My sons team has 1 goalie and it works. Most parents are complaining that when he misses(once and a while) the goalies we get a goalie that is not at our level and it screws things up. When he misses practice the kids shoot on an open net.
I do not think it is fair to the team that we have 1 goalie.
Not looking for negativity but going into pee wee I think we should have 2. What are your thoughts

1 is fine. Not the current one if he is missing practices and the occasional game.

Goalie should've dependable. They should be at 99.99% of games or practices or you need a second. And let's face it, forwards and Ds can't be on their A game 100% of the time so you shouldn't expect the goalie to be. Another reason for two

Peewee's and beyond if you are in a good league , 2 goalies are needed , they get hurt , sick , family issues any thing can happen . Two good goalies is needed .

I am a goalie parent of a good U14 goalie and we love having two . They compete at practice and have a bond that is different from players .

Have had two since peewee minor .

You need two for sure. I could list off twenty or so reasons but first and foremost too much work and not enough game simulation at practice with only one goalie.

Split games or play every other game???

From PW forward definitely two. They can push each other, and they create a bond that is awesome. All position players compete for ice time - goalies should be no different in youth hockey.

The problem is often that some goalie parent demands, or "works a deal" before signing that their player is either the "only" goalie - or at the very least gets 99% of the games. Those are the parents more worried about THEIR player and NOT the team - a sure cancer.

We got rid of such a parent last year, now have two goalies and the change in results and team spirit is tremendous - it just took awhile for our coach to see the light.

two goalies, full games.....

the benefits of two goalies are too numerous to list. Especially in practices and the unique bond that goalies develop with each other.

Full games, as it allows each of the kids to "own" a game. it's theirs from start to finish. splitting games can often develop resentment between the goalies and within the locker room beyond the goalies...

What happens to the rest of this thread from this morning. Alot of great insight and good feelings!

Perhaps that doesn't fit the dboard narrative?

Happy to see JA at the top of the USHL scoring and getting his due.

Must be driving all the haters nuts!!

the problem starts with the parents who think that "it screws things up". It gets screwed up because he give up more goals and you might actually lose? or is screws things up because little Timmy and little Johnny have to work harder and play better to limit the goalies exposure? BFD, play the game and have fun. Work hard and hopefully they come out with a win.

And do you actually think your 2nd goalie would be as good as your first anyway?? If they are both that good, one will be a #1 goalie somewhere else. No one that good is going to stay with a program to split time, or worse, be a backup.