Suiting Up: How Tim Slukynsky Learned What It Really Means to Be a Goalie Dad

“Just stop the puck, right?”

That’s what Tim Slukynsky, longtime forward and hockey dad, thought when his son Hampton said he wanted to try goaltending. Pads, blocker, glove — how hard could it be?

Turns out? Very hard. But also, transformative.

When Hampton started getting serious about playing goalie, Tim didn’t just sit in the stands. He didn’t just tape sticks and tie skates. He didn't just continue being a youth hockey coach. He bought his own set of goalie gear.

Why?

Because Tim wanted to feel what his son was going through. The pressure. The angles. The weight of the pads. The loneliness of the crease. The split-second decisions that define a game. And maybe — just maybe — he thought he could help Hampton learn the ropes from inside the net.

What followed was part comedy, part bonding, and 100% hockey-parent gold.

Forward Turned (Fake) Goalie

Let’s just say Tim quickly realized goalie life was not for the faint of heart — or the slow of reflex.

That first day in net?
He took a wrister from an oldtimer and flinched so hard he forgot to drop into the butterfly.
The second shot? Right off the knee.
And by the third? He was asking how goalies even see the puck through all that gear.

But something clicked. Tim began to understand the split-second timing, the positional play, and the mental grind. Being a goalie wasn’t just about blocking shots. It was about battling, anticipating, and staying calm in chaos.

And most importantly — it gave him a whole new level of respect for what Hampton was taking on at such a young age.

A Dad Who Stands in the Crease

What Tim did wasn’t just about learning technique. It was about connection. It was about empathy. And it was about showing up in the most literal sense — stepping into his son’s world to walk a mile in those oversized pads.

As Hampton’s game grew, so did Tim’s understanding of what it means to play goalie. Not just the saves. But the mindset. The pressure. The isolation. The resilience.

Goalie Culture Runs Deep

At Lamplighter Hockey, we know that goalie culture isn’t just about gear — it’s about grit, focus, and support. And stories like Tim’s remind us how powerful it can be when parents don’t just show up — they stand in the net, literally or figuratively.

So here’s to the dads who buy the gear. Who take the shots. Who walk into something uncomfortable so their kids can grow into something great.

And Tim? You might be a lifelong forward — but we think you earned first star! 

Want to rep the goalie life — or the parents who back them up?
Check out our collection at lamplighterhockey.com and suit up, Slukynsky-style.