What It’s Like to Be a Rent-a-Goalie in Canada
There’s a unique group of hockey players across Canada who live by a different puck drop schedule: rent-a-goalies. These unsung heroes show up at unfamiliar rinks, face shots from unknown shooters, and help save beer league games from cancellation. If you've ever wondered what it's like to be a rent-a-goalie, here’s a behind-the-mask look at this essential hockey gig.
The Basics: What Is a Rent-a-Goalie?
A rent-a-goalie is exactly what it sounds like: a goalie-for-hire who steps in for teams that don’t have a regular netminder or whose goalie cancels last-minute. Through platforms like MyPuck.com, goalies can browse available games, accept bookings, and get paid to play.
Related: How renting a goalie works
A Day in the Life of a Rent-a-Goalie
Let’s say you’re a rent-a-goalie in Toronto. You might get a ping at noon for a game at 9 PM. You accept the game through the app, gear up, hit the rink, and meet your new team in the dressing room minutes before puck drop. You play hard, get a few fist bumps (and maybe a post-game beer), and head home.
Repeat tomorrow.
Why People Love Being a Spare Goalie
1. You Stay in the Game
Most rent-a-goalies are former competitive players who want to keep their skills sharp and their love of hockey alive.
2. You Meet Great People
Every team is different. Some are ultra-serious. Others are just there for the cardio and post-game wings.
3. You Get Paid to Play
Goalies typically earn $40–$80 per game. If you play multiple nights a week, that adds up.
4. You’re the Hero
There’s nothing like walking into a game and knowing 10 people are grateful just because you showed up.
Challenges of Being a Rent-a-Goalie
Hauling heavy gear everywhere
Playing on unfamiliar ice
Facing teams that might not pass or backcheck
Sometimes being the scapegoat for a loss
Still, for most goalies, the pros far outweigh the cons.
How to Become a Rent-a-Goalie
Visit MyPuck.com
Sign up and create your profile
Set your availability and preferred skill levels
Accept games that work for your schedule
Tips for Success
Be early to make a good first impression
Communicate clearly with teams through the app
Keep your gear in good shape
Ask for reviews to get more bookings
Stories from the Crease
Every rent-a-goalie has a story: the time they played on 10 minutes' notice, the shootout win for a team they just met, or the beer league championship game they were called in to save.
Related: Top 5 reasons teams hire a spare goalie
Final Thoughts
Being a rent-a-goalie isn’t just a side hustle — it’s a community role, a connection to the game, and a chance to be the backbone of a different team every night. If you’ve got the pads and the passion, there’s no better way to keep playing hockey.
Think you have what it takes? Join the MyPuck goalie network now