The goaltender may or may not be the single most important player in the game of hockey goaltender is often called the goalie or goalkeeper in addition to the official term of goaltender. These three terms are used interchangeably, varying from person to person and region to region. The primary purpose of the goaltender is to guard the goal, preventing the puck from being shot into the goal by the opposing team. While there are other defenseman involved in preventing the puck from entering the goal, the goalie of the last stop between the opposing team and scoring a goal.

The goaltender wears a great deal of heavily padded equipment on the ice. This is to prevent injury from fast-moving pucks that may or may not be aimed directly at the face, head, or other vital organs in the body. The goaltender may stop the puck from entering the goal in any way that he sees suitable, by using their body or their hockey stick.