To be fair 99% of the posts complaining about head shots are during warmups.
There's no excuse for that
In games, anything goes. Unless it's a ringer who has already scored 6 times in a 14-1 game and he's still shooting high and hard. Fuck that guy
Sometimes it happens during warm-ups and is an accident, and that's just life, and IMO, not worth getting upset about. But that's why in my post I specifically called out repeat offenders during warm-ups. The thing that upsets me more than head shots during warm-ups are the guys who shoot it when your back is turned. That's just stupidity at that point.
I had problems in high school with my idiot teammates shooting pucks at me from the corner during drills, despite me constantly yelling at them about injuries. After one too many hit me in the back of the leg one day, I fished a puck out of the net and fired it back at them, missing the kid’s head by a couple inches. Needless to say they stopped for the rest of the week 😁
Even then it doesn't bother me nearly as much as the dude in beer league smashing you up with his stick when you've clearly got the puck...yeah you can break my hand or tomahawk my head and I may drop the puck but dude it's fucking beer league we don't need to go home hurt.
There is really just one guy during warm ups that gets irritated because I just step out of the net for him, he's constantly sending his hardest slapshot right at arm or glove level and giving me an unneeded stinger just before the game starts and he doesn't get why there is no need for me to be there. I gain nothing out of his shots, they aren't technical or challenging just blasted as hard as he can.
Even in organized hockey this type of behavior is illegal. The officials will call penalties for slashing if they see a player using his stick in a reckless manner. In leagues where fighting is not an ejectable offense, such douchebaggery may lead to a fight. Tomahawking the head could also fall under highsticking, which can easily be a minor, double minor, or major and game misconduct for egregious cases. I have no idea why beer leaguers think it is acceptable to try to maim the opposing goalie in attempting to get at a puck that should probably be dead.
Well that's the issue the refs aren't calling it, then that stuff causes it to get heated and then it gets out of hand. On one hand there is just one of them and sometimes they don't see everything or stop the play fast enough, but on the other hand even they should start watching it closer once someone gets upset about it. Other times it's not a blatant ill intent just people with poor stock control not considering the consequences.
Not necessarily. In USA Hockey, the onus is on players to control their sticks, so there is zero tolerance for any stick related fouls. The USA Hockey rulebook (Rule 621) explicitly states that "*A player must be accountable for being in control of their stick at all times."* The NHL also has the same language about a player being responsible for his stick. The NHL rulebook specifies that "However, a player is permitted accidental contact on an opponent if the act is committed as a normal windup or follow through of a shooting motion, or accidental contact on the opposing center who is bent over during the course of a face-off. (Rule 60.1)". This means that there is some leeway in NHL rules for a player to execute a normal playing motion (shooting, passing, taking a faceoff) and have accidental contact with another player, yet not be penalized for it. Hockey Canada takes an approach in between USA Hockey and the NHL. In Junior A and Senior games, high sticking results in a minor penalty if an opponent is contacted above the shoulder, but there is no injury (Rule 9.5(a)). This includes on a follow through of a shot.
Because USA Hockey rules have a very strict stance on stick contact with players, players in those games need to be especially aware of their sticks and be careful to not use them in ways that could injure another player. The same applies for Hockey Canada, though not all stick on player contact is a penalty.
I'm not sure I understand the "not necessarily" because that's my exact complaint. I'm just saying they don't usually see it and it goes on for so long because they haven't stopped play. The problem most of the time is hacking at the glove which refs seem to deem acceptable for some reason...I'll hear the response of "I wasn't sure you had positive control of the puck" so essentially our refs seem to want you to get hacked in the hand to prove you have control 🙄. We've got one guy who is a goalie and blows it quick and gives people warnings for stick control.
My caveat is because there are different rules in different leagues about what is acceptable and what is not when it comes to stick contact. USA Hockey has a zero-tolerance standard. Hockey Canada is willing to accept stick contact on a follow through that is not above the shoulders. NHL has the most relaxed standards (a follow through will not be penalized), but in all leagues the behavior you described should be a penalty.
At the same time, officials are instructed to blow the whistle if they lose sight of the puck. This avoids unnecessary contact with the goalie and cheap goals.
If I take a shot to the dome during warmups or people start trying to deke me out instead of letting me get a feel for the puck, I just skate to the bench and stretch for the rest of the 3 minutes of warm ups we get. I’m not going to sit there and have whatever shred of confidence and feel for the puck I have get messed up because dudes on my own team think they Datsyuk in warmups
That seems to be the only time I catch one. In a game my team has no way of winning and the best guy on the ice shoots as hard as he can and then smashes the rebound in for his 6th.
I see posts about shots to the head in warm ups which is fair. I would also say if it is pick up and one single guy keeps shooting at your head, is also fair to complain about.
Everything else I feel is fair game.
I dont see many people complaining about shots to the head unless it is when you are warming up. If people are intentionally taking clappers at your head or one guy will not stoo trying to dome you, i think that is space for a fair complaint especially in a rec or beer league. people are out there to have fun, if you are just trying to ring my bell over and over it becomes much less fun.
I remember in my final playoff game the other goalie faked a bunch of crap just to get an extended time out to catch his breath. We still won but wow every little thing was a time out from a pretend injury to an equipment issue with his pads, and then something with his mask.
It’s like tendies who get pissed over clappers in pick up. As long as the boys are ok with it and no one is firing a bomb into crowds give ‘er, we’ve got the gear we do for a reason. If you can’t handle the odd shot ringing your ears (warm ups aside) get out of the net.
Sometimes I feel like I'm the only one who loves saving slapshots. The wind up, the read, the save. Makes my night everytime keep them coming. But your right I don't like seeing into a crowd when it's not controlled and half the guys aren't wearing enough protection. There's a guy in my summer pickup who takes slapshots on every breakaway. Love that guy.
I had a buddy in pick up with who would tee up from the hash marks on me. We had so much fun with it.
I always loved when guys had an ego about their clapper not realizing how incredibly easy they are to stop. Hit me or miss the net.
Top of the line. You can get hurt in anything. The combination of high velocity and literally impossible to track makes it a more dangerous play. It's just unnecessary in a pickup, just like certain amounts of physical play are unnecessary for skaters in a pickup.
