It is a very challenging position in hockey due to the small size of the puck and the speed at which it moves. Unlike the soccer goaltender, in hockey the goaltender is wearing close to forty pounds of equipment while trying to move and stop the puck. The net is 72 inches wide and the goaltender and pads are only 24 inches wide. Goaltenders are the heart and soul of a hockey team. They manifest its personality and approach to the game.
Goaltenders are like middle linebackers in football and catchers in baseball.
To play the position of goaltender, you must have excellent hand and eye coordination, agility and quickness, good peripheral vision, excellent overall physical conditioning and the mental stamina to play a position in which most of what you do will determine whether your team wins or loses. Several years ago we had a mix-up with our goaltender. Brian had gone deer hunting and our back-up goaltender Jerry wasn't notified. Jerry had to leave and get his equipment. Someone had to play goal until Jerry arrived back at the rink.