Nelson Parkes - Founder & Head Coach
Ringette is different from hockey and ringette goalies deserve to have training that is specific to their needs and their sport.
I’m Nelson Parkes, lifelong goalie, lifelong coach, founder of Ballistic Goaltending (BiG), and I’ve built this program from the ice up to support ringette goalies across Southern Alberta. I didn’t grow up in Ringette, I found it in 2017 when my daughter joined the sport, but once I stepped into this community, I knew I wanted to create something that truly supported female athletes and ringette goalies in a way they deserved.
My background in corporate leadership and safety taught me how to build structure, clarity, and trust, and I’ve brought all of that into BiG. What drives me every day is simple: helping young athletes grow into confident, capable people, not just better goalies. BiG was created to give goalies a safe, fun, and welcoming place to learn, make mistakes, and push themselves. I believe in teaching fundamentals with purpose, building skills step by step, and giving every athlete the tools to understand why they’re doing what they’re doing. I care deeply about not just the athlete’s performance, but their mindset, their resilience, and their experience at the rink. Whether your goalie is brand new, chasing AA dreams, wants to play in the NRL, or maybe even wear the maple leaf for Ringette Canada, my goal is to support their journey with fun, structure, and genuine passion for who they’re becoming on and off the ice.