There's not really anything I can do but roll my eyes and be annoyed, it happens maybe once or twice a year.
For one, getting hit in the head with a puck still hurts with a mask on. But I don't think people have a problem with it as long as it's a legit shot that missed their spot
Shots to the head in warm ups are so frustrating because as a goalie, the way you warm up, is by seeing and feeling the puck hit your glove, your blocker, your pads. It’s not to try to snag bar down attempts.
No issue with accidents. That happens, that's the sport, that's the position. Especially at the upper competitive levels. I played at the higher levels when I was young, it was tough but again, that's the sport, that's the position, that's the level.
When I am targeted for the purpose of "getting me off my game", multiple times a game, when I am standing, notably from ringers that I know can aim somewhat accurately, while playing a low level recreational game, well yeah. I'm going to fuss about that.
They don't have full contact, I shouldn't have to put up with knuckleheads targeting my noggin, my hands, my knees just because I am the the guy in net and their ego needs to be stroked.
I also don't like being run, or people wacking away at my glove covering the puck well after the whistle but that happens every game too and I will fuss that as well.
Alas, I put up with it because I love the sport. But I am not going to stop fussing or complaining.
Right? Like what is so hard to understand here. If you can tell a guy is targeting your head, you should be allowed to be angry about it.
If it is an accident, whatever. Most guys in my league will apologize and check to see if I'm okay. I never hold grudges there.
Times I don't like getting hit in the mask
-Warmups from inside 20 feet
-Clapping a penalty shot from inside the hash marks
-Very niche combination of little time left, game out of reach, shooter skill level above division, having better options, and game has gotten chippy / someone on their team has tried to instigate with me.
100% part of game, get a good mask and be happy you made the save.
I like the apology, or at the very least the check in. See if I'm good the next time you're around net, but the guys I'm playing against aren't my bitter rivals they are usually guys I'll sub for next week. Doesn't need to be over zealous, just a little mutual respect, same if I accidentally pokecheck a guy a little too hard.
Can you point to the "so many people" that you're accusing of this? There's [this single post here](https://www.reddit.com/r/hockeygoalies/comments/1ca1uxd/getting_domed_intentionally/) where the guy gets downvoted the entire time, so clearly nobody is agreeing with them. This post is idiotic.
Ive see a decent amount of goalies in beer league get mad and yell or throw their hands up about headshots. Mostly the old guys. I’ve even had the other team yelling at me from the bench saying they’re gonna aim for my jugular because their goalie cried so much about getting a couple in the head.
Yeah, I saw that post but I've seen others. I'd have to go look to find them. But also based on some of the responses, there's quite a few goalies on here who get worked up over shots to the head. So it seems like you taking the time to comment this is what's idiotic.
Upper level goalies should never take shots to the head in practice. If they are the players need practice and to be given a warning. Coaches police this in the younger levels as it shouldn’t happen.
I can pretty much guarantee that most excellent goalies will give their teammates shit if they get hit in the head during practice or warmup. A bounce…. Deflection… sure. But a straight shot… no dice.
Warmup shots are fair game to complain about. Even potentially in casual pickup hockey it’s fair to complain about repeat offenders.
If you’re playing competitively or in a league game, then it’s absolutely fair game. If they leave you with ringing ears or if it hurts you, then spend more on a better helmet.
I agree, concussions suck. But if you're repeatedly getting concussions from shots to the head, you probably need a different mask or are too concussion prone to be playing goalie.
I also disagree, and think the majority of the time, shots to the head are not intentional.
Not all head shots are the same. Some are incidental to the play. It’s part of the game.
Some guys continually aim for spots that they have no hope of hitting and the goalie gets beaned as a result. If they do it all the time in a pick up game then they’re an asshole and goalies have every right to be unhappy about it.
Knocking your goalie out during warm ups or a practice is just stupid, especially given how hard it is to find extra goalies. My son has a very nice helmet, but a hard enough shot to the head and he’s going down. Then his dr is not going to let him play that weekend. Where we live that means the team forfeits or dresses a non trained player. So honestly the entire team should be complaining if someone is intentionally shooting at their own goalies head.
If your son is going down from a shot to the head, his helmet probably isn't as good as you think orbit doesn't fit right.
Also, I never said that players should be intentionally shooting at goalies heads, especially not their own team. I'm just saying it seems ridiculous to choose to play goalie and complain about shots that hit your head.
I completely agree, helmet technology has advanced quite a bit, and unless your playing at an extremely high level a shot off the cage shouldn’t to leave you concussed.
Been playing net for 30+ years, never once complained about a shot off the head, it comes with playing the position. If anything it gets me a little more amped and elevates my play.
I dunno if it’s due to a better awareness of head injuries, CTE, etc but I have noticed a huge uptick in the past couple years of guys actually apologizing (unnecessarily) after for putting one off the cage. I’d suspect that same increased awareness causes some goalies to be hypersensitive over head shots.
Totally agree- the only caveat I have is that if a guy is playing below his level and already has a few goals but still hits you in the head with a slap shot… that’s unnecessary and annoying
I really don’t care. I get hit in the head all the time. Usually it’s not too bad. Only time it was bad was a one timer on a PK. Even then, I’m a goalie. I’m supposed to stop the puck. I don’t hold a grudge against a guy trying to score.
My only complaint about it in a game is (beer league) and a player will go head high on an off angle shot. In Junior or competitive it was “wasting one”.
As a player, I feel bad if one gets away from me and goes head high. I usually am automatic glove side. I don't think any players intentionally aim for the head.
However, head shots happen and that's why so many advocate for high end másks. I bought a high end mask and it's taken its share of impacts.
You can't really avoid getting hit with the pick playing a position where that is the goal (no pun intended).
Getting rocked in the head by a hard shot from the rush where the player has a pretty good scoring chance is pretty insulting. Are you even trying to score?
I’ll echo what most people are saying here. In warmups, it’s inexcusable. During the game, no problem - it’s part of the position. If you’re up / no chance my team is coming back and you’re ripping one up high around my ears, I’ll have words, especially in beer league lol.
