Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Why do goaltenders use skates with flatter blades than other ice hockey players?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
ice hockey
Goalie Marc-André Fleury of the Vegas Golden Knights blocking a shot by Jakub Vrána of the Washington Capitals in game five of the 2018 Stanley Cup finals. The Capitals won the game and the series.
Goaltenders in ice hockey use skates with flatter blades primarily because they require greater stability and balance while remaining stationary for extended periods during play.1
Unlike forwards and defensemen, who rely on the rocker (curvature) of their blades for agility and quick turns while skating, the flatter profile of a goalie's skate blade provides a more stable base for the goaltender to maintain their position in the crease while blocking shots.1