Goalkeeper

From ArticleWorld

Many sports have a position, the goalkeeper, who is never in on every play, but often is essential to the final outcome of any contest. Be it ice hockey, soccer/football, hurling, water polo or lacrosse, this one player often stands alone against the direct scoring attacks by the opposition. Regardless of the sport, goalkeepers – often called goalies, goaltenders or net minders – must have incredibly quick reactions, the ability to read the game quickly unfolding in front of them and superior courage to stand in the front of the goal as a ball or puck is thrown, shot or kicked directly at them, usually at a high rate of speed. Being a goalkeeper is not for the faint of heart. Fortunately, most sports with goalies have rules and special equipment to protect these players.

Ice hockey goalies

The pads, glove, helmet, face protector and large stick of the ice hockey goaltender are often called “the tools of ignorance” by some who believe only someone ignorant of the risks of being a goalie would wear the equipment. Hockey goaltenders embody much of what is expected of the position, regardless of the sport. As the game has changed – especially getting faster – the requirements of the hockey goalie have changed too. In the past, the prototypical professional goalie was someone like the tough, smallish Lorne “Gump” Worsley who played 25 years in the National Hockey League and only wore a protective mask in the last few games. Today’s goalies are fast, agile and extremely mobile, often helping set up scoring drives by their team’s offense. Heavily padded goalies of lacrosse and field hockey take many of their cues from their goal-protecting colleagues on ice.

Soccer/Football goalies

Soccer goalkeepers do not have the protective equipment of their counterparts in hockey or lacrosse. About all that separates them from their teammates are a different color jersey and the fact that they can touch the ball with their hands. Yet, their mission is the same: stop the shots by opposing players. The U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame has enshrined only five goaltenders: Mike Borghi, Jimmy Douglas, Arnie Mause, Gene Olaff and Gene Tintle. One of the most visible U.S. soccer goaltenders was the flamboyant Tony Meola who distinguished himself in World Cup and professional play.