Former Chatham Maroon Peter Aubry Joins Edmonton Oilers as Goaltending Coach.
Former Chatham Maroon standout Peter Aubry has taken another significant step in his hockey career, this time moving behind the bench with one of the NHL’s most high-profile franchises. Aubry, who built a strong reputation during his playing days and later as a goaltending development coach, has officially joined the Edmonton Oilers’ coaching staff to work with the team’s goaltenders. This move comes at a crucial time for Edmonton, a team that has been aggressively seeking to address its defensive and goaltending challenges while simultaneously pushing for a deeper playoff run to complement the firepower provided by superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Aubry’s appointment signals the organization’s intent to sharpen its netminding department and bring a fresh, detail-oriented approach to developing consistency and confidence between the pipes. For Aubry, this role is not only a professional milestone but also a continuation of a journey that started in a small-town rink and evolved into a career dedicated to mastering the art and science of goaltending.
Peter Aubry’s story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and an unwavering love for the game. Growing up in Chatham, Ontario, Aubry was known for his natural athleticism and sharp instincts as a goaltender. His early career with the Chatham Maroons allowed him to stand out, showcasing a blend of technique and mental toughness that made him a reliable last line of defense. He was never the type of goaltender who relied solely on reflexes; instead, his game was built on positioning, anticipation, and the ability to read plays as they unfolded. This analytical approach to the game would later become a cornerstone of his coaching philosophy, as he transitioned from protecting the crease to mentoring those who do. Even during his playing days, Aubry displayed the qualities of a teacher, constantly studying film, fine-tuning his mechanics, and assisting younger players with their own development. His time with the Maroons instilled in him the grit and discipline required to succeed in hockey’s often unforgiving professional landscape.
After his tenure in junior hockey, Aubry’s career path took him through the ranks of collegiate and professional hockey, where he gained valuable experience not only as a player but also as a student of the game. He played NCAA hockey with Mercyhurst University, where he earned a reputation as one of the top goaltenders in the program’s history. His time in college hockey was critical for developing both his technical skills and mental game, as the demands of balancing academics and high-level competition required exceptional discipline. Following his collegiate career, Aubry embarked on a professional journey that saw him play in various leagues, including stints in North America and overseas. While his professional playing career didn’t land him a long-term spot in the NHL, his passion for the position never wavered. Instead, he shifted his focus toward coaching, where he found a new way to make an impact on the sport.
Aubry’s coaching career began with grassroots development, working with young goaltenders who aspired to reach the next level. His unique ability to break down complex techniques into digestible lessons made him a sought-after mentor. Before long, his reputation grew, and he secured opportunities to work within professional organizations. Aubry became the goaltending development coach for the Rockford IceHogs, the AHL affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks. It was here that his coaching style truly began to take shape. Aubry emphasized not just the physical demands of the position but also the mental resilience required to succeed. His philosophy revolved around the idea that a goaltender must be adaptable, prepared for both the expected and the unexpected. His work with Rockford allowed him to mentor several goaltenders who would eventually see time in the NHL, proving that his methods were both effective and impactful.
With the Chicago Blackhawks organization, Aubry gained valuable experience at the highest level of the game. He worked closely with the Blackhawks’ goaltending department, assisting in the development of prospects while also ensuring that the team’s AHL goalies were prepared to step into NHL roles when needed. His time in Chicago was marked by a relentless pursuit of improvement, both for his players and for himself as a coach. Aubry is known for his meticulous approach to video analysis, spending countless hours studying footage to identify areas for improvement. He believes that modern goaltending requires not just quick reflexes but also an advanced understanding of opponents’ tendencies, shooting patterns, and offensive schemes. His attention to detail became one of his defining traits, and it’s one of the reasons the Edmonton Oilers sought him out for this new role.
The Oilers’ decision to bring in Peter Aubry comes at a pivotal moment for the franchise. Over the past few seasons, Edmonton has faced criticism for its inconsistent goaltending, which at times has undermined the team’s offensive brilliance. While the likes of McDavid and Draisaitl have carried the Oilers’ attack, the team has been searching for the stability in net that is essential for playoff success. By adding Aubry to the coaching staff, the Oilers are investing in a specialist who can provide personalized, technical instruction to their goaltenders while also improving the overall defensive structure. Aubry’s ability to connect with players on a personal level, coupled with his technical expertise, makes him an ideal candidate to elevate the performance of Edmonton’s goalies.
Aubry’s approach to coaching is grounded in communication and trust. He understands that every goaltender is different, with unique strengths and areas for improvement. Rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all strategy, he tailors his coaching to the individual, ensuring that each goalie feels confident in their own style while also being equipped to handle various game situations. This personalized touch has earned him praise from the players he has worked with over the years. In Edmonton, Aubry will have the opportunity to work with a mix of established NHL goaltenders and promising prospects, helping them develop both technically and mentally to meet the demands of a high-pressure market like Edmonton.
For Aubry, joining the Oilers also represents a chance to contribute to a team with championship aspirations. The Oilers have made it clear that they are in “win-now” mode, looking to maximize the prime years of McDavid and Draisaitl by building a roster capable of competing for the Stanley Cup. Strong goaltending will be a key factor in determining whether the team can achieve that goal, and Aubry’s role will be critical in ensuring that the team’s netminders are prepared to deliver when it matters most. His experience working with goaltenders at various levels of the game, from prospects to NHL-ready players, gives him a well-rounded perspective on how to develop talent and build confidence.
Aubry’s journey from Chatham to Edmonton is a testament to his dedication to the sport and his ability to adapt to new challenges. While his playing career provided a foundation of knowledge and experience, his transition to coaching has allowed him to leave an even greater impact on the game. The move to the Oilers is the latest chapter in a career that continues to evolve, and it’s one that brings him back into the national spotlight. Fans of the Oilers, as well as those who remember his days with the Chatham Maroons, will no doubt be watching closely as he takes on this new challenge.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Aubry’s coaching philosophy is his emphasis on mental preparation. He understands that the psychological demands of goaltending can be as challenging as the physical ones. From dealing with the pressure of high-stakes games to bouncing back after allowing a tough goal, mental resilience is critical for success. Aubry incorporates mental conditioning into his coaching, helping goaltenders develop routines and strategies for staying focused and confident under pressure. This holistic approach to goaltending is increasingly valued in today’s NHL, where the margin for error is razor-thin, and mental toughness can often determine the outcome of a game or series.
Aubry’s hiring also highlights a broader trend in the NHL, where teams are investing more resources into specialized coaching staff. The role of the goaltending coach has evolved significantly over the past decade, moving from a peripheral position to a central component of a team’s coaching structure. In an era where analytics, video analysis, and sports psychology are playing larger roles in player development, coaches like Aubry bring a modern, data-driven approach to the position. His ability to blend traditional goaltending techniques with contemporary tools and technologies gives him a competitive edge in preparing his players.
The Edmonton Oilers have made significant strides in recent seasons, but their quest for a Stanley Cup remains incomplete. The addition of Peter Aubry is a strategic move designed to address one of the team’s most pressing needs. If Aubry can help stabilize the goaltending situation and instill confidence in the crease, the Oilers could find themselves in a much stronger position come playoff time. His track record suggests that he is more than capable of rising to the challenge, and his presence behind the bench will undoubtedly bring a fresh perspective to the team’s defensive approach.
Peter Aubry’s story is also an inspiration to aspiring coaches and players alike. His journey underscores the idea that success in hockey isn’t always about making it as a star player in the NHL. Instead, it can be about finding your niche, leveraging your strengths, and making a lasting impact through coaching, mentorship, and leadership. From his humble beginnings in Chatham to his current role with the Edmonton Oilers, Aubry has demonstrated that passion, hard work, and a willingness to learn can open doors to incredible opportunities in the hockey world.
As the upcoming NHL season approaches, all eyes will be on Edmonton’s goaltenders to see how they perform under Aubry’s guidance. Fans will be eager to see whether his methods can translate into improved consistency and confidence in the crease, which could, in turn, propel the Oilers to greater heights. For Aubry, the challenge is clear, but so is the opportunity. He now has the platform to influence a team that is determined to contend for hockey’s ultimate prize. Whether working on refining technical details, preparing players mentally, or developing a long-term goaltending pipeline for the organization, Aubry’s role will be crucial in shaping the Oilers’ future success. His journey from Chatham Maroons netminder to Edmonton Oilers goaltending coach is a remarkable testament to where dedication to one’s craft can lead, and the hockey world will be watching closely to see how this next chapter unfolds.
