goaltending Development Services (GDS), which has produced 42 NCAA Division I goaltenders and four NHL draft picks while helping establish a tradition of goaltending excellence throughout New England.
Buckley went on to become the first American-born goaltending coach to win the Stanley Cup, accomplishing the feat in 2016 and again in 2017 as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins coaching staff. He joined the LA Kings in 2023, where the organization’s goaltenders have enjoyed tremendous success, including NHL All-Star Cam Talbot and Vezina Trophy finalist and Olympian Darcy Kuemper.
Most recently, Buckley served as Team USA’s goaltending coach as the United States captured the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics behind the stellar play of goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.
As part of his new role, Buckley will oversee and support the development of youth goaltenders throughout the LA Junior Kings organization. His focus will include technical skill development, game awareness, performance mindset training, and helping young athletes establish the habits necessary for long-term success both on and off the ice.
“I am excited to join the LA Junior Kings and contribute to one of the premier youth hockey organizations in the country,” said Buckley. “Developing young goaltenders is a passion of mine, and I look forward to helping these athletes build confidence, improve their skills, and reach their full potential.”
Buckley’s coaching philosophy emphasizes strong fundamentals, positional efficiency, game-reading ability, a competitive mindset, and individualized development plans tailored to each athlete’s needs. His experience coaching at the NHL, international, collegiate, and youth levels provides a unique opportunity for LA Junior Kings goaltenders to learn from one of the sport’s most respected goaltending coaches.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mike to the LA Junior Kings family,” said Tommy Tartaglione. “His experience, reputation, and commitment to player development make him an incredible resource for our goaltenders and coaching staff. Mike’s addition reinforces our commitment to providing best-in-class development opportunities for every athlete in our program.”
Buckley will work closely with goaltenders across multiple age groups, providing on-ice instruction, development clinics, seasonal evaluations, and mentorship opportunities designed to help players maximize their growth and performance.
The LA Junior Kings continue to invest in elite coaching and player development resources, ensuring that athletes have access to world-class instruction as they pursue their hockey goals.
For more information about the LA Junior Kings and their goaltending development programs, please contact the organization’s hockey operations department.
About the LA Junior Kings
The LA Junior Kings are one of the premier youth hockey organizations in the United States, dedicated to developing athletes through excellence in coaching, competition, and character. The organization provides players with a comprehensive development pathway designed to prepare them for success at the highest levels of the game.
