Evaluating goaltending properly means going beyond stats and looking at performance indicators that reflect skill, mindset, and consistency. Here's a structured checklist of goalie principles, divided into key categories. This list can guide both coaching evaluations and scouting assessments.

Goalie Scouting Evaluation Form

This form is designed to evaluate goaltenders beyond goals against average. It focuses on fundamental skills, positioning, mental resilience, and hockey sense. Scouts should observe the goaltender over a full game and use this form to record impressions and identify strengths and areas for development.

Instructions: For each skill, assign a rating from 1 to 4 in the box provided:
1 = Excellent   2 = Good   3 = Fair   4 = Poor

1. Skating & Movement

Skill/Attribute

Rating (1-4)

T-Pushes: Power, control, efficiency

☐

C-Cuts: Short and explosive

☐

Shuffles: Quick, balanced, minimal lift

☐

Crease movement: Edgework and control

☐

Ability to reset after scrambles

☐

Recovery mechanics (down-up transitions)

☐

2. Positioning & Angles

Skill/Attribute

Rating (1-4)

Squareness to the puck

☐

Angle depth (plays high vs deep)

☐

Post-integration (post-seal, RVH use)

☐

Gap control on rush chances

☐

Centered stance and body alignment

☐

3. Tracking & Vision

Skill/Attribute

Rating (1-4)

Eyes on puck through screens/traffic

☐

Head checks during in-zone play

☐

Read releases and anticipate tips

☐

Puck-following through save sequences

☐

Finishing plays (not just first touch)

☐

4. Rebound Control

Skill/Attribute

Rating (1-4)

Puck absorption on body saves

☐

Controlled pad deflections

☐

Stick positioning on low shots

☐

Rebound awareness and recovery

☐

Second-chance reaction

☐

5. Hands & Reflexes

Skill/Attribute

Rating (1-4)

Catch glove technique and speed

☐

Blocker control and deflections

☐

Active stick use

☐

Quickness in tight

☐

Breakaway and shootout saves

☐

6. Puck Handling & Offensive Contributions

Skill/Attribute

Rating (1-4)

Stopping rims and breakout setup

☐

Passing to defense

☐

Communication under pressure

☐

Confidence in clearing/rim reversal

☐

Reading forecheck and smart decisions

☐

7. Hockey Sense & Decision-Making

Skill/Attribute

Rating (1-4)

Anticipation on cross-ice plays

☐

Timing challenge vs depth hold

☐

Understanding team structure

☐

Quick reads on odd-man rushes

☐

Shooter option awareness

☐

8. Mental & Emotional Game

Skill/Attribute

Rating (1-4)

Response after goals against

☐

Body language after big moments

☐

Teammate communication

☐

Poise under pressure

☐

Focus during stoppages

☐

9. Game Context Awareness

Skill/Attribute

Rating (1-4)

Appropriate save selection

☐

Recognizes shot quality

☐

Situational urgency

☐

Time/score management

☐

10. Physical Attributes & Fitness

Skill/Attribute

Rating (1-4)

Flexibility (hips/groins)

☐

Agility and reaction time

☐

Core strength and balance

☐

Endurance

☐

Scramble recovery ability

☐