Goalies are Special

The Position of Goalie is a special position in hockey.  Goalies have special privileges, they have special rules, they have special equipment.  Even other hockey players will tell you that goalies are a special breed.  The position of goalie IS a special position and should be treated as such.  Here are just some examples of how Goalies are special:

Some Examples of how Goalies are Special

1. The position of Goalie is to ensure that goals are NOT scored.  All other hockey players are trying to score.  Goalies are the only players on the ice who think "scoring sucks".
   
2. They are allowed to stop the play of the game by 'covering' the puck.
3. They get to wear equipment that is specifically designed to protect them while they play the role of Killjoys.  
4. They have a really big stick.
   
5. They have their special 'blue ice'.
6. Opposing players are not allowed to interfere with Goalies at any location on the ice.  Its like "Roughing the Kicker", but with more equipment.

Here's the problem - Goalies can also kill forechecks.  That isn't their job.  Their job is to ruin the opposing team's party by stopping the puck from entering the net behind them.  Forechecking, as explained in previous posts is DESIRABLE.  By using their trapper on their stick to handle and pass the puck, they can essentially act as another defenseman - which gives the defending team an advantage of the attacking team.  Not exciting.  The first time I saw this was with Billy Smith in the '80s.  This is not a 'part of hockey'.  This is a modification made by players that was not curtailed at the beginning and now precedence has been set.

Now what?
OK, the cat is out of the bag.  What changes can we make?  It's simple - If a player on the ice uses their equipment for anything other than it was originally designed for, that player is assessed a two minute "Unsportsmanlike Conduct" penalty.

As soon as a goalie uses their trapper (aka CATCHING GLOVE) on their stick (which is designed for stopping pucks, not shooting them) they are assessed a two minute penalty.  Goalies can still stop pucks behind the net to aid their defensemen, or scoop pucks with one hand but this would put the end to the forecheck-killing goalie.  Goalies have the right to safe, reliable equipment and protection from interference, but they do not have the right to play as other players play.