The new normal: How Connor Hellebuyck re-wired his brain to get better in goal

Confidence has never been an issue for Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck. While it wasn’t a bad year for Hellebuyck, it wasn’t an overwhelming success either, leading the Jets to re-sign the restricted free agent to a one-year “show me” contract worth $2.25 million. “I needed to show how much I care because I’m not sure the organization knows how much I care.” At 5-0-1, Hellebuyck is off to a strong start to the season. It’s a series of exercises which I call counter rotation.” Adam Francilia changed Connor Hellebuyck’s game using biomechanics. “To understand and get the most out of this human being, who is an athlete, who has a craft, is to understand the artistic side of that person as opposed to the analytic and science side…That approach helps you get to know the person and you don’t just look at them like a machine that comes in.” Francilia’s marriage of science and art along with Hellebuyck’s dedication to his craft, have allowed the goaltender to achieve a standard of play he has been searching for.