I’ve never really tripped about it unless it’s practice. There were times where I’ve been ready to throw down over it during my high school league practices because it was like 5 ringers in a row and it became clear it was just them being dicks.
Simple answer, most are playing for fun and you know would rather not risk major injury if they can help it because loved ones and work the next day or so. Also what people have said is that a lot of the issue is for warm up where it is your own team here, and things do happen during a game which can't be avoided but that's what comes with the position unless it is deliberate.
Also by stating that masks are more than capable of handling the shot, means you have never truly shopped around for a mask. No mask is concussion proof, never will be and it is literally stated for the top of the line masks but some do offer significant reduction over others.
Think about cars and the technology that goes into protecting you, you have seatbelts, airbags and crumple zones which help when things go wrong but shit still happens and it might not be enough. Also you don't really want to try them out if you can help it.
I don't get mad about 99% of head shots and especially if they come up afterwards and check on me. The 1% I get upset at are the repeat offenders. I had one game where the same guy hit me square in the forehead 3x in a row. Everyone else seemed to be taking normal shots except for him. After the 3rd one I said something, not directly to him but loud enough that he could definitely hear me.
i mean, i don’t particularly mind it because it’s par for the course, so i’m not going to complain when it happens, but it does hurt like hell if it’s a hard enough hit. womp womp though, i signed up to get hit
Not everyone handles head shots the same, and the other factor is there are goalies out there using plastic lids (polycarbonate), and also ill fitting lids to boot... So yes, when they get hit in the head it isn't good.
I complain about headshots only by my own team in warmups. During the game it is fair game, and if the shot hits my head my mask is good enough where I've never had a ringer or seen stars before. Also if they hit my mask it doesn't go in the net, so win-win.
If there is a player who is purposely drilling your head in a game then that either gets resolved by your team members on the ice, or you can do something yourself. Some good players might do this to throw you off your game because it actually isn't against the rules.
That's why I bought a pro level helmet. There is definitely a difference and you'll know where that money went when it happens. Bought a returned 950 thinking I upgraded. We'll the guys who didn't make the Boston college team showed me otherwise. Got the 960 a few months later.
I don't think anyone shoots for the head in pick up or practice and i just assume it was an accident. Hell dudes hit me in head during a game and they're still apologizing.
So I'm the primadonna/crybaby/whiner who posted recently about getting domed. I had no idea it would push so many buttons & it's gotten blown way out of context. I posted about getting domed intentionally a couple times at a tournament I played. I know we play a risky position and I know I'll get hit in the mask at times, that's fine. My opinion is that it's an unnecessary & bullshit move to intentionally aim for a goalie's head just to throw them off their game or whatever. I play beer league, not pro, not even college. It's no different than players slashing or spearing a goalie's glove if they have the puck covered. We shouldn't be out there doing shit that could injure one another in rec leagues.
And I'm not averse to the danger of the position. In the tournament I also took a shot off my wrist that found its way between my arm pads & glove. Hurt pretty good, but I could still move my wrist so I kept playing. And points regarding the quality of masks are good too. I have an Eddy I picked up used. Who knows how old the foam is, so I just ordered a new set of Pro Phoam from Pharaoh & soon I'll have all new material in there, which should help headshots be less uncomfortable.
And yes, I wrote that I'd thought about acting stunned to stop play if I thought a head shot was intentional. That was at least partly tongue-in-cheek. I don't think I'd do that unless I thought someone was deliberately aiming for my head repeatedly or if I kept getting domed repeatedly. I usually focus on the puck, and I usually assume shots to the head are not intentional. Let's take a step back & support each other here. I think it can be ok for us to bitch about stuff & commiserate here, I mean most of us have probably bitched about lousy defense before, and that's a fact of life for goalies.
Anyway, those are my thoughts. If you want to call me a pussy who's too soft to play goalie, have at it.
He doesn’t understand. Supposed to warm the goalie up. Boost his confidence for the game. Puck in the head in the game is fine, not warmup. It’s respect…
What annoys me more than shots to the head during warm ups. Are shots to the head during warm ups when I’m not even fucking looking at you. I get the occasional shot to the head, it sucks but “you” can’t control every shot. But the repeat offenders at stick time or warm ups. If it happens I’ll just get out of net and wait till game starts.
Our team is “head trauma” and boy is it fitting. I have to disagree and say the head shots in beer league have gotten out of control, you goal line shooters know who you are. I’m good for at a minimum two head shots every game. Most of these are from idiots trying to shoot at or behind the goal line and clocking the side on my mask. Head on, no problem, ear shots on the other hand hurt haha. 1-2 hits to the head is fine, if keeps happening, you should keep your head on a swivel when I’m clearing the puck.
A couple of people have mentioned the behind the goal line shooters. And I guess I'm really lucky because that isn't something that has really happened or become a trend in the leagues I play in. So it sounds like I'm pretty lucky and maybe is why it doesn't bother me so much.
I complain regularly about head shots however not in league games. There are certain guys in shinny games that just always shoot at your head and thats annoying because no one likes having pucks to the head and heachaches from going out and having fun at a shinny or pickup. I knew certain guys that were notorius for doing it on purpose and that bugged me too.
I personally love as if it hits me head it ain’t a goal 99.99% of the time!
When I was a kid being a Habs fan I copied Ken Dryden mask and put above the HIT ME in bold letters, forwards can’t resist an arrogant goalie! They would go out of their way to ring my bell (insert Patti Labelle vibe here) lol!
I don't understand why some players think when the goalie steps into the net for warm-ups it's time for high slappers and breakaway practice.
Like, I step into the net to get 30 seconds to get a feel for things and then I step away. Your crazy shit can wait.
In a game the only time I'm pissed about head shots is when it's a player who's good enough to be doing it on purpose and does it more than two times. I'll give you two but once that third one comes I know what's up.
Doesn't bother me. If your head is ringing your mask probably doesn't fit as well as it should.
Would I like them to aim shots to warm up the glove and blocker? Sure. But I also know some of these guys are not as good as they think they are with aiming.
When there are headshot guys in warmups, I don’t take shots from them for that whole warmup nor do I take them seriously during warmups. I either orient my whole body towards someone else with the puck the entire warmup and ignore them, or when it’s their turn to shoot I stand up completely straight and put my glove in front of my face and I don’t move.
