Concerning ‘The NHL has a small problem’ Series

As you already know, Tubby Mullard, 4 ft. 5 in. tall, and winner of the first Venison Trophy (circa 1890), typified the average goaltender in the early years of the game.

Over 75 years past before goalies were the size of Lorne “Gump” Worsley (5 ft. 7 in. tall, 180 pounds soaking wet), though, as I seem to recall, when he accepted the Vezina Trophy with Charlie Hodge in 1966, he stood on an old Coke crate in order to be seen.


Today the average goaltender stands well over 7 feet tall and weighs about 400 pounds when fully dressed in protective gear.

But, I ask you, has the size of the NHL ice surface grown to accommodate the larger, heavier and faster breed of player?

To find out, tune in tomorrow for PT 4 in the exciting series “The NHL has a ‘small’ problem.”

Or, do all the research yourself. Really, I won’t mind.

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Please click here to read Bits and Pieces: PT 3 - The NHL has a ‘small’ problem

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