Predators assistant ready if goalie coach job opens
Josh Cooper
jcooper2@tennessean.com
Ben Vanderklok is not openly campaigning to be the next Predators goaltending coach.
He has a relationship with the man currently in the job — Mitch Korn, who is under contract until June 30 — and understands there's a process that plays out.
But like any understudy who mostly spends time in the minor leagues, Vanderklok does want a shot at the big time. Currently the Predators assistant goaltending coach, he is still interested to find out if Korn stays with Nashville. Korn has been with the franchise since the beginning.
"If he does move on, like anybody in the minors, we all want to move up, whether we're a player or a coach. So if he does happen to move on, obviously I'd love to have that opportunity," Vanderklok said. "We're not at that point right now. He's still talking to (general manager David Poile). And if he's back, it's a great situation to work closely with him and see his impact."
Vanderklok wouldn't be a bad choice. He has worked with Korn for the last five years. He said he's learned a lot from the coach who helped develop Pekka Rinne, and guided Tomas Vokoun, Dan Ellis and Chris Mason to solid NHL careers.
"I think the biggest thing is to be multidimensional. I've learned so much from Mitch, but as a coach, you have to be able to adapt to what kind of goalie you have," Vanderklok said. "No two guys are the same, so we have to find their strengths and weaknesses and work within those things. I think you have to adapt to the guy and what he does well."
The question is mostly whether Vanderklok is truly ready to make the jump from minor leagues (he helps with the Milwaukee Admirals and Cincinnati Cyclones) to the NHL. He's also the goaltending coach with the Niagara Ice Dogs of the Ontario Hockey League.
Korn seems to have great faith in Vanderklok's ability, which bodes well, but he doesn't have the option to pick his successor. That's up to management.
"I think in terms of what he has done is unbelievable," Vanderklok said. "It has been magnificent. He has been an important piece to that team for several years. I think every goalie coach tries to do a fraction of what he has done in terms of success."
Reach Josh Cooper at 615-726-8917 and on Twitter @joshuacooper.