Goaltending Checklist

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.

GOALTENDING EVALUATION CHECKLIST

1. Skating & Movement

• T-Pushes (power, control, efficiency)
  
  

• C-Cuts (short and explosive)
  
  

• Shuffles (quick, balanced, minimal lift)
  
  

• Crease movement (edgework, control)
  
  

• Ability to reset after scrambles
  
  

• Recovery mechanics (down-up transitions)
  
  

2. Positioning & Angles

• Squareness to the puck (is chest square?)
  
  

• Angle depth (plays high vs deep)
  
  

• Post-integration (post-seal, reverse VH/RVH usage)
  
  

• Gap control on rush chances
  
  

• Centered stance and body alignment
  
  

3. Tracking & Vision

• Eyes on puck through screens/traffic
  
  

• Head checks during in-zone play
  
  

• Ability to read releases and anticipate tips
  
  

• Puck-following through save sequences
  
  

• Finishing plays (not just first touch or save)
  
  

4. Rebound Control

• Puck absorption on body saves
  
  

• Controlled pad deflections (direct to corners or out of danger)
  
  

• Stick positioning on low shots
  
  

• Awareness of rebound danger areas
  
  

• Reaction to second-chance opportunities
  
  

5. Hands & Reflexes

• Catch glove technique and reaction speed
  
  

• Blocker control (deflecting or steering)
  
  

• Stick active in puck handling and save support
  
  

• Quickness in tight
  
  

• Breakaway and shootout performance
  
  

6. Puck Handling & Offensive Contributions

• Ability to stop rims and set up breakouts
  
  

• Quick, smart passes to defense
  
  

• Communication with defenders under pressure
  
  

• Confidence in clearing or rim reversal
  
  

• Read of forecheck and decision-making
  
  

7. Hockey Sense & Decision-Making

• Anticipation on cross-ice passes
  
  

• Timing to challenge vs hold depth
  
  

• Understanding of team defensive structure
  
  

• Quick reads on developing plays (e.g., 2-on-1s, backdoor threats)
  
  

• Awareness of shooter options
  
  

8. Mental & Emotional Game

• Confidence after a goal against
  
  

• Body language after big saves or mistakes
  
  

• Communication with teammates
  
  

• Consistency under pressure
  
  

• Preparation and focus pre-game and during stoppages
  
  

9. Game Context Awareness

• Save selection based on situation
  
  

• Shot quality recognition (high danger vs perimeter)
  
  

• Situational urgency (last-minute, powerplay PK, OT)
  
  

• Time and score awareness (smart freezes, pace control)
  
  

10. Physical Attributes & Fitness

• Flexibility (hips, groins, lateral mobility)
  
  

• Agility and quick-twitch reactions
  
  

• Core strength for balance
  
  

• Endurance across three periods
  
  

• Recovery from collisions or scrambles
  
  

Additional Metrics to Use

• Save percentage vs goals against
  
  

• High-danger save % (when available)
  
  

• Consistency over time (not just single-game performance)
  
  

• Shot maps or video breakdowns to assess goal quality