Past
GDI-Canada was incorporated in British Columbia in September 1992 under the name Ian Clark's Goaltender Training Center Ltd. Since these early beginnings, founder Ian Clark, conceived of a multi-faceted organization offering a range of products and services to hockey goaltenders around the world. Despite Clark being well known locally in the field of goaltender development, it was clear that his reputation had to be broadened and enhanced at the higher levels of the game once a strong foundation, reputation and network had been established.To start, a series of specialized training camps were established in British Columbia. As the programs took hold and recognition for excellence in goaltender development began to flourish, these programs began to expand and evolve.
Within five years, expansion took the form of increased capacity in Alberta, B.C. and Colorado. In year 6, the program focus was narrowed. GDI evolved into a developer of high-performance goaltenders. This has become the GDI niche and reputation. Since then, the camps have catered to this narrower group of elite athletes.
In 1997, GDI expanded its operations into the publishing field with the launch of From the Crease (The Self Development Guide to Hockey Goaltenders). FTC was planned out, editorially, for five years and came to its planned conclusion in 2003. FTC was recognized as the most comprehensive and progressive analysis of the goaltending position. GDI elected to stay in the publishing business and has been publishing The Goalie News since the conclusion of the FTC product. To date, tens of thousands of goalies have read GDI-published material through one of these two publishing channels.
Present
The demand for additional capacity has grown exponentially over the years as the GDI reputation has spread around the globe. GDI attendees regularly include goaltenders from all corners of the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia.With this demand in mind, GDI is currently pursuing a rapid growth strategy of its training-services division. This is being done regionally. To fulfill this regional expansion, GDI has created 19 regions in North America. Each region will be managed by a GDI Regional Manager. A variety of training services will be offered in each region. As each region matures, a GDI Satellite Training Center will be constructed to service the needs of the region.
The training and development of elite goaltenders is the foundation on which GDI has been built. As mentioned, the tools and techniques developed by GDI have revolutionized the way goalies play the game. With an arsenal of quality offerings, GDI has become a world leader in the development of hockey goaltenders. As a result, GDI is well positioned to complete Ian Clark's original vision by consolidating the remainder of the goaltending market under the GDI umbrella while taking advantage of current market inefficiencies, supply-chain breakdowns and inadequate service levels.
Future
By pursing a strategy of integration and consolidation, there is the opportunity for GDI to realize great synergy. All GDI activities are part of a larger system. Strength does not solely reside within these separate entities. Instead, strength is found in the way these activities support and reinforce one another. The benefits of this integrated approach are felt corporate wide. Not only do the products and services support one another with regard to complete skill development, synergy is created within all aspects of the business plan by way of the entry and growth strategy, marketing initiatives, design and development plans and the overall schedule.