The Nashville Predators have announced the hiring of Jordan DeKort as their new Professional Development Goaltending Coach, a role that will see him guide the team's net‑minders across the AHL and ECHL affiliates while working in close partnership with Director of Goaltending Mitch Korn and Goaltending Coach Ben Vanderklok.
DeKort arrives after a five‑year stint as the Rangers' goaltending coach, a period that culminated in a historic 2025‑26 season where the club captured both the OHL title and the Memorial Cup under his direction.
During his tenure in Kitchener, DeKort also served as director of goaltending and video coach, a dual responsibility that blended on‑ice instruction with analytical preparation, a skill set he is expected to bring to Nashville's developing talent.
Prior to his coaching career, DeKort spent four seasons as an OHL goaltender, suiting up for Windsor, Kitchener and Barrie between 2011 and 2015, experiences that give him a player's perspective on the position.
His coaching résumé also includes a recent appointment with the St. Michael’s Buzzers of the OJHL from 2022 to 2025, where he continued to refine his developmental approach.
A New Direction for Predators' Net‑Minders
The organization sees DeKort's appointment as a strategic move to embed a consistent developmental philosophy across its minor‑league system, ensuring that prospects receive a seamless transition from junior to professional hockey.
Mitch Korn, who has long been a pillar of the Predators' goaltending staff, welcomed the addition, noting that DeKort's blend of playing experience and analytical acumen aligns with the club's long‑term vision for nurturing elite talent.
Ben Vanderklok, the current goaltending coach, will collaborate closely with DeKort, creating a layered support structure that the Predators hope will translate into stronger performances at the AHL and ECHL levels.
Looking Ahead
With the hiring, the Predators signal a commitment to a proactive development model that emphasizes both technical growth and mental resilience. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, DeKort's influence is expected to be felt in the early performances of the Admirals and Gladiators, who now have a dedicated goaltending architect guiding their future.