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11. Amateur vs. Pro Goaltender Physiology
In this episode, I examine the physiological profile of elite ice hockey goaltenders through the lens of a 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis published in the International Journal of Exercise Science.
While much of the goaltending literature focuses on perceptual and psychological performance — anticipation, reaction timing, and decision-making — this paper compiles the limited but growing body of research examining the physical and physiological characteristics of the position.
Why goaltenders are often excluded from broader hockey physiology research
The structure of a systematic review and what PRISMA means
Anthropometric comparisons between professional and amateur goaltenders
Aerobic capacity (VO₂max) differences across levels
Anaerobic peak power findings
Grip strength, abdominal endurance, and flexibility
What standardized fitness testing captures — and what it likely misses
Professional male goaltenders were not meaningfully taller than amateurs in the pooled data.
Amateur male goalies showed higher VO₂max values than professionals.
Professional goalies demonstrated greater relative peak anaerobic power.
Grip strength and core endurance appeared stronger in professional goalies.
Flexibility distinguished goalies from skaters but did not clearly separate levels.
Standardized lab testing may not fully capture position-specific performance demands.
This episode focuses on physiological profiling within the goaltender position.
Part 2 will zoom out to examine physiological differences between forwards, defensemen, and goaltenders at the NHL level.
Marcotte-L’Heureux, V., Charron, J., Panenic, R., & Comtois, A. S. (2021).
Ice Hockey Goaltender Physiology Profile and Physical Testing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
International Journal of Exercise Science.
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@CoretexGoaltending
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/coretexathletics/
Email:
[email protected]
If you enjoyed the episode, consider subscribing and sharing.
Next week: positional physiology at the NHL level.
View all episodes
By Evan KuryloIn this episode, I examine the physiological profile of elite ice hockey goaltenders through the lens of a 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis published in the International Journal of Exercise Science.
While much of the goaltending literature focuses on perceptual and psychological performance — anticipation, reaction timing, and decision-making — this paper compiles the limited but growing body of research examining the physical and physiological characteristics of the position.
Why goaltenders are often excluded from broader hockey physiology research
The structure of a systematic review and what PRISMA means
Anthropometric comparisons between professional and amateur goaltenders
Aerobic capacity (VO₂max) differences across levels
Anaerobic peak power findings
Grip strength, abdominal endurance, and flexibility
What standardized fitness testing captures — and what it likely misses
Professional male goaltenders were not meaningfully taller than amateurs in the pooled data.
Amateur male goalies showed higher VO₂max values than professionals.
Professional goalies demonstrated greater relative peak anaerobic power.
Grip strength and core endurance appeared stronger in professional goalies.
Flexibility distinguished goalies from skaters but did not clearly separate levels.
Standardized lab testing may not fully capture position-specific performance demands.
This episode focuses on physiological profiling within the goaltender position.
Part 2 will zoom out to examine physiological differences between forwards, defensemen, and goaltenders at the NHL level.
Marcotte-L’Heureux, V., Charron, J., Panenic, R., & Comtois, A. S. (2021).
Ice Hockey Goaltender Physiology Profile and Physical Testing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
International Journal of Exercise Science.
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@CoretexGoaltending
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/coretexathletics/
Email:
[email protected]
If you enjoyed the episode, consider subscribing and sharing.
Next week: positional physiology at the NHL level.