Tolga Bolzaci represented Türkiye internationally from 2015 to 2024 and now wants to serve his country as a goalie coach.
photo: © International Ice Hockey Federation
After hanging up his pads, Bozaci aims for success as a goalie coach
Down 2-0 against Iceland with one period left in the 2017 IIHF Ice Hockey U20 World Championship Division III semi-finals, goalie Tolga Bozaci and the Turkish team knew they had a lot of work to do.
They didn’t give up hope, however, and the third period saw Türkiye rally with three goals, including the game-winner with under four minutes remaining. It was a crucial win that propelled them to the final, where they edged China 2-1 to earn promotion to Division II Group B.
“Despite the setback, our team’s confidence and belief in each other remained unshaken,” recalled Bozaci, who was in net for both these memorable victories, comprising a moment that he lists as a career highlight.
One of Türkiye’s most decorated netminders, Bozaci retired from international and professional hockey earlier this year at age 26. The Kocaeli native has pivoted to coaching in an effort to develop goaltending in his home country, which currently sits 36th in the IIHF Men’s World Ranking and 29th in the IIHF Women’s World Ranking.
Türkiye is home to 83 million people and just 15 indoor rinks. Hockey has not historically received a lot of attention or resources at this crossroads between Europe and Asia. But there are Turkish hockey stories to be told, and goaltending is the backbone of a competitive team.
As a youngster, Bozaci wasn’t originally a goalie. He joined a local hockey team after a friend who played invited him to give it a try.
“I started by attending a public skating session to learn the basics of skating,” Bozaci said. “After a few more tries, I fell in love with being on the ice. Later, when I heard that a hockey team was being formed and that they were accepting beginners, I immediately signed up. Although I started a bit late compared to others my age, I worked extremely hard to catch up.”
When his team needed a goalie and his coach canvassed the players for volunteers, Bozaci happily put his hand up.
Down 2-0 against Iceland with one period left in the 2017 IIHF Ice Hockey U20 World Championship Division III semi-finals, goalie Tolga Bozaci and the Turkish team knew they had a lot of work to do.
They didn’t give up hope, however, and the third period saw Türkiye rally with three goals, including the game-winner with under four minutes remaining. It was a crucial win that propelled them to the final, where they edged China 2-1 to earn promotion to Division II Group B.
“Despite the setback, our team’s confidence and belief in each other remained unshaken,” recalled Bozaci, who was in net for both these memorable victories, comprising a moment that he lists as a career highlight.
One of Türkiye’s most decorated netminders, Bozaci retired from international and professional hockey earlier this year at age 26. The Kocaeli native has pivoted to coaching in an effort to develop goaltending in his home country, which currently sits 36th in the IIHF Men’s World Ranking and 29th in the IIHF Women’s World Ranking.
Türkiye is home to 83 million people and just 15 indoor rinks. Hockey has not historically received a lot of attention or resources at this crossroads between Europe and Asia. But there are Turkish hockey stories to be told, and goaltending is the backbone of a competitive team.
As a youngster, Bozaci wasn’t originally a goalie. He joined a local hockey team after a friend who played invited him to give it a try.
“I started by attending a public skating session to learn the basics of skating,” Bozaci said. “After a few more tries, I fell in love with being on the ice. Later, when I heard that a hockey team was being formed and that they were accepting beginners, I immediately signed up. Although I started a bit late compared to others my age, I worked extremely hard to catch up.”
When his team needed a goalie and his coach canvassed the players for volunteers, Bozaci happily put his hand up.
“I had only just learned to skate, but when I saw the goalie equipment, I was mesmerized. Instead of being one of the 20 players on the team, I wanted to stand out as one of the two goalies and prove myself. That’s how my journey as a goalie began.”
Bozaci was first named to a national team in 2014-2015. While he didn’t play a game for Türkiye’s U18 team at his first World Championship in Division III Group B, the following year he suited up not just for his country’s U18 squad, but also with the U20 and senior teams. From 2015 to 2024, Bozaci was a multi-time recipient of MVP accolades, in addition to winning three gold medals, three silver medals, and one bronze medal in IIHF competition.
