Goalies: When the puck is behind the net

[tarheelhockey]

I'm asking this from the perspective of a skater, playing on a team that rotates goalies often enough that I can't really depend on just asking my own goalie about his preferences.

The opponent takes the puck behind the net. I am covering the low slot. I understand my defensive responsibility as far as positioning, and generally don't have a problem with coverage in that situation. But what (if anything) should I do verbally or visually to communicate what is happening behind you? What can/can't you see? Should I just do my thing and let you do your thing?

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[17of26]

As a goalie, it's really hard to see what's going on behind the net. Between the mask, the net itself, and the fact that I have to keep my body facing forward it's just difficult. All I can really do is spread out down low to block any wraparounds or close shots from a pass to the crease area.

A unchallenged player behind the net can change directions pretty quickly so I think trying to relay any directions may do more harm that good. If your goalie is hugging one post and doesn't seem to see the opponent heading out the other side then it's probably appropriate to yell "other side!".

Ideally, I want one of my teammates to force the opponent in a particular direction (unless of course that's going to cause someone else to be left all alone in the slot). At that point, it's crucial that the opponent is not allowed to change direction since I'll be moving in that same direction.