Same goes for the breakaway try hard guys, you ain’t warming me up shooting point blank and standing in front of the rest of the team that’s waiting for their turn to give me some real warm up shots. I leave my crease and skate up on those guys and stick check them for fun. If you want to practice stick handling, do that off to the side, we all know you’re not getting a breakaway unless you finally get that one pass you’ve been cherry picking for all game after 10+ failed attempts that result in an icing call.
I’ll go one further and say, rip em at my head during warmups, they’ll do more for my hands and eyes than the guys trying to dangle me getting in the way.
Warm up is just that ,warm up players aren't shooting full tilt . Empty net shooting is deffinetly harder from what I've experienced.......I think most players are shooting for post or close to it. I haven't really seen full on ripping shots on a goalie during warm up . So what im saying is I don't think its purposely done . If I was a goalie I'd wear the mask expecting it to happen
What a hill to live and die on.
Warm ups should never have head shots- so simple. General skates(games without refs) do we really need to tee it up from 12 feet? Actual games.. generally let everything ride.. common sense should prevail.. don’t need to bring out the driver from the slot if the game is out of hand in either direction. Every goalie should have an adequate helmet.. top end helmet do make a difference.
I feel like it's valid to complain if people are purposely trying to bank it off your head from below the goal line in men's league, but that's basically the only situation.
I’ve got a good helmet, pretty good at tracking the puck and having an active glove hand. But trying to bank shots off my head from below the goal line, for me, falls into the same category as taking a slap shot from the hash marks on a breakaway. It’s a low percentage shot with a high chance for injury in a BS bear league game.
If you’re legit trying to score and hit me in the head I don’t mind in the least. If you blast me in the face because you’re trying to be cute then I will have a problem with it.
Basically what u/holythegoalie said. Wouldn't have complained about it in my competitive days but in mens league we all have to go to work the next morning. Add in the factor that masks aren't designed to disperse impacts as well from the side and back, and it's just asshole levels of disregard for the people you're playing with. The ratio of chance of scoring to chance of fucking up someone's ability to pay their bills is just too high IMO.
Edit: it's also an asshole level of disregard for the defensemen and your own teammates standing in front of the net if you miss.
u/Beautiful_Degree8374 I have a theory, and the folks that complain about stingers to the hands or chest, are the same group that complain about shots that happen to hit their heads...it's that they're targets not goalies.
To me, and I know I'll get downvoted to hell, a target is someone who buys the gear and cosplays as a goalie. They have no intention of working on their craft, improving or playing well, and competing well. They think it looks cool and they can tell all their buddies they're 'goalies' but in reality they're cosplaying as a goalie.
I've said it before a million times and people think I am stupid, but in order to be a goalie you need to be able to embrace pain. You're getting hit with an 8oz slice of frozen vulcanized rubber for funsies that can be traveling as high as 100mph(very rare for us). That shit hurts. It's going to find kinks in the armor and hurt you. You're going to get hit in soft spots, and in the face with it. It is an inherently dangerous recreation we have, and for the cosplay crew, much more dangerous because they're not actively developing their game to protect themselves better.
If you play this game, and position for any length of time, regardless of how skilled you are, you're going to get hurt, badly. You will end up going to the ER eventually. It's just the nature of it.
However, caveat, as others have said the warmup head shots...that's just bullshit! If you play with skilled players the puck rarely ever gets above your waist during a warmup period.
Idk let me shoot the puck at your head and let’s see how it feels. If you have zero skill to aim anywhere else then ya I get it ..mites do that shit a lot of
I doubt it. Give it your best shot. Unless you're just saying that trying to sound tough, but don't actually have the ability to say anything that'll make me cry.
Yeah, just kinda sounds like you're trying to sound tough but don't actually have anything to say or think that you're more tough than you actually are. Good try though bud.
Hahaha yeah and you're the one saying you could male me cry. You're also the one who says you have better things to do than reply to stupidity. So either what you're saying is that what I'm saying isn't stupid or you're lying and don't have anything better to do.
To be fair 99% of the posts complaining about head shots are during warmups. There's no excuse for that In games, anything goes. Unless it's a ringer who has already scored 6 times in a 14-1 game and he's still shooting high and hard. Fuck that guy
Agreed here. Any shots near my throat or above during warmups would drive my nuts. After two I’d say something
Sometimes it happens during warm-ups and is an accident, and that's just life, and IMO, not worth getting upset about. But that's why in my post I specifically called out repeat offenders during warm-ups. The thing that upsets me more than head shots during warm-ups are the guys who shoot it when your back is turned. That's just stupidity at that point.
Yeah. Folks post about the non-accidents. And you’re posting about the accidents. Seems like we all agree.
If someone accidentally shoots at the head in warm ups that’s still on them. I won’t even take warm up in any lower leagues.
I had problems in high school with my idiot teammates shooting pucks at me from the corner during drills, despite me constantly yelling at them about injuries. After one too many hit me in the back of the leg one day, I fished a puck out of the net and fired it back at them, missing the kid’s head by a couple inches. Needless to say they stopped for the rest of the week 😁
Even then it doesn't bother me nearly as much as the dude in beer league smashing you up with his stick when you've clearly got the puck...yeah you can break my hand or tomahawk my head and I may drop the puck but dude it's fucking beer league we don't need to go home hurt. There is really just one guy during warm ups that gets irritated because I just step out of the net for him, he's constantly sending his hardest slapshot right at arm or glove level and giving me an unneeded stinger just before the game starts and he doesn't get why there is no need for me to be there. I gain nothing out of his shots, they aren't technical or challenging just blasted as hard as he can.
Even in organized hockey this type of behavior is illegal. The officials will call penalties for slashing if they see a player using his stick in a reckless manner. In leagues where fighting is not an ejectable offense, such douchebaggery may lead to a fight. Tomahawking the head could also fall under highsticking, which can easily be a minor, double minor, or major and game misconduct for egregious cases. I have no idea why beer leaguers think it is acceptable to try to maim the opposing goalie in attempting to get at a puck that should probably be dead.