The 174-cm, 75-kg netminder had a prolific career in the Turkish Ice Hockey Super League as well. He captured four consecutive championship titles with Zeytinburnu Belediyesi SK and earned the Best Goalie award twice.
However, throughout his career, Bozaci noticed some gaps in Türkiye’s goaltending development, which he’s now looking to fill as a coach.
“I was fortunate to train with foreign goalie coaches, which helped me improve, but I noticed that both at the club and national levels, goalies were often overlooked, with more attention given to players,” said Bozaci. “This gap motivated me to take action and make a difference in this area.”
Influenced by his studies in physical education, Bozaci knew that he wanted to help build up the next generation of young Turkish goalies.
“While I faced challenges at first, I quickly realized that I could connect with athletes on a deeper level,” he said. “By thinking like a player while making decisions like a coach, I created a unique approach that allowed me to understand and guide my athletes effectively.”
Bozaci gained experience as a goaltending coach with Türkiye’s U18 women’s team at the 2023 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship Division II Group A tournament. He also served as an assistant coach with the Zeytinburnu Belediyesi women’s team in 2023-24. In 2024 he launched the TB Goalie Academy. Its mandate is to provide a professional training environment specifically designed for goaltenders, with training programs tailored to individual athletes.
“Through the academy, I’ve had the opportunity to work with goalies from across Turkey and even internationally. It brings me immense pride to have influenced many of the goalies currently representing the national teams. Seeing my athletes perform on the ice, apply what I’ve taught them, and achieve success is a deeply rewarding experience.”
The number of goaltenders in Türkiye has declined in recent years. It’s a challenge Bozaci wants to combat, with various goaltender development projects in the works.
“Now I aim to pass on all the knowledge and experience I’ve gained to young goalies and contribute to the growth of Turkish hockey. On my journey as a coach, I will continue to work toward training the next generation of national team goalies.”
Bozaci was first named to a national team in 2014-2015. While he didn’t play a game for Türkiye’s U18 team at his first World Championship in Division III Group B, the following year he suited up not just for his country’s U18 squad, but also with the U20 and senior teams. From 2015 to 2024, Bozaci was a multi-time recipient of MVP accolades, in addition to winning three gold medals, three silver medals, and one bronze medal in IIHF competition.
The 174-cm, 75-kg netminder had a prolific career in the Turkish Ice Hockey Super League as well. He captured four consecutive championship titles with Zeytinburnu Belediyesi SK and earned the Best Goalie award twice.
However, throughout his career, Bozaci noticed some gaps in Türkiye’s goaltending development, which he’s now looking to fill as a coach.
“I was fortunate to train with foreign goalie coaches, which helped me improve, but I noticed that both at the club and national levels, goalies were often overlooked, with more attention given to players,” said Bozaci. “This gap motivated me to take action and make a difference in this area.”
Influenced by his studies in physical education, Bozaci knew that he wanted to help build up the next generation of young Turkish goalies.
“While I faced challenges at first, I quickly realized that I could connect with athletes on a deeper level,” he said. “By thinking like a player while making decisions like a coach, I created a unique approach that allowed me to understand and guide my athletes effectively.”
Bozaci gained experience as a goaltending coach with Türkiye’s U18 women’s team at the 2023 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship Division II Group A tournament. He also served as an assistant coach with the Zeytinburnu Belediyesi women’s team in 2023-24. In 2024 he launched the TB Goalie Academy. Its mandate is to provide a professional training environment specifically designed for goaltenders, with training programs tailored to individual athletes.
“Through the academy, I’ve had the opportunity to work with goalies from across Turkey and even internationally. It brings me immense pride to have influenced many of the goalies currently representing the national teams. Seeing my athletes perform on the ice, apply what I’ve taught them, and achieve success is a deeply rewarding experience.”
The number of goaltenders in Türkiye has declined in recent years. It’s a challenge Bozaci wants to combat, with various goaltender development projects in the works.
“Now I aim to pass on all the knowledge and experience I’ve gained to young goalies and contribute to the growth of Turkish hockey. On my journey as a coach, I will continue to work toward training the next generation of national team goalies.”