Goaltender Injury Information:

Most Common Injuries

For goalies, it’s common for them to develop hip and groin-related injuries due to the mechanical and rotational movements required to play the position. Hip pain from a labral tear often presents sharp groin pain, which can be made worse when in a squatting or sitting position. This type of injury is then confirmed through a combination of a patient’s medical history, a physical exam, and appropriate imaging such as an X-ray or MRI. Separately, injuries such as contusions, or deep bruises, and contact injuries such as ligament tears and broken collarbones are also quite common given the physical nature of the sport.

Injury Prevention

It’s advised that prior to the start of a new season to have a thorough pre-screening examination to identify whether or not you are healthy enough to play. This is especially helpful in identifying whether or not you have a pre-existing injury and if you are putting yourself at an increased risk level. It’s also important to maintain a core strength and high endurance program to help protect you from fatigue and trauma-related injuries from occurring. However, there is no sure fire way to completely avoid an injury. For example, throughout a game there could be instances you cannot necessarily prepare for, such as a player running into you, a stick poking you in the eye, or a puck hitting you in an area such as the neck where you may have less padding and protection. Ultimately, there are actions that happen during the course of the game that cannot be prevented, but it’s important to always be aware and stay alert to help mitigate risk.

Playing the goalie position is a unique and exciting opportunity. Skills continue develop over time and can allow you to extend your career well into your 30s and sometimes into your 40s. If you play the position, work hard, and have a disciplined training program in place you will help improve your chances of avoiding serious injury.