Goalie Tips

1a. Executing a good Butterfly

Made famous by Hall-of-Famer Patrick Roy in the mid-80s, the butterfly has changed the way that goaltenders play the game.

The butterfly is an effective technique in covering the bottom part of the net. It requires a great deal of flexibility in the hips, and knees. Being able to execute a good butterfly come with practice

To execute the Butterfly Save keep these four points in mind;

1. Leave your stick flat on the ice, covering the area between your knees
   ("The five hole")
2. Spread your pads as far as you can to cover the corners of the net
3. Keep gloves up and out as you go down to the ice
4. Hold your chest, shoulders, and head high, square to the puck

1b. Proper Half-Butterfly Saves

Goaltenders at every level should be able to make the first save. It's the rebound and the position that the goalie leaves him/herself in that causes the most concern.

Shots to the low left or right of the net require a "half butterfly" save, where one pad is extended flat on the ice, and in the direction of the puck . The other leg stays close to the body for balance (and to close the "5 hole").

There are two major problems that can occur when attempting a half-butterfly save. These problems will make it hard to prepare for a rebound.

Photo 1) The knee of the saving leg is not tight to the ice, and creates a hole under the pad. We all know how pucks love finding holes!

Photo 2) The stick is not in proper position. I call this a "lazy stick" or a "sloppy stick". While different shots require different stick positions, all shots still require the stick to be flat on the ice and "in the play".

Photo 3) Here we see an effective half-butterfly save with proper stick position, and an "tight seal" with relation to the ice. Everything is compact, with no holes for the puck to sneak by.

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