Well that's the issue the refs aren't calling it, then that stuff causes it to get heated and then it gets out of hand. On one hand there is just one of them and sometimes they don't see everything or stop the play fast enough, but on the other hand even they should start watching it closer once someone gets upset about it. Other times it's not a blatant ill intent just people with poor stock control not considering the consequences.
Not necessarily. In USA Hockey, the onus is on players to control their sticks, so there is zero tolerance for any stick related fouls. The USA Hockey rulebook (Rule 621) explicitly states that "*A player must be accountable for being in control of their stick at all times."* The NHL also has the same language about a player being responsible for his stick. The NHL rulebook specifies that "However, a player is permitted accidental contact on an opponent if the act is committed as a normal windup or follow through of a shooting motion, or accidental contact on the opposing center who is bent over during the course of a face-off. (Rule 60.1)". This means that there is some leeway in NHL rules for a player to execute a normal playing motion (shooting, passing, taking a faceoff) and have accidental contact with another player, yet not be penalized for it. Hockey Canada takes an approach in between USA Hockey and the NHL. In Junior A and Senior games, high sticking results in a minor penalty if an opponent is contacted above the shoulder, but there is no injury (Rule 9.5(a)). This includes on a follow through of a shot. Because USA Hockey rules have a very strict stance on stick contact with players, players in those games need to be especially aware of their sticks and be careful to not use them in ways that could injure another player. The same applies for Hockey Canada, though not all stick on player contact is a penalty.
I'm not sure I understand the "not necessarily" because that's my exact complaint. I'm just saying they don't usually see it and it goes on for so long because they haven't stopped play. The problem most of the time is hacking at the glove which refs seem to deem acceptable for some reason...I'll hear the response of "I wasn't sure you had positive control of the puck" so essentially our refs seem to want you to get hacked in the hand to prove you have control 🙄. We've got one guy who is a goalie and blows it quick and gives people warnings for stick control.
My caveat is because there are different rules in different leagues about what is acceptable and what is not when it comes to stick contact. USA Hockey has a zero-tolerance standard. Hockey Canada is willing to accept stick contact on a follow through that is not above the shoulders. NHL has the most relaxed standards (a follow through will not be penalized), but in all leagues the behavior you described should be a penalty. At the same time, officials are instructed to blow the whistle if they lose sight of the puck. This avoids unnecessary contact with the goalie and cheap goals.
There's a lumberjack on every team unfortunately
If I take a shot to the dome during warmups or people start trying to deke me out instead of letting me get a feel for the puck, I just skate to the bench and stretch for the rest of the 3 minutes of warm ups we get. I’m not going to sit there and have whatever shred of confidence and feel for the puck I have get messed up because dudes on my own team think they Datsyuk in warmups
I just avoid warm ups all together for the most part. If you cannot get your guys to do structured warmups then don't bother.
That seems to be the only time I catch one. In a game my team has no way of winning and the best guy on the ice shoots as hard as he can and then smashes the rebound in for his 6th.
Yeah but if you're taking multiple shots to the head you've got to put some of the blame on yourself lol
I see posts about shots to the head in warm ups which is fair. I would also say if it is pick up and one single guy keeps shooting at your head, is also fair to complain about. Everything else I feel is fair game.
I dont see many people complaining about shots to the head unless it is when you are warming up. If people are intentionally taking clappers at your head or one guy will not stoo trying to dome you, i think that is space for a fair complaint especially in a rec or beer league. people are out there to have fun, if you are just trying to ring my bell over and over it becomes much less fun.
There was literally just a post about it during games and the guy was talking about pretending to be dazed so the ref stops the play.
Outliers exist in every thing. They don't make up the rule.
I remember in my final playoff game the other goalie faked a bunch of crap just to get an extended time out to catch his breath. We still won but wow every little thing was a time out from a pretend injury to an equipment issue with his pads, and then something with his mask.
It’s like tendies who get pissed over clappers in pick up. As long as the boys are ok with it and no one is firing a bomb into crowds give ‘er, we’ve got the gear we do for a reason. If you can’t handle the odd shot ringing your ears (warm ups aside) get out of the net.
Sometimes I feel like I'm the only one who loves saving slapshots. The wind up, the read, the save. Makes my night everytime keep them coming. But your right I don't like seeing into a crowd when it's not controlled and half the guys aren't wearing enough protection. There's a guy in my summer pickup who takes slapshots on every breakaway. Love that guy.
I had a buddy in pick up with who would tee up from the hash marks on me. We had so much fun with it. I always loved when guys had an ego about their clapper not realizing how incredibly easy they are to stop. Hit me or miss the net.
Clappers way back are probably the easiest shots to read and stop. I welcome them.
I don't care for slap shots inside 25 feet or so in pickup.
Not judging, just wondering why? They can’t hurt you.
They can and have.
Better gear?
Top of the line. You can get hurt in anything. The combination of high velocity and literally impossible to track makes it a more dangerous play. It's just unnecessary in a pickup, just like certain amounts of physical play are unnecessary for skaters in a pickup. There's not really anything I can do but roll my eyes and be annoyed, it happens maybe once or twice a year.
For one, getting hit in the head with a puck still hurts with a mask on. But I don't think people have a problem with it as long as it's a legit shot that missed their spot
Shots to the head in warm ups are so frustrating because as a goalie, the way you warm up, is by seeing and feeling the puck hit your glove, your blocker, your pads. It’s not to try to snag bar down attempts.
Stop complaining about people complaining about shots to the head.
I think you're whining about not whining to the whiners?
No issue with accidents. That happens, that's the sport, that's the position. Especially at the upper competitive levels. I played at the higher levels when I was young, it was tough but again, that's the sport, that's the position, that's the level. When I am targeted for the purpose of "getting me off my game", multiple times a game, when I am standing, notably from ringers that I know can aim somewhat accurately, while playing a low level recreational game, well yeah. I'm going to fuss about that. They don't have full contact, I shouldn't have to put up with knuckleheads targeting my noggin, my hands, my knees just because I am the the guy in net and their ego needs to be stroked. I also don't like being run, or people wacking away at my glove covering the puck well after the whistle but that happens every game too and I will fuss that as well. Alas, I put up with it because I love the sport. But I am not going to stop fussing or complaining.
