With the pace of hockey games getting faster and faster, it's more important than ever to use the right hockey strategy in key situations. This is crucial when it comes to deciding when to pull the goalie, since that can leave a team vulnerable to an open-net score. However, by being able to bring an extra skater onto the ice in effort to gain additional offense, it can be a pivotal point in any game. While it may seem like an easy decision, when it comes to goalie coaching there are numerous factors to take into consideration.

So how can players grow as great team leaders? Here’s a look:

• Late-Game Deficits

  While each coach may have a different philosophy, there are some general guidelines when you're facing a late-game deficit. If you're down by one goal, pulling the goalie is usually done when there are two minutes or less left in regulation. However, some coaches have been known to pull their goalies with as much as three minutes left if the situation appears desperate enough, such as when facing playoff elimination.

• Delayed Penalties

  A straightforward scenario in most games, a delayed penalty is an excellent chance to gain a quick advantage, since you're essentially creating an impromptu power-play opportunity for your team before the actual power-play begins. In addition, pulling the goalie here poses almost no risk to your team, since the referee will blow the whistle and stop play before the opposing team can shoot at your open net.

• Puck Location

  Needless to say, if the puck is located in your defensive zone and the opposing team has possession, it's best to not pull the goalie until your team has cleared the zone. Along with this, if there's a stoppage in play and the faceoff will be in your defensive zone, it's best to leave the goalie in net.

• Be Aware of the Game Situation

  Even when a goalie is getting pulled from the net, he can still help in several ways. One of the most important involves glancing at the bench to get the coach's signal for when to leave the ice, while another is having sprint speed to reach the bench quickly so that the extra attacker can take their place.

Ready to work on your Goalie skills and hockey strategy? In your quest for victory, don't hesitate to contact Rick Heinz Goalie School for more information about our Goalie School Goalie School program.