Intense days for the future of women's ice hockey
From June 12th to 18th, 2026, Budapest hosted the IIHF Women's Goaltending Camp. At the invitation of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), promising young talent goaltenders and their coaches from numerous nations came together to train, learn from each other, and gain international experience. The two German goaltenders were also among the participants. Ella Meints and Milena Butzyk and DEB-National Goalkeeper Coach Development and Coordination Sebastian VoglThe entire delegation was housed on Margaret Island, a green oasis in the heart of the Hungarian capital. Upon his return, Sebastian Vogl gave us insights into the camp.
Training on and off the ice
The players faced a demanding program. Two ice sessions and two athletic training sessions were scheduled daily. ParaIn addition, the accompanying goalkeeping coaches received extensive training. This gave them the opportunity to learn new training methods, drills, and coaching approaches. "As goalkeeping coaches, we were able to take away an incredible amount – new drills, new approaches, different perspectives through video analysis, on-ice training, off-ice training, and also how to deal with the personalities behind the athletes," Vogl summarized.
Exchange across national borders
In addition to the practical sessions, further training also played a key role. While the goalkeepers received individual debriefings and analyses, the coaches exchanged ideas in separate meetings about scouting, performance evaluation, and modern coaching methods. "The exchange with the other goalkeeping coaches was probably the most valuable aspect for me. Everyone brings a different background and different experiences. You benefit enormously from that."
German Young Talents represent
Goalkeepers Milena Butzyk (born 2009/EV Füssen) and Ella Meints (born 2010/HC Landsberg) represented Germany. The selection was made by the goalkeeping coaches of the women's national teams. DEBWhile Butzyk is already part of the U18 national team, Meints, as a younger player, is currently coming into focus for the Young Talent division.
Team building and shared experiences
Off the ice, the IIHF also provided a diverse program. At a joint escape room event, participants and coaches were divided into mixed groups and had to solve tasks together. The evening concluded with a shared meal. Furthermore, Margaret Island offered numerous recreational opportunities – from walks and various sports activities to a swimming pool. "Between training sessions and meetings, you could really switch off, go for a walk, or do some sports. There were plenty of opportunities to get to know each other and network outside of ice hockey," said Vogl.
A camp with sustainable added value
For Sebastian Vogl, participation was an enriching experience in several respects. Firstly, he gained valuable insights into working with female goalkeepers, and secondly, he benefited from the international network and the numerous professional insights. He became particularly aware that successful coaching depends less on the athletes' gender than on their individual characteristics. "I've found that there are actually hardly any differences in coaching. What's crucial are always the individual personalities, physical attributes, and individual strengths. The players did an outstanding job, and I can very well imagine taking on similar responsibilities again in the future." Thus, the IIHF Women's Goaltending Camp 2026 will be remembered by the German participants and coaches not only as an intensive week of training, but above all as a valuable international experience with lasting benefits. Coaches from approximately 15 nations used the week together to exchange experiences, discuss training methods, and learn from one another. "Everyone has a different way of thinking and a different approach. We often sat together late into the evening, writing down exercises on the coaching board and discussing them. That was incredibly helpful for me."
Strengthening women's ice hockey worldwide
It became clear during the event that the IIHF's Women's Goaltending Camp aims not only to promote individual talents but also to foster the overall development of women's ice hockey. The camps are designed to facilitate the sharing of knowledge across national borders and increase the level of competition internationally. "The underlying principle is that the IIHF wants to improve all nations. The goal is not just a small elite of two or three countries, but a stronger and more balanced field of participants in women's ice hockey overall." Vogl's overall assessment reflects this positive sentiment. "It was an absolute success. If the opportunity arises again, I would participate immediately."
