Hockey Goalies' Hips: The Painful Price of the Butterfly

The widely adopted butterfly posture in hockey goaltending is raising concerns about long-term hip health. NHL teams are increasingly monitoring goalies' 'drop rates'—the number of times they land in the butterfly position during games and practices. This tracking, often facilitated by wearable technology, aims to manage player workload and prevent injuries.

Experts highlight the significant stress placed on goalies' hips, with internal rotation and forceful impacts potentially leading to bone growth and damage, especially during adolescence. This issue has led to severe hip pain and surgeries for some veteran players, prompting calls for greater awareness and protective measures.

While not as regulated as baseball's pitch counts, there's a growing movement within hockey, including USA Hockey, to adopt a more conservative approach. The idea of 'goalie by committee' and focusing on load management aims to safeguard the health of younger players and extend the careers of seasoned professionals.