Why are hockey players so protective of their goalies?

A2A. As a goalie I think I can give this question a different perspective. I think a big part of it is how defenceless goalies are. Obviously they have a lot of equipment and can fight just as well as anyone else but they aren't expecting a hit. Every player on the ice expects to get hit…except the goalie. read more

Goalies can't fight back really because they understand that getting hurt would hurt their team as well. So that's my goalie’s perspective as to why players are so defensive of goalies. Another one is that players are generally just defensive of their teammates but I don't think that's what you were looking for. read more

Skaters shin pads and pants were marginally able to block shots (although, the shots were not nearly as hard pre composites stick and slapshot era), so mostly goalies were expected to do that, and given the privilege of wearing the extra protection. read more

“Goalie parents need to be supported by everyone on the team and we need to make sure the goalie is not looked at as an outlier, but as another hockey player.” The ultimate payoff. USA Hockey’s hope is that giving more young players access to the position at a young age will result in more elite goalies as time goes on. read more