When did the conversion to butterfly goalies begin and did equipment or anything else prevent it from happening earlier?
The conversion to butterfly goaltending in ice hockey began in the 1970s and 1980s. Prior to this, goalies primarily used the stand-up style, where they would stand upright and cover the net with their legs and arms. The butterfly style involves the goalie dropping down to their knees and spreading their legs out to cover a wider area of the net.
There were several factors that contributed to the rise of the butterfly style. One was the evolution of equipment, particularly the development of larger and more protective leg pads and chest protectors. These advances allowed goalies to drop to their knees and still be adequately protected from shots. Another factor was the increased speed and skill of shooters, which made it more difficult for goalies to save shots with the stand-up style.
While the conversion to butterfly goaltending was a gradual process, it is generally agreed that the turning point came in 1984 when Patrick Roy won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the Most Valuable Player of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Roy was a pioneer of the butterfly style, and his success helped to legitimize it in the eyes of other goalies.
Related Questions:
What is the butterfly goalie style?
The butterfly goalie style involves the goalie dropping down to their knees and spreading their legs out to cover a wider area of the net.
When did the conversion to butterfly goalies begin?
The conversion to butterfly goalies began in the 1970s and 1980s.
Who was a pioneer of the butterfly goalie style?
Patrick Roy was a pioneer of the butterfly goalie style.
What factors contributed to the rise of the butterfly goalie style?
The evolution of equipment and the increased speed and skill of shooters contributed to the rise of the butterfly goalie style.
Is the butterfly goalie style still used today?
Yes, the butterfly goalie style is still used today by the vast majority of goalies at all levels of hockey.
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