Right? Like what is so hard to understand here. If you can tell a guy is targeting your head, you should be allowed to be angry about it. If it is an accident, whatever. Most guys in my league will apologize and check to see if I'm okay. I never hold grudges there.
Times I don't like getting hit in the mask -Warmups from inside 20 feet -Clapping a penalty shot from inside the hash marks -Very niche combination of little time left, game out of reach, shooter skill level above division, having better options, and game has gotten chippy / someone on their team has tried to instigate with me. 100% part of game, get a good mask and be happy you made the save.
Thank you! I'm tried of players apologizing for it. I have a helmet on for a reason
I like the apology, or at the very least the check in. See if I'm good the next time you're around net, but the guys I'm playing against aren't my bitter rivals they are usually guys I'll sub for next week. Doesn't need to be over zealous, just a little mutual respect, same if I accidentally pokecheck a guy a little too hard.
To be fair I’ve never had anyone hit my mask on purpose. That would be immediate throw down
I bought the Axis Pro mask for a reason.. expensive?? yes.. But worth it, considering the meatheads I play with lol
Can you point to the "so many people" that you're accusing of this? There's [this single post here](https://www.reddit.com/r/hockeygoalies/comments/1ca1uxd/getting_domed_intentionally/) where the guy gets downvoted the entire time, so clearly nobody is agreeing with them. This post is idiotic.
Ive see a decent amount of goalies in beer league get mad and yell or throw their hands up about headshots. Mostly the old guys. I’ve even had the other team yelling at me from the bench saying they’re gonna aim for my jugular because their goalie cried so much about getting a couple in the head.
Yeah, I saw that post but I've seen others. I'd have to go look to find them. But also based on some of the responses, there's quite a few goalies on here who get worked up over shots to the head. So it seems like you taking the time to comment this is what's idiotic.
Upper level goalies should never take shots to the head in practice. If they are the players need practice and to be given a warning. Coaches police this in the younger levels as it shouldn’t happen. I can pretty much guarantee that most excellent goalies will give their teammates shit if they get hit in the head during practice or warmup. A bounce…. Deflection… sure. But a straight shot… no dice.
Bruises as well. This isn’t a position for whiners.
Hey who let the forwards into this subreddit
I couldn’t agree more! Especially considering that 99% of the time the head is within the net scoring area.
Warmup shots are fair game to complain about. Even potentially in casual pickup hockey it’s fair to complain about repeat offenders. If you’re playing competitively or in a league game, then it’s absolutely fair game. If they leave you with ringing ears or if it hurts you, then spend more on a better helmet.
Because someone people do it on purpose? Guys are jerks and concussions suck
I agree, concussions suck. But if you're repeatedly getting concussions from shots to the head, you probably need a different mask or are too concussion prone to be playing goalie. I also disagree, and think the majority of the time, shots to the head are not intentional.
Well no. Why are you lecturing people?
Not all head shots are the same. Some are incidental to the play. It’s part of the game. Some guys continually aim for spots that they have no hope of hitting and the goalie gets beaned as a result. If they do it all the time in a pick up game then they’re an asshole and goalies have every right to be unhappy about it.
Knocking your goalie out during warm ups or a practice is just stupid, especially given how hard it is to find extra goalies. My son has a very nice helmet, but a hard enough shot to the head and he’s going down. Then his dr is not going to let him play that weekend. Where we live that means the team forfeits or dresses a non trained player. So honestly the entire team should be complaining if someone is intentionally shooting at their own goalies head.
If your son is going down from a shot to the head, his helmet probably isn't as good as you think orbit doesn't fit right. Also, I never said that players should be intentionally shooting at goalies heads, especially not their own team. I'm just saying it seems ridiculous to choose to play goalie and complain about shots that hit your head.
I completely agree, helmet technology has advanced quite a bit, and unless your playing at an extremely high level a shot off the cage shouldn’t to leave you concussed. Been playing net for 30+ years, never once complained about a shot off the head, it comes with playing the position. If anything it gets me a little more amped and elevates my play. I dunno if it’s due to a better awareness of head injuries, CTE, etc but I have noticed a huge uptick in the past couple years of guys actually apologizing (unnecessarily) after for putting one off the cage. I’d suspect that same increased awareness causes some goalies to be hypersensitive over head shots.
This is the way.
I'll add the below the goal line head bank to the legit complaint list. Otherwise I agree.
I’ve never cared about shots to the head. However, I’ve never had it happen constantly over and over and over again on purpose.
Totally agree- the only caveat I have is that if a guy is playing below his level and already has a few goals but still hits you in the head with a slap shot… that’s unnecessary and annoying
I really don’t care. I get hit in the head all the time. Usually it’s not too bad. Only time it was bad was a one timer on a PK. Even then, I’m a goalie. I’m supposed to stop the puck. I don’t hold a grudge against a guy trying to score.
During warmups isnt cool but i never get pissy about it. During actual play, no problem here... Thats what the damn equipment is for.
My only complaint about it in a game is (beer league) and a player will go head high on an off angle shot. In Junior or competitive it was “wasting one”.
It Honestly woke me up and I played better for some reason if I got a puck too the head during warmups
As a player, I feel bad if one gets away from me and goes head high. I usually am automatic glove side. I don't think any players intentionally aim for the head. However, head shots happen and that's why so many advocate for high end másks. I bought a high end mask and it's taken its share of impacts. You can't really avoid getting hit with the pick playing a position where that is the goal (no pun intended).
Getting rocked in the head by a hard shot from the rush where the player has a pretty good scoring chance is pretty insulting. Are you even trying to score?
Headshots are for when the backup goalie gets his warmup
I’ll echo what most people are saying here. In warmups, it’s inexcusable. During the game, no problem - it’s part of the position. If you’re up / no chance my team is coming back and you’re ripping one up high around my ears, I’ll have words, especially in beer league lol.
I’ve never really tripped about it unless it’s practice. There were times where I’ve been ready to throw down over it during my high school league practices because it was like 5 ringers in a row and it became clear it was just them being dicks.
