Unless players have spent a game or two between the pipes, they don’t truly understand the unique pressures put on hockey goalies. From kids’ first steps in the playing world to NHL-level players, goaltenders have the toughest position in the entire game — emotionally, physically, and mentally speaking.
The weight of expectations can be crushing. So much so that the phrase “goalies are a different breed” is no exaggeration. As the main person responsible for preventing pucks from heading into the goal, all eyes are on them, and all mistakes will be seen. Matthew Blaisdell of Pittsburgh PA notes that they’re considered the NFL quarterbacks of the hockey world, necessitating mastery of a wide range of psychological and physical skills for a lengthy, fruitful career.
Physical NHL Goaltender Challenges
All hockey skills are unique. Not only is the game played on ice, but there are plenty of puck handling and passing skills to learn, alongside checking skills. Managing a puck via a long, curved stick isn’t exactly natural.
However, goaltenders have it even tougher. Almost none of the physical abilities they must master are within human nature. Some such abilities include:
- Skating
- Rebound control
- Filling space
- Great positioning
- Stopping dump-ins
- Having a strong globe hand
- Performing breakout passes
- Helping teammates see plays behind them
- Cutting the angle to the shooter
Thus, they have to train twice as hard to keep up with the demands.
Moreover, their uniform hinders their movements — something the rest of the rink doesn’t need to think about. They must wear unbendable boots with pretty flat blades and heavily padded garments to protect from the flying pucks.
Speaking of flying pucks — they have to move various body parts in its way. And, as many can imagine, this isn’t natural, either. Pucks can move through the air at 100 mph and goalies can’t think twice about putting themselves in its path.
Beyond the hockey-specific skills, goalies require above-average athleticism, due to the speed and talent level of the scorers.
Mental and Emotional Challenges Faced by Hockey Goalies
The author of Performing Under Pressure and Hockey Tough, Dr. Saul Miller, said it best: “Imagine a job where every time you make a mistake, 15,000 people cheer and a red light goes on. That’s pressure.” The amount of mental toughness required to keep going once this happens repeatedly is astronomical. Yet, it’s expected of NHL goaltenders.
Unsurprisingly, mental toughness is reported as the most important quality for a goalie. The ability to remain calm, even in high-pressure situations, is essential for both short- and long-term success.
Not only do these players need to be aggressive when challenging the shooter, but they also need to be simultaneously passive when out-waiting them. It seems impossible, but goalies do it every time they step on the ice.
In addition to all that, they need to be ready to “switch it on” at a moment’s notice. After all, they don’t play in every game and can be pulled or asked on at any time. It’s no wonder goaltenders have the toughest job in the NHL.