Why "Size" is an Outdated Excuse in Hockey: The Myth of Physical Limitations for Elite Goaltenders, Defensemen, and Forwards

For decades, size has been used as a critical measure for evaluating hockey talent, often leading to the premature dismissal of athletes who don’t fit the typical physical mould of towering forwards, defensemen, or goalies. In today’s game, this reasoning not only limits a player’s potential but also ignores the vast evidence of elite-level success achieved by smaller players. Let's explore this outdated mindset using common sense examples from today’s game and analytics while incorporating insights from my experience in elite goaltender and defensive development.

The Case of Johnny Gaudreau (Forward)

Standing at 5’9” and 165 pounds, Johnny Gaudreau shattered the myth that smaller players cannot perform at an elite level as forwards. He was not a rarity in the NHL—one of many who’ve proven that size is not a determining factor in success. His creativity, agility, and quick decision-making allowed him to outmaneuver defenders and generate offensive opportunities in ways that larger players often struggle to match.

Analytics reveal that players like Gaudreau consistently excel in puck possession, zone entries, and scoring efficiency. According to advanced metrics such as Corsi and Fenwick, which track shot attempts and puck possession, Gaudreau regularly ranked among the top forwards in the league. This data shows that smaller players, when possessing elite skating and hockey IQ, can dominate the ice without relying on physical stature. (God bless him, his brother and his family. You will never be forgotten)

Quinn Hughes (Defenseman) – Defying Defensive Stereotypes

Historically, defensemen were expected to be big, bruising players who could physically impose their will on opponents. Enter Quinn Hughes, a 5’10”, 180-pound defenseman who turns that traditional belief on its head. Hughes excels in skating, vision, and puck movement, leading to his reputation as one of the best offensive defensemen in the game. The modern NHL prioritizes speed, puck transition, and offensive contributions from the back end—areas where Hughes thrives.

Through the lens of defensive analytics, Hughes’ value becomes even more evident. His ability to maintain a high defensive zone exit percentage and generate offensive zone entries underscores his importance as a playmaker, even if he doesn’t fit the “big body” mould. Defence is not only about size but about decision-making, anticipation, and positioning, all skills Hughes possesses in abundance. This week his performances have been echoed into eternity by shattering the offense record for defensemen in Vancouver. This Caunck Captain shows you once again, measuring a player's talent and heart are more important than size.

Jusse Saros (Goaltender) – Shattering the Goalie Size Myth

In goaltending, the “size” debate has persisted even longer. Conventional wisdom suggested that bigger goaltenders, who cover more of the net, are inherently more effective. Enter Juuse Saros, who at 5’11”, defies the notion that smaller goaltenders can’t compete at an elite level. Saros consistently ranks among the top NHL goaltenders in save percentage and goals saved above average (GSAA). This metric measures the number of goals a goaltender prevents based on the quality and quantity of shots faced.

Goaltending isn’t just about taking up space. It’s about reflexes, lateral movement, puck tracking, mental resilience and Goalie "IQ" Intelligence. Saros’ agility and ability to read plays compensate for any perceived size disadvantage, allowing him to attack shooters and make saves that bigger, less mobile goaltenders might miss. Studies in sports science have shown that smaller goaltenders, with faster reaction times and superior athleticism, can often outperform their larger counterparts in certain areas of play, as highlighted in the video by Sports Science.

CLICK HERE FOR SPORTS SCIENCE VIDEO

Analytics and Common Sense Over Tradition

Modern analytics and the realities of today's game do not support the notion that size dictates a player’s ability to perform at an elite level. Advanced stats, like player tracking systems, show that skating speed, agility, and hockey IQ are far more indicative of success than height and weight. Smaller players often excel in puck battles, evade defenders with their lower center of gravity, and create more dynamic scoring chances through superior puck control.

Regarding defence, smaller players like Hughes demonstrate that speed and positioning can negate size disadvantages. The same holds true for goaltenders like Saros, who thrive not because of their size but because of their athleticism and intelligence in the net.

Environmental Situations on Ice

The evolution of the NHL environment also favours smaller, faster players. With rule changes designed to promote speed and skill, such as the crackdown on obstruction and the reduced physicality allowed on open-ice plays, the NHL is now better suited for players who excel in space and pace rather than brute strength. Smaller players, who can adapt quickly to changes in play and cover ground faster, are thriving under these conditions.

Elite performance, especially in high-pressure scenarios, is often driven by mental sharpness, quick thinking, and the ability to adapt to chaotic in-game situations. Forwards like Gaudreau and defensemen like Hughes display elite situational awareness, compensating for any perceived physical disadvantage. Likewise, goalies like Saros show that the ability to read and react to plays as they unfold is far more critical than having an imposing physical presence.

Conclusion: An Expert Perspective

As someone who has dedicated decades to developing elite goaltenders and refining defensive systems, I can confidently say that size is no longer a deciding factor in determining a player’s potential for success at the highest levels of hockey. While it can offer certain advantages in specific situations, the game has evolved, and so must the criteria we use to evaluate talent.

Hockey is increasingly about speed, skill, and intelligent play—factors not exclusive to larger players. Athletes like the late Johnny Gaudreau, Quinn Hughes, and Juuse Saros have not only proven that smaller players can excel, but they have redefined what it means to be elite in a sport that continues to evolve in both style and substance.

The future of hockey should be shaped by what a player can do on the ice, not by how tall he or she is. It’s time to put the outdated "size" argument to rest and embrace the new era of speed, skill, and intelligence that defines modern hockey.

Pasco Valana Professional Coach Specializing in Goaltending Development, Elite Defensive Systems, and Tendency Recognition for Scoring. Author of "Building Elite Level Goaltenders, Goalie IQ, Hockey Intelligence for Goaltenders"