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Why Dont Hockey Teams Hire Morbidly Obese People as Goalies?

January 05, 2025Sports3815
Why Dont Hockey Teams Hire Morbidly Obese People as Goalies?Ice hockey

Why Don't Hockey Teams Hire Morbidly Obese People as Goalies?

Ice hockey is a fast-paced, physically demanding sport, but can a morbidly obese person prove to be effective as a goalie? Historically, professional hockey goaltenders have remained incredibly agile and in top physical shape. This article explores why it is highly unlikely that morbidly obese individuals would be considered for such a position within an NHL team.

Ice Hockey and Goalie Requirements

Hockey goalies must possess a unique combination of skills, agility, and reflexes to protect the net and rally their team for a comeback. While there have been notable examples of larger players in other sports, the constraints of ice hockey make such an approach unfeasible.

In contrast to football, where goal sizes are standardized at 8ft high x 24ft wide, the standard size for an ice hockey net is 6ft x 4ft. This significantly smaller goal demands the utmost agility and precision from goaltenders. Athletes in this position need to anticipate and react to the puck with split-second timing. The difference in net size means that a morbidly obese individual simply wouldn't have the physical capabilities to cover the entire area effectively.

Historical Examples and Debates

The myth often associated with goalies is the legendary William “Fatty” Foulke from the football (soccer) world. Fǎulk was a goalkeeper known for his significant weight, at 6ft 4" and allegedly up to 375 lbs. However, it is important to note that the records and verified details of his career have been disputed. During his career, Fǎulk exhibited athletic prowess that is not indicative of a morbidly obese individual. After his initial career, he gained considerable weight, which likely affected his athletic performance.

In the hockey realm, there have been a few goalies who were larger than average but still maintained a high level of fitness. However, none of them could be classified as morbidly obese. For example, Tommy Lawrence from Liverpool and Scotland, Neville Southall from Everton and Wales, and Andy Goram from Rangers and Scotland were noted for their athletic abilities and did not qualify as being overly overweight.

Physical Constraints and NHL Player Speeds

A core reason why talent scouts and coaches in the NHL would not consider hiring a morbidly obese player as a goalie lies in the physical demands of the game. NHL players are among the fastest athletes in the world. For instance, Connor McDavid, a top-tier player, can approach speeds of over 40 km/h. When you consider that the average slapshot reaches around 160 km/h, it becomes clear that goalies must be able to react swiftly to any shot, no matter where it lands.

The smaller net size and the speed at which players can shoot the puck through both corners of the goal significantly reduce the potential of a stationary goalie, regardless of their size. The agility and quick reflexes required to cover the entire surface of a 6ft x 4ft net are beyond the capabilities of a morbidly obese individual, especially when considering the intense physicality and speed of professional hockey.

Conclusion

In summary, the physical constraints of an ice hockey net and the level of skill and athleticism required make it nearly impossible for a morbidly obese individual to effectively fulfill the position of goalie. Historical data and modern examples of professional hockey goalies emphasize the need for agility, speed, and precision in this specialized role. It would not be practical for an NHL team to consider a candidate whose body type can't adapt to the rigorous demands of the game.