Goaltender (goalie) in ice hockey

The key position

In ice hockey it is often said that a good goaltender is half the team. They are the only player on the ice for almost the whole game, while the skaters change every one to two minutes. Pucks fly at them at very high speed from slap shots, often screened by players in front of the net. The goal measures 6 by 4 feet, i.e. 1.83 metres wide and 1.22 metres high.

Equipment

Goaltender equipment differs considerably from that of skaters:

• Mask: a closed helmet with a cage, often elaborately painted. Until the 1950s, goaltenders played without masks. Jacques Plante popularised the mask in the NHL in 1959.
• Leg pads, catcher (glove hand) and blocker (stick hand).
• Chest and arm protector and a stick with a wider paddle.
• Special skates with a flatter blade and a protective shell.

The size of the equipment is regulated so that goaltenders can't simply block the whole net.

The butterfly style

Today almost all goaltenders play the butterfly style: when a shot comes, they drop to their knees and spread the leg pads to the side so the lower part of the goal is covered. The upper body, catcher and blocker protect the top corners. Positioning – the right angle to the shooter – and quick lateral movements on the knees are essential.

Rules for goaltenders

• In the crease, the blue semicircle in front of the goal, the goaltender must not be obstructed. A goal can be disallowed if an attacker interferes with them there.
• The goaltender may hold the puck to stop play. If they hold it too long without pressure, a penalty may follow.
• They may not take part in play beyond the centre line.
• In the NHL, they may only play the puck behind the goal within the marked trapezoid.
• Penalties on the goaltender are served by a skater.

Empty net

If a team is narrowly behind shortly before the end, the coach often pulls the goaltender and brings on an extra skater. This increases the chance of an equaliser, but the net stays empty. Goals into the empty net are called empty-net goals. The goaltender also briefly leaves the ice during a delayed penalty against the opponent.

Statistics

Goaltenders are measured mainly by two values: save percentage, the share of shots saved, and goals-against average per 60 minutes. A game without conceding is called a shutout. In the shootout and on a penalty shot, the goaltender takes centre stage.

Famous goaltenders

Influential goaltenders include Dominik Hašek of the Czech Republic, who won Olympic gold in 1998, and Martin Brodeur, who set numerous NHL records. From Germany, goaltenders such as Philipp Grubauer and Thomas Greiss became known in the NHL.