Tom Askey Brings a Wealth of Goaltending Knowledge Back to the Buffalo Area
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Tom Askey brings a wealth of goaltending knowledge back to the Buffalo area. After spending his youth hockey years playing for Wheatfield Blades travel programs from Squirts all the way through Junior B, Tom earned a scholarship to The Ohio State University. Askey lettered all four years '92-'96 and was the starting goaltender from day one as a freshman and throughout his career at OSU. Tom enjoyed his best success as a senior, earning Second Team All-CCHA honors for the 1995-96 season. In 1993, the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim selected Tom in the 8th round of the NHL Entry Draft. Askey would spend four seasons with the Anaheim organization after his college career. His dream of playing in the NHL would become a reality as he played with the Ducks during the '97-'98 season and again during the playoffs in '99. From 2000-05, Askey was a part of the Buffalo Sabers’ organization playing for the Rochester Americans. Tom was instrumental in aiding the development of the Sabers’ young goaltending prospects that included Mika Noronen and Ryan Miller. Tom also spent time overseas playing in the Finnish Elite League in 2005-06 for both Helsinki IFK and Jokerit. In addition, Askey played for Fribourgh of the Swiss A League during the playoffs in 2006. Tom would finish his career splitting the 2007-08 season between Italy and the UK playing for Alleghe HC and the Nottingham Panthers. Throughout his career, Tom has learned from some of the best goaltending coaches in the business. Growing up, he attended Mitch Korn's goalie schools and worked as an instructor for Mitch during college. At OSU, his goalie coach at was longtime NHLer Bill McKenzie. While with Anaheim, Askey had the privilege to work with legendary goalie coach Francois Allaire who was best known for guiding a young Patrick Roy in Montreal and JS Gigeure in Anaheim to Stanley Cup success. While in the Sabers’ system, Tom worked alongside longtime and current goalie guru Jim Corsi. After his playing career, Tom returned to his alma mater in '08-'09 and was a consultant to the Ohio State Hockey Program while finishing his degree in Sociology. That season, OSU earned a spot in the NCAA National Tournament. Last season, Tom returned to the college scene by accepting a position with Western Michigan University. That team also tasted success by winning the CCHA Playoff Championship and advancing to the NCAA Tournament. Over the years, Tom has successfully run his own goaltending clinics, schools, and private lessons. Tom spent the last three years as the organizational goalie coach for The Kalamazoo Optimist Hockey Association. He also worked with several high school and junior teams in the area. Tom has the knowledge and experience to help goaltenders at all ages and skill levels. For a detailed look at Tom Askey's playing career and stats, check out this link: http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=18214 .