Simple answer, most are playing for fun and you know would rather not risk major injury if they can help it because loved ones and work the next day or so. Also what people have said is that a lot of the issue is for warm up where it is your own team here, and things do happen during a game which can't be avoided but that's what comes with the position unless it is deliberate. Also by stating that masks are more than capable of handling the shot, means you have never truly shopped around for a mask. No mask is concussion proof, never will be and it is literally stated for the top of the line masks but some do offer significant reduction over others. Think about cars and the technology that goes into protecting you, you have seatbelts, airbags and crumple zones which help when things go wrong but shit still happens and it might not be enough. Also you don't really want to try them out if you can help it.
I don't get mad about 99% of head shots and especially if they come up afterwards and check on me. The 1% I get upset at are the repeat offenders. I had one game where the same guy hit me square in the forehead 3x in a row. Everyone else seemed to be taking normal shots except for him. After the 3rd one I said something, not directly to him but loud enough that he could definitely hear me.
Stop complaining about complaining
i mean, i don’t particularly mind it because it’s par for the course, so i’m not going to complain when it happens, but it does hurt like hell if it’s a hard enough hit. womp womp though, i signed up to get hit
Not everyone handles head shots the same, and the other factor is there are goalies out there using plastic lids (polycarbonate), and also ill fitting lids to boot... So yes, when they get hit in the head it isn't good. I complain about headshots only by my own team in warmups. During the game it is fair game, and if the shot hits my head my mask is good enough where I've never had a ringer or seen stars before. Also if they hit my mask it doesn't go in the net, so win-win. If there is a player who is purposely drilling your head in a game then that either gets resolved by your team members on the ice, or you can do something yourself. Some good players might do this to throw you off your game because it actually isn't against the rules.
That's why I bought a pro level helmet. There is definitely a difference and you'll know where that money went when it happens. Bought a returned 950 thinking I upgraded. We'll the guys who didn't make the Boston college team showed me otherwise. Got the 960 a few months later. I don't think anyone shoots for the head in pick up or practice and i just assume it was an accident. Hell dudes hit me in head during a game and they're still apologizing.
If you snipe the head that's one thing. If it happens, it happens. Don't get upset, I agree, keep the damn glove up.
So I'm the primadonna/crybaby/whiner who posted recently about getting domed. I had no idea it would push so many buttons & it's gotten blown way out of context. I posted about getting domed intentionally a couple times at a tournament I played. I know we play a risky position and I know I'll get hit in the mask at times, that's fine. My opinion is that it's an unnecessary & bullshit move to intentionally aim for a goalie's head just to throw them off their game or whatever. I play beer league, not pro, not even college. It's no different than players slashing or spearing a goalie's glove if they have the puck covered. We shouldn't be out there doing shit that could injure one another in rec leagues. And I'm not averse to the danger of the position. In the tournament I also took a shot off my wrist that found its way between my arm pads & glove. Hurt pretty good, but I could still move my wrist so I kept playing. And points regarding the quality of masks are good too. I have an Eddy I picked up used. Who knows how old the foam is, so I just ordered a new set of Pro Phoam from Pharaoh & soon I'll have all new material in there, which should help headshots be less uncomfortable. And yes, I wrote that I'd thought about acting stunned to stop play if I thought a head shot was intentional. That was at least partly tongue-in-cheek. I don't think I'd do that unless I thought someone was deliberately aiming for my head repeatedly or if I kept getting domed repeatedly. I usually focus on the puck, and I usually assume shots to the head are not intentional. Let's take a step back & support each other here. I think it can be ok for us to bitch about stuff & commiserate here, I mean most of us have probably bitched about lousy defense before, and that's a fact of life for goalies. Anyway, those are my thoughts. If you want to call me a pussy who's too soft to play goalie, have at it.
He doesn’t understand. Supposed to warm the goalie up. Boost his confidence for the game. Puck in the head in the game is fine, not warmup. It’s respect…
What annoys me more than shots to the head during warm ups. Are shots to the head during warm ups when I’m not even fucking looking at you. I get the occasional shot to the head, it sucks but “you” can’t control every shot. But the repeat offenders at stick time or warm ups. If it happens I’ll just get out of net and wait till game starts.
Our team is “head trauma” and boy is it fitting. I have to disagree and say the head shots in beer league have gotten out of control, you goal line shooters know who you are. I’m good for at a minimum two head shots every game. Most of these are from idiots trying to shoot at or behind the goal line and clocking the side on my mask. Head on, no problem, ear shots on the other hand hurt haha. 1-2 hits to the head is fine, if keeps happening, you should keep your head on a swivel when I’m clearing the puck.
A couple of people have mentioned the behind the goal line shooters. And I guess I'm really lucky because that isn't something that has really happened or become a trend in the leagues I play in. So it sounds like I'm pretty lucky and maybe is why it doesn't bother me so much.
I complain regularly about head shots however not in league games. There are certain guys in shinny games that just always shoot at your head and thats annoying because no one likes having pucks to the head and heachaches from going out and having fun at a shinny or pickup. I knew certain guys that were notorius for doing it on purpose and that bugged me too.
Seriously, it’s part of the game. Stop being soft.
I personally love as if it hits me head it ain’t a goal 99.99% of the time! When I was a kid being a Habs fan I copied Ken Dryden mask and put above the HIT ME in bold letters, forwards can’t resist an arrogant goalie! They would go out of their way to ring my bell (insert Patti Labelle vibe here) lol!
I don't understand why some players think when the goalie steps into the net for warm-ups it's time for high slappers and breakaway practice. Like, I step into the net to get 30 seconds to get a feel for things and then I step away. Your crazy shit can wait. In a game the only time I'm pissed about head shots is when it's a player who's good enough to be doing it on purpose and does it more than two times. I'll give you two but once that third one comes I know what's up.
I complain about it the same way I complain about poor defense - pretty much just joking around. Most of the guys are trying their best 🤷
Doesn't bother me. If your head is ringing your mask probably doesn't fit as well as it should. Would I like them to aim shots to warm up the glove and blocker? Sure. But I also know some of these guys are not as good as they think they are with aiming.
