Goalie as Third D

Objective: Turn dump-ins into breakouts: the goalie stops the rim behind the net and makes the first decision like a third defenseman. Setup: Opponent dumps/rims pucks in from outside the blue line. D1 skates back on the retrieval route; winger waits on the wall. Execution: On the dump, goalie leaves the net, stops the rim behind the goal line, and takes one look. Option A: set it and leave it on the strong side for the retrieving D. Option B: rim it weak-side to the wall winger. The call is out loud and EARLY — 'leave!' or 'rim!' — before the D arrives. Then goalie recovers to the net. Coaching points: Stop the puck FIRST — a whiffed rim behind your own net is a goal against. Make one read, commit, communicate. Changing your mind mid-play is the killer. Recover to the post facing the play — never turn your back on the ice.