In ice hockey, the goalkeeper, or goalie, is the last line of defense--the last player on the ice to keep the opposing team from scoring a goal. And it's a dangerous job. Pucks can travel more than 100 mph when coming off a player's stick, according to a 2002 ABC News report. In many cases, the puck is flying directly at the goalie. Because the job of the goalie is so much different than that of other position players, rules have been written specifically to address the goalie position. Everything from conduct to equipment is different for goalies.
Equipment
Because of the nature of the goalie's job, the majority of the equipment is designed to protect the body and head from the puck. First, goalies must wear a helmet with a full-length face mask, but face masks cannot be form fitting, according to the USA Hockey Rulebook. Goalies also wear protective leg and chest pads as well as shoulder and calf protectors. They also wear a blocking glove that can be used to catch the puck. The blade of a goalkeeper's stick must be no more than 15 1/2 inches long. It must be between 2 inches and 3 1/2 inches wide except at the heel, where it must not be more than 4 1/2 inches wide.
The game will not be stopped to allow the goalie to replace broken or torn equipment. If changes are necessary, his place on the ice will have to be taken by another player.
Positioning
The goalkeeper plays in the crease--a marked area on the ice that is in front of the goal. The only offensive players allowed in the crease are those in possession of the puck, according to USA Hockey rules. Goaltenders are not required to stay in the crease, however. They can leave at any time.
Goals
A goal is scored when a puck fully crosses the goal line and is between the goalposts. A goal will still be awarded to the defending team if the puck is deflected or otherwise pushed into the goal by a member of the defensive team, even the goalie. The goalkeeper is the only player on the ice allowed to intentionally fall on or place his body over the puck in an attempt to prevent a goal, according to the USA Hockey Rulebook.
Penalty Shots
When the opposing team is awarded a penalty shot, the goalie has to stay in the crease until the player taking the shot has made contact with the puck, according to the USA Hockey Rulebook. He can attempt to block the shot in any way except by throwing his stick at the puck.
Penalties
Goalies can be penalized for rules infractions just as other players are. However,
when a goalkeeper commits a major or minor penalty he will not serve the penalty in the penalty box, according to USA Hockey rules. Instead, the coach will choose another player who was on the ice at the time of the penalty to serve the penalty and the team will play one man down until the penalty is over.
Additionally, a goalkeeper can be assessed a minor penalty for leaving his position in front of the goal during a fight or altercation elsewhere on the ice.
Member Comments