Classes and Courses
Get on Board
Stand-Up Goalie
Stand-up style netminders have been around as long as the game itself. Goalies who play stand-up make the top-half of the net a priority, seldom dropping to their knees, and relying on quick reflexes to kick away pucks aimed at the lower-half of the net. This style is certainly on its last legs, as few goalies in the modern era are brave enough to play it.
​
PROS:
Playing this way expends significantly less energy than the other main styles.
Very low risk of injury, as wear and tear on your muscles and joints will be virtually non-existent.
Great advantage during screen scenarios, as this stance will allow you to look over top of players.
Greater mobility, with the ability to adjust positioning mid-play.
CONS:
Massive exposure to the bottom-half of the net.
​
Notable Example: Jaques Plante
​
Butterfly Style
This style is the direct contrast to stand-up, demanding that goalies drop to their knees when making saves, regardless of where on net the puck is headed. It's called "butterfly" goaltending not only because, with arms out to the side and legs spread slightly open, goalies resemble the shape of a butterfly, but also because this stance allows them to move around their crease. Every single goalie in the NHL currently plays this style.
​
PROS:
Moderate coverage of all areas of the net.
The routine nature of the butterfly makes it highly practicable.
CONS:
Some exposure to the top-half of the net.
Difficult to recover from big rebounds.
Prone to groin and knee injuries.
Five hole is exposed if your timing’s off.
Going down-and-up hundreds of times per game can be exhausting.
