What keeps the goal from moving around the ice?

by NHL | Dec. 28, 2001

Do you have a question about hockey? About skills? About the game? Meet our expert: Willie O'Ree! You can send Willie e-mail right here: nhlkids@nhl.com.

Hi Willie:
What do they use to keep the "cage" from moving during the game?
-Brandon

Hi, Brandon:
The cage or, more properly, the goal net is kept in place during games by magnets that are in the goal posts and in the ice. The magnets are designed to withstand some force, but they do release their grip when players hit the net with a strong jolt. This cuts down on injuries that used to occur years ago when when the nets were firmly mounted on posts.

Mr O'Ree:
Who do you think has been the best team in the NHL for the last ten years?
Mark

Hi, Mark:
Over the last 10 years, I would say the best NHL team is a toss-up between the Detroit Red Wings, Colorado Avalanche and the New Jersey Devils. Each has won two Stanley Cups in that time.

Willie:
Who is the oldest player in the NHL now?
adude1S

Adudels:
I haven't really checked all the rosters, but I believe that Mark Messier of the Rangers is the oldest player in the NHL this season. Marks turns 41 in January.

Willie,
Has there ever been an NHL goaltender named as a captain for their team?
Jan

Hi, Jan:
It is very unsual for a goaltender to serve as captain of an NHL team, but it has happened. George Hainsworth, in 1932-33, and Bill Durnan, in 1947-48, both served as captain of the Montreal Canadiens.

Willie,
How do you think the Detroit Red Wings will do ???
Shane

Hi, Shane:
The Red Wings? Let's put it this way: I think they'll win the Stanley Cup!

Hi,
I play soccer at the Soccer Center at Calgary. I am a golie and only six goals have been scored on me. Hockey is almost the same at the center. Just the feild and the net size is different. There aren't 4 circles, but it the same. What is GAA?
Alex

Hi, Alex:
GAA stands for goals-against average. Simply divide the number of games played into the number of goals allowed, and you have your GAA. If you have allowed 12 goals in four games played, then your GAA is 3.00.

Dear Willie,
First of all, I'm sorry about your eye. I play minor peewee A1 hockey in Winnipeg, Manitoba. As of December 15, my team is 6-1-1. I was wondering how you get your average penalty minutes per game?
KEVIN

Hi, Kevin:
Average penalty minutes per game is determined exactly the same way that I described GAA above. Simply divide your total number of penalty minutes by the number of games you have played.

Hello:
I play hockey and I wanted to ask where are pucks made.
Reed

Hi, Reed:
Pucks are made all over the world actually---Canada, the United States, Russia, the Czech Republic, just to name a few of the manufacturing countries.

Dear Willie,
I am on a team that can't seem to win. We get close but can never get that one goal. How can I make the team better? I don't want to be a puck hog and go end to end, so what should I do?
From: Tyler Froh

Hi, Tyler:
Well, there is no specific formula that guarantees success in any sport. Practice and hard work are the two most important things in my mind. It's admirable for you to not want to be a puck hog. If you are one of the better players on the team, perhaps you can spend some extra time helping your teammates improve in their weaker areas. Just stick with it and your team is bound to improve. Good luck.

Hi there!
Where is Dmitri Mironov? Is he still with the Washington Capitals? Was he injured? I haven't heard anything about him recently.
Thank You!
Sylvia

Hi, Sylvia:
I believe that Dmitri Mironov is retired. He played only 36 games last season for the Washington Capitals.