How Much Does It Hurt A Hockey Goalie To Stop A Slapshot

Hockey goalie often receives a lot of criticism for their inability to stop slapshots from skilled players. Despite the fact that they are equipped with protective gear, it has been shown time and again how tough these shots can be on unprepared bodies – even without any injuries occurring. Let’s take an in-depth look at this topic now by exploring what causes them so many problems: high-speed pucks fired towards you at close range.

hockey goalie

The goalies of today are much different than they were in the past. They have advanced equipment that allows them to avoid most shots without any physical harm, though head-topping can still happen if you’re not careful enough. The neck and collarbone areas remain vulnerable even with this new technology so make sure your protectors fit properly by wearing an adjustable size or buying one preadjusted for proper fitment before engaging opposing teams.

Protective Equipment

Goalies are constantly saving themselves from injury by wearing the equipment that is manufactured for optimal safety. Every piece of gear, whether it’s a chest protector or skate blade provides enough padding so they can block shots without feeling worried about getting hurt.

hockey goalie

Injuries and Slapshots

Hockey goalies are not always safe from injury. A routine save can leave them with a painful bruise through their padding, and even the most experienced players cannot withstand an intense hit every day of play without sustaining some sort of contusion on top of it. The fastening method for pad use has changed dramatically over time as well; old-style metal clips were replaced by plastic quick releases which then evolved into today’s innovations such as lace-up systems.

NHL goalies may want to watch out for Zdeno Chara’s slapshots, as he currently holds the record for the hardest shot ever at 108.8mph. Goalie injuries come from the collarbone area, stomach, and back. Player-to-player collisions can also cause pain for goalkeepers as they make quick movements with their pads reaching out towards shots on goal.

The Goalie Mask

hockey goalie

The evolution of goalkeeping equipment has been an interesting journey. It was not until 1959 that Montreal Canadian Jacques Plante made his debut with a mask, revolutionizing how we think about NHL players and their health today.

Goalies are risking their health by wearing masks that cannot promise injury-free games. On occasion, they get concussed from shots hitting them in masks which is a frightening issue but there’s no exact science to prevent or predict these types of injuries for hockey players yet.

The New Jersey Devils goalie Mackenzie Blackwood even lost several teeth when a slapshot to the mask forced its lower portion back against his face! With slapper shots traveling upwards of 100 mph, chance injuries like this can occur- even if they are rare.

Hockey goalies are fortunate to be in the position they’re currently in because their equipment can help them avoid being injured. Equipment like masks and pads protect hockey players from injury by stopping shots that would otherwise cause trauma or worse consequences if it hit an unprotected area of skin on contact with another object such as wood panels at high speeds during games played internationally without any protection whatsoever.

 

To recap, goalies can get injuries from:

  • Powerful shots that reverberate through the padding
  • Shots that miss the padding
  • Caught up by a player, intentionally or unintentionally
  • Stretching injuries during play

Goalies focus on stretching and fitness because they’re more likely to get injured from slapshots than muscular issues. Sometimes during a rush on the net, goalies can get hit by players and suffer injuries.

Players Getting Hit By Slapshots

The force of the slapshot is so powerful that it can penetrate an opponent’s shield and cause injury or even teeth loss.

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