Capitals hire Korn to be new goaltending coach

Mitch Korn is the new goaltending coach of the Washington Capitals, the team announced on Tuesday. He rejoins incoming coach Barry Trotz; the two worked together on the Nashville Predators' coaching staff for the past 15 seasons.

"I am very pleased to join the Washington Capitals and continue to work alongside Barry Trotz," Korn said. "I look forward to working with all of the talented goaltenders in the organization and helping them improve and succeed on the ice. I want to thank the Nashville Predators for a great 16 years and wish them the very best in the future."

Korn, 56, replaces longtime Capitals goalie Olie Kolzig, who decided after the 2013-14 season not to continue on as a full-time goaltending coach, citing family reasons. Korn and Kolzig are discussing Kolzig's involvement with the organization moving forward.

"I have known Olie for many years and have a great appreciation and respect for the way he views the goaltending position," Korn said. "We will continue to discuss the best way for him to remain with the organization while doing what's best for his family."

Korn spent the past 15 seasons as the goaltending coach for the Predators and has more than 35 years of coaching experience. Korn worked with all goalies in the Nashville system during his tenure with the team and helped develop several into elite NHL goaltenders, including Pekka Rinne and Tomas Vokoun. Under Korn's direction, Rinne was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy in 2011 and 2012 and finished in the top 10 in Hart Trophy voting in both seasons.

Before joining the Predators, Korn spent seven seasons (1991-98) with the Buffalo Sabres organization, where he worked with two-time Hart Trophy winner Dominik Hasek, who was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame on Monday. While working with Korn, Hasek won the Vezina Trophy four times and led the NHL in save percentage five times.

Korn has also developed goalie coaches, having worked with five individuals currently working as goaltending coaches at the NHL level.

Korn began his coaching career at Kent State University in 1979 shortly after ending his playing career at the school. He runs goaltending and defensemen schools around the country in the offseason and also has contributed regularly to several hockey publications, including USA Hockey Magazine, Goalies' World and In-Goal Magazine.