🥅 Your goalie isn’t playing alone—and keeping the puck out of the net is everyone’s responsibility.
In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli speak directly to young hockey players about something every great teammate needs to understand: your goaltender is one of six players on the ice, not a separate part of the team.
After hearing hundreds of comments from hockey parents about what they wish others understood about goalies, Lee and Mike bring those lessons straight to the players.
For goalies, there’s an important reminder: you’re seen, supported, and appreciated. The pressure of playing in net can sometimes make you feel like you’re on an island, but there are teammates, parents, coaches, and hockey families who understand just how demanding the position can be.
And for the skaters? There’s a responsibility that comes with being a great teammate.
🏒 In this episode, players will learn:
Why goals against are a shared team responsibility
How skaters can help limit shots, clear rebounds, and avoid screening their own goalie
Why communication with your goaltender matters
How to safely take shots around a goalie during warm-ups
Why you should never shoot when your goalie’s back is turned
Why pregame warm-ups aren’t the time for breakaway moves and highlight-reel dekes
How shooting accurately to the glove, blocker, and pads actually helps your goalie prepare
Why supporting your goalie can make the entire team stronger
🔥 The big message? Warm your goalie up—don’t try to beat them.
A three-minute youth hockey warm-up isn’t a skills competition. It’s a chance for everyone to get comfortable, feel the puck, get their body moving, and prepare together.
Whether you wear goalie pads or skate in front of the crease, remember: it takes all six players working together to defend the net.
Work hard. Have fun. Be a great teammate. And wherever you are in your hockey journey—believe in yourself.
📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: How to Be a Better Teammate to Your Hockey Goalie
🎧 Want to hear the full conversation with hockey parents that inspired this episode? Check out the corresponding Our Kids Play Hockey episode for even more insight into what goalie families experience.
#TheRideToTheRink #YouthHockey #HockeyGoalie #GoalieLife #HockeyKids #HockeyTeamwork #YouthHockeyPlayers #GoalieWarmup #HockeyDevelopment #BeAGoodTeammate #OurKidsPlayHockey
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