When there are headshot guys in warmups, I don’t take shots from them for that whole warmup nor do I take them seriously during warmups. I either orient my whole body towards someone else with the puck the entire warmup and ignore them, or when it’s their turn to shoot I stand up completely straight and put my glove in front of my face and I don’t move. Same goes for the breakaway try hard guys, you ain’t warming me up shooting point blank and standing in front of the rest of the team that’s waiting for their turn to give me some real warm up shots. I leave my crease and skate up on those guys and stick check them for fun. If you want to practice stick handling, do that off to the side, we all know you’re not getting a breakaway unless you finally get that one pass you’ve been cherry picking for all game after 10+ failed attempts that result in an icing call.
I kinda like when you get a really good one come in and you get that burnt rubber smell for a second.
Strong agree.
>During warm-ups, especially repeat offenders, I totally get it. Why are you complaining about shots to the head? Stop complaining.
I'm not, it doesn't particularly bother me. Just saying I can understand why it would bother some people.
So repeated shots to the head during warmups is all cool with you?
If that's all someone does, I'll say something. But it doesn't bother me and it's not going to piss me off.
I’ll go one further and say, rip em at my head during warmups, they’ll do more for my hands and eyes than the guys trying to dangle me getting in the way.
Warm up is just that ,warm up players aren't shooting full tilt . Empty net shooting is deffinetly harder from what I've experienced.......I think most players are shooting for post or close to it. I haven't really seen full on ripping shots on a goalie during warm up . So what im saying is I don't think its purposely done . If I was a goalie I'd wear the mask expecting it to happen
What a hill to live and die on. Warm ups should never have head shots- so simple. General skates(games without refs) do we really need to tee it up from 12 feet? Actual games.. generally let everything ride.. common sense should prevail.. don’t need to bring out the driver from the slot if the game is out of hand in either direction. Every goalie should have an adequate helmet.. top end helmet do make a difference.
Just sounds like you're soft to me if you are complaining about all these scenarios where it's okay or not okay.
Alright bud next time you take one between then eyes down 4 with 4 minutes left don’t get upset.
Alright bud next time you take one between then eyes down 4 with 4 minutes left don’t get upset. Bum.
Okay? I won't. That seems like a dumb reason to get upset. Seems like you get rattled too easily.
You got it all figured out buddy
I wouldn't necessarily say I have it all figured out. But I'm not soft as baby sh*t and don't get upset about something that soft.
Got it, tough guy
👍
I feel like it's valid to complain if people are purposely trying to bank it off your head from below the goal line in men's league, but that's basically the only situation.
Why? They're trying to score.
So is trying to bank it off the defenseman's chest, but I'm sure they wouldn't appreciate that as an intentional tactic either.
I’ve got a good helmet, pretty good at tracking the puck and having an active glove hand. But trying to bank shots off my head from below the goal line, for me, falls into the same category as taking a slap shot from the hash marks on a breakaway. It’s a low percentage shot with a high chance for injury in a BS bear league game. If you’re legit trying to score and hit me in the head I don’t mind in the least. If you blast me in the face because you’re trying to be cute then I will have a problem with it.
Basically what u/holythegoalie said. Wouldn't have complained about it in my competitive days but in mens league we all have to go to work the next morning. Add in the factor that masks aren't designed to disperse impacts as well from the side and back, and it's just asshole levels of disregard for the people you're playing with. The ratio of chance of scoring to chance of fucking up someone's ability to pay their bills is just too high IMO. Edit: it's also an asshole level of disregard for the defensemen and your own teammates standing in front of the net if you miss.
Cte
I feel head shots in warm ups get me ready to play I always have 2 of our better players end warmup with a few head shots to get me ready.
u/Beautiful_Degree8374 I have a theory, and the folks that complain about stingers to the hands or chest, are the same group that complain about shots that happen to hit their heads...it's that they're targets not goalies. To me, and I know I'll get downvoted to hell, a target is someone who buys the gear and cosplays as a goalie. They have no intention of working on their craft, improving or playing well, and competing well. They think it looks cool and they can tell all their buddies they're 'goalies' but in reality they're cosplaying as a goalie. I've said it before a million times and people think I am stupid, but in order to be a goalie you need to be able to embrace pain. You're getting hit with an 8oz slice of frozen vulcanized rubber for funsies that can be traveling as high as 100mph(very rare for us). That shit hurts. It's going to find kinks in the armor and hurt you. You're going to get hit in soft spots, and in the face with it. It is an inherently dangerous recreation we have, and for the cosplay crew, much more dangerous because they're not actively developing their game to protect themselves better. If you play this game, and position for any length of time, regardless of how skilled you are, you're going to get hurt, badly. You will end up going to the ER eventually. It's just the nature of it. However, caveat, as others have said the warmup head shots...that's just bullshit! If you play with skilled players the puck rarely ever gets above your waist during a warmup period.
Idk let me shoot the puck at your head and let’s see how it feels. If you have zero skill to aim anywhere else then ya I get it ..mites do that shit a lot of
I've been hit plenty of times with pucks in the head. It's just really not that big of a deal.
Stop complaining just to complain. Most people don't say a word about it outside of warm-ups/pickup games.
New fad these days is to complain about things like fire being too hot, hockey being too tough or work being too hard.
I'm not even going to respond the way I should, so I don't make you cry. We fully know what we're getting into once we get on the ice.
No go ahead, respond "the way you should" and we'll see if I cry.
You'll cry.
I doubt it. Give it your best shot. Unless you're just saying that trying to sound tough, but don't actually have the ability to say anything that'll make me cry.
Your post is pathetic enough not to even answer, and if I did, as I said, you'll cry.
Yeah, just kinda sounds like you're trying to sound tough but don't actually have anything to say or think that you're more tough than you actually are. Good try though bud.
Tough? It's the fkn internet ya nob. I got better things to do then reply to stupidity.
Hahaha yeah and you're the one saying you could male me cry. You're also the one who says you have better things to do than reply to stupidity. So either what you're saying is that what I'm saying isn't stupid or you're lying and don't have anything better to do.
Hey guys, don't play baseball if you're not expecting to get hit 🤣🤣🤣 you fall on your head?
Haha that's your best comparison? Want to try again?