The depth portion goaltender positioning is derived from the Buckley Positioning System (BPS) and focuses on the goaltender finding optimal depth.  Mike Buckley, is a former collegiate and professional goalie and current Development Goalie Coach for the Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins.

• Defensive Depth: When the puck is in this area the goaltender is either on the post or is tracking the puck behind the net.

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  Conservative Depth: When the puck is in this area the goaltender is aware of a potential lateral play or is recovering to be set on a rebound. Also, while the puck is in the opposite end of the ice rink or near the center red line, the goaltender should be in the center of the crease between defensive and conservative depth, ready to move to aggressive depth as the play nears the defensive zone.

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  Base Depth: When the puck is in this area the goaltender will have his or her skate blades on the top of the crease (red outline of the crease).  This is the depth is where goaltenders should be prior to most shot attempts against them.

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  Aggressive Depth: When the puck is in this area the goalie reaches the aggressive depth to address the play as the puck enters the defensive zone.  Aggressive depth is also used when the goaltender reads the play and anticipates a shot. If the goaltender has time, a quick push to aggressive depth prior to the shot will cut down the angle the puck has to the net.