How to Track a Goalie's Performance: Stats That Actually Matter

Goalies are different. They don't score. The score isn't really on them. But their performance—measured in saves, goals against, and consistency—that's everything.

The Three Numbers You Need

Stop worrying about complex metrics. Track these three, and you'll know exactly how your goalie is playing:

1. Saves & Goals Against

Write these down after every game. "12 saves, 2 goals against." That's it. Everything else derives from these two numbers.

2. Save Percentage (SV%)

This is Saves ÷ (Saves + Goals Against).

Example: 12 saves, 2 goals against = 12 ÷ 14 = .857 or 85.7%.

What's good?

• .900–.920: Average youth goalie

• .920–.940: Good. Solid performance.

.940+: Excellent. Elite level.

3. Goals-Against Average (GAA)

This is Total Goals Against ÷ Games Played.

Example: 15 goals allowed in 10 games = 1.5 GAA.

What's good?

• 2.0–2.5: Average

• 1.5–2.0: Good

1.0–1.5: Excellent

The Bonus: Shutouts

A shutout is when your goalie doesn't allow a goal. The opponent scores zero. It's rare and it's special. Track them. If your goalie gets 2–3 in a season, that's worth celebrating.

Reading the Stats: Good Game vs. Bad Game (Beyond the Score)

A 3–2 loss feels bad. But the stats tell a different story.

Bad game: High GA, Low SV%

Your goalie faced 25 shots, allowed 4 goals. SV% = .840. That's below average. Could be tired, distracted, or the team gave up too many Grade-A chances.

Good game despite the loss: High SV%, Tough luck

Your goalie faced 28 shots, allowed 2 goals. SV% = .929. That's excellent. The team just scored once. Not the goalie's fault.

This is where stats matter most: They separate the goalie's performance from the team result.

Season Trends: The Growth Arc

Track SV% and GAA over the season. Plot them. You'll see patterns:

November SV%: .910
December SV%: .925
January SV%: .918
February SV%: .935

That's growth. Your goalie is settling in, improving focus, maybe working with a coach on technique. This is powerful: "You started the season at .910 SV%. Now you're at .935. That's real improvement."

Talking to Your Goalie About Their Game

Don't say: "You let in too many goals."

Say: "You made 18 saves out of 20 shots. That's a .900 SV%. That's solid hockey. Two of those weren't your fault—they were point-blank chances from our defensive breakdown."

Use stats to be fair. Use stats to celebrate. Use stats to show your goalie they're improving even when the score doesn't reflect it.

Create a Goalie Card After Each Game

A trading card designed for goalies shows saves, goals against, SV%, and the result. It's a keepsake. A visual record of their season. Years later, your goalie will look at that collection and see their own growth.

Pull My Card handles the math for you—just log the saves and goals against, and it calculates SV% and creates a card.