Ice Hockey Goalie Rules

In hockey, the goalkeepers are the last line of defense between the offense and the goal. Since their sole job is to protect the goal, they have restrictions that apply to only them. They wear padding that other players do not and they can use their hands to save goals. Other players can use their hands, but only to knock pucks down when they are in the air.

  1. Goalkeepers

    • Every team can have two active goalkeepers who can be interchanged throughout the game as necessary. There can only be two goalies per game, so if something happens to both of them, another goalkeeper must be called up and put in the game. This goalkeeper will have a few minutes to warm up, but then must be ready to play.

    Substitutions

    • A goalkeeper can be taken out of the game at any point and another player substituted for him, but this leaves the goal unattended. This type of situation typically happens later in the game to give a team a six on five advantage. However, no player listed as another position can take the place of a goalie; he can skate in front of the goal in an attempt to protect it, though.

    Recalling Goalies

    • If two goalies are injured, then a goalie can be called up from the minor leagues. This will limit the roster to 23 players and can only happen in emergency cases.

      Another reason a goalie may need to be called up is if both of the team's goalies have been suspended. This would be deemed an emergency.

    Equipment

    • The restrictions on the dimensions of the equipment goalkeepers use are very strict. This is because if padding is too large, it can give the goalkeeper an unfair advantage at blocking the goal.

      The equipment is inspected by someone from the League's Hockey Operations. If it is not the correct dimensions, the player is suspended for two games and potentially fined. If the equipment is tampered with after it has been inspected, then suspension and fines of up to $25,000 are incurred. Equipment managers can be fined as well.