Does Height and Size Matter in Hockey?

You’ll never get everybody to agree when it comes to the topic of height and hockey players as some people will always believe that a good bigger player will always be more effective than a good smaller player. I played hockey, coached hockey, and a common saying for me that comes to mind is “You can teach a big player to be a good hockey player, but you can’t teach a small player to be big”.

However, there have been dozens of excellent hockey players who are well under six-feet-tall as height doesn’t really affect your chances of making it to the NHL these days if you’re an elite-level player.

I think there is an issue in hockey with scouts overlooking smaller players who are better than taller/bigger players. However, if a small player is great and is destined to do great things in the sport it is only a matter of time until someone notices and they get their much deserved opportunity.

Do Taller Hockey Players Have an Advantage? 

It’s true that taller players do enjoy some on-ice advantages as the reach and stick length of a taller player can reduce the amount of open ice, enable them to get to loose pucks first, stick check the opposition and help them deke and reach around smaller opponents and goaltenders.

Being taller can also help when battling for territory in the offensive and defensive goalie crease areas. Longer legs also allow most tall players to cover more ice in fewer skating strides when compared to shorter players, although it may take them a little longer to get up to full speed.

I find the largest advantage of a large player, especially in younger leagues is that they are much more likely to dominate physically. When body contact is introduced to the game they are mentally and physically at an advantage over other players. They are more likely to successfully body-check others and also a body-check does less damage to them. Their total strength will help win battles and shoot the puck hard.

Do Tall Goalies Have an Advantage? 

Taller goalies definitely have an advantage over their shorter counterparts as they cover more of the net while standing and when down on the ice. This is because they fill more of the net vertically and their long legs can cover more of the lower net and the ice when they are down in the butterfly position.

Of course, the chances of making a save are a lot higher when there’s less net for the opposition to shoot at. In addition, a longer reach is beneficial for making poke checks and intercepting cross-crease passes etc.

It is not unknown that taller goalies get scouted and drafted because of their size, while a better skilled smaller goalie can be left behind.

What’s the Average Height of an NHL Player?

When the NHL dropped the puck to open the 2022/23 season, the average height of a player was 73.2 inches, which converts to 6-feet-1-and-a-half-inches tall. 

The tallest player was Tyler Myers at 80 inches (6’8”) with Cole Caufield and Alex DeBrincat the shortest at 67 inches (5’7”).

The average height for defencemen was 73.7 inches, while the average height for a forward was 72.9 inches. Defenders weighed an average of 202 lbs with forwards weighing an average of 197.8 lbs.

What’s the Average Height Of an NHL Goalie?

In the 2022/23 campaign, the average height of an NHL goalie was 75 inches or 6’3”. 

Does Weight Matter in Hockey?

Weight can make a difference in hockey when the play gets physical. Heavier players are typically able to deliver and absorb harder body checks and can use their weight to lean on smaller players when trying to clear the crease area, gain position in the opponent’s crease area and when fighting for pucks along the boards.

When the play is non-physical in nature, your weight won’t really be a disadvantage or advantage to you as long as it’s compatible with your height and body type.

If you are heavy because you are out of physical shape, you are at a huge disadvantage as speed is one of the most important attributes when it comes to hockey.

What’s the Average Weight of NHL Players?

I won’t list individual weights of NHL players as weight is something that changes all the time. When I played hockey, I could start the season at 185 and in the middle of the season I could be down to 165. Crazy what daily hockey at a high level can do to your body!

The average weight of NHL players is approximately 198 lbs. The range is rather large as there are many larger players and also many smaller players, NHL players weigh between 160 lbs up to 250 lbs.

Typically shorter players weigh less and taller players weigh more. Age also may impact a players weight, younger players may not be fully developed and they may grow taller and gain more muscle.

Should Hockey Players Be Bulky?

Hockey players with lean muscle mass and low body fat generally succeed the most when it comes to maximizing their physical performance as it gives them greater strength, speed and endurance. Added muscle can help protect you against injury when delivering and absorbing body checks and a finely tuned body can help fight off muscle strains, sprains and so on.

The ideal body fat ratio for male NHL players should be no higher than 12 per cent while the the ideal body fat for elite female players should be no higher than 18 per cent. There’s no need to bulk up like a body builder but hockey players should definitely work on all of their muscle groups.

Is there Such a Thing as a “Short Advantage” is Hockey?

Shorter hockey players can often pivot and change directions much quicker than taller players as they generally have less body mass. This can allow them to dart quickly in and out of the reach of taller players while carrying the puck.

Shorter players also have a lower center of gravity which enables them to stay on their feet a little easier when absorbing body checks because of better balance. In addition, shorter players can typically reach top skating speed quicker than taller players.

Playing hockey my whole life I have also noticed that smaller players have unbelievable hand-eye coordination. This provides an advantage for tipping/deflecting pucks into the net. Also, since shorter players are quick and shifty, with the added coordination they typically have very quick hands making deking a specialty.

Who Are Some Short NHL Players?

Notable current and former NHL players who are on the short side include:

Who are Some Tall NHL Players?

Some of the tallest former and current NHL players ever include:

Final Thoughts

There are pros and cons of being a tall hockey player but your body position, agility, skating ability, strength, speed, quickness, skill set, hockey sense, work ethic and intellect are really most important than your height and/or weight.

The NHL isn’t as physical as it used to be and many general managers are opting to choose go with speed, skill and smarts over brawn.

Jamie

Jamie is the founder of Hockey Response and he is the chief writer/ lead editor. Jamie has been playing hockey for over 20 years. He was the defenseman of the year in NL and has played Jr A level hockey. Jamie has coached several kids hockey camps and he was the assistant coach of the Western Kings.