Predators name Vanderklok goaltending coach

Ben Vanderklok has been named goaltending coach of the Nashville Predators, the team announced Thursday. The native of Welland, Ontario served as the Predators assistant goaltending coach for the past five seasons.

Since 2009, Vanderklok has worked with nearly every goalie within the organization, including Pekka Rinne, Carter Hutton, Anders Lindback, Chris Mason and Dan Ellis at the NHL level, and Jeremy Smith, Magnus Hellberg, Marek Mazanec, Mark Dekanich and Scott Darling with the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League and the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL.

"Ben has worked closely with all the goaltenders in our organization and has been integral in their development and success while learning from one of the best in Mitch Korn," Predators general manager David Poile said. "This is a natural fit to have Ben transition into the lead role, and his relationship with Pekka Rinne and Carter Hutton will make this process seamless."

Vanderklok replaces Korn, the longtime goalie coach who worked under former coach Barry Trotz.

"We thank Mitch for his 16 years of work and dedication to the Nashville Predators, and we wish him well in his future endeavors," Poile said.