Hockey Goalies

HOCKEY GOALIES probably have the hardest job on the ice. Trying to keep a little puck out of a big net isn’t easy, especially since NHL players can rifle the puck with precision. But years ago playing goalie was even harder.

In 1896, the Ontario Hockey Association stated: “The goalkeeper must not during play lie, sit, or kneel upon the ice; he may, when in goal, stop the puck with his hands, but shall not throw or hold it. He may wear pads, but must not wear a garment such as would give him undue assistance in keeping goal.” In other words, the poor guy had no helmet, no glove, no leg pads, a regular stick, and had to stand the whole time. How times have changed.

Before the turn of the century, goalies started wearing cricket pads on their legs. Goalie gloves gained more padding in 1915—the same year two-sided goalie sticks were invented. Then in 1917, goalies were allowed to drop to the ice under National Hockey League rules. Goalie equipment continued to advance through the years as goalies began wearing masks in 1959. And today hockey goalies stay relatively safe from harm behind all their specialized padding—although blocking that puck can still be a pain.

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POINT Can you imagine trying to stop a puck traveling more than 100 mph without a helmet or padding? Early hockey goalies must have had a lot of guts . . . and perhaps little brains. They tried to do their job, but it was hard. Modern NHL goalies have an easier time defending the goal because of all their equipment.

As Christians, we should follow the goalies’ example. We need to put on all the safety equipment we can to protect ourselves against Satan’s schemes. In Ephesians, that protection is described as the armor of God. By equipping ourselves with the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, and the helmet of salvation, we’ll be better protected and able to play effectively for God.

GOAL! Don’t go through life without spiritual padding. Ask God to help equip you with the right protection to ward off the shots that you’ll take on earth.