Abstract Ice hockey goaltenders need to process visual information quickly and perform precise motor actions, but research on their gaze behavior in game-like scenarios remains limited. This study compared gaze behavior of elite and amateur ice hockey goaltenders in static and dynamic scenarios. Ten male goaltenders (five elites and five amateurs) took part in this cross-sectional study. Gaze behavior was measured using Tobii Pro Glasses 3 eye-tracking technology during two on-ice drills: a static 1–0 drill and a dynamic 2–0 drill. Group differences were examined by measuring the number of fixations and absolute and relative fixation durations across predefined areas of interest (AOIs). Quiet eye (QE) onset, offset, and duration were also extracted, and the relationship between these variables and save success was evaluated. Elite goaltenders demonstrated a more efficient gaze strategy in both drills, exhibiting significantly fewer fixations per trial ( p < 0.001, g = – 1.39; p < 0.001, g = – 1.03) but more absolute fixation duration ( p < 0.001, g = 0.92; p < 0.001, g