Not too long ago, the mention of the butterfly in the context of sport would invariably lead an enthusiast to think of the complex, calorie consuming motions of professional swimming. Today, though, the butterfly is also widely used in the hockey world. In this article, we will take a look at the origins of this now widely used goaltending method and what exactly it entails and is good for.

From top to bottom

Right up until the middle of the 1980s, the butterfly style of goaltending was not widely used in the National Hockey League. Most goalies would rely on the stand up style, dropping when needed to make a save but for the most part giving their movements the appearance of control at all times.

Glenn Hall was one of the first National Hockey League goalies to use the butterfly style, although other noted goaltenders such as Terry Sawchuk and Jacques Plante would use it from time to time. The real breakthrough for this style of goaltending was during the career of goaltending legend Patrick Roy, who used the butterfly more frequently than any other goalie. His record breaking success as a goaltender provided the necessary proof that his style was well worth imitating.

What is butterfly style?

A goalie is said to use the butterfly style when he or she is about to, or more likely to, drop to the ice with legs flat on the surface on either side when a shot is taken. The way the legs are spread out resembles a butterfly’s wings, thus the name.

Because many shots in hockey are likely to be along the ice or just above it, this style can be very effective when it comes to keeping the puck out of the net. In fact many goalies have sought to increase their advantage by increasing the size of their pads, which is now strictly regulated within the National Hockey League.

The weak point of the butterfly style is that it involves a high level of commitment on the part of the goalie; once down it is virtually impossible to get up. The goalie must have a high level of confidence in his or her ability to read the shot, or very quick reflexes in the glove hand in order to cover the top of the net.

Despite that one flaw, the butterfly seems to be the style of choice for most of the very best goaltenders in the world. Of course, part of their profile is unbeatable reflexes, so it stands to reason that the butterfly style helps them to succeed.

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