Old NHL rules question?

Question

Was there ever a time when the goalies weren't allowed to go on their knees? If so, when was the rule in place?

Thanks

Answer 1

Prior to the formation of the NHL, goaltenders were penalized 2 minutes for 'flopping' on the ice to make saves. In 1917, the NHL did NOT adopt this rule when the league was formed. So, in the NHL the goaltenders have always been allowed to fall to the ice to make saves, however, for the first dozen or so years of the league, there was no forward passing in the offensive zone, so goalies rarely needed to fall.

And no...............I was not alive to see it.


TIN MAN - you may need to refine your search. The mention of this rule can be found 80 times on NHL.COM and close to 3000 times on the Legends of Hockey website.

It has also appeared on page 7 of the printed NHL rule book going back to the 40s, and it appears on page 10 of the NHL Official NHL Guide and Record Book and in just about every decent book on NHL history (Total Hockey for example)

Answer 2

I have looked up many rules for hockey and I would have to say no. I have never come across anything stating such. I am an ex-hockey player and I also played goalie for fun in men's league. I'll keep checking cause I find this an interesting question, but again to my knowledge I don't believe they were ever restricted to standing only.

Answer 3

LMAO - LITY may be old but he's not that old. That goes Waaaaaaaaaaaay back to the 1920s. Goalies had to stand up.

Good question.

Here's your cookie.

Merry Grinchmas.

Answer 4

Yes. LITY can fill you in better as to when, he was in his prime back then.

Answer 5

Ask LITY

Answer 6

ermmm... i dont have any ideas.... never heard of it.... sory...

Answer 7

L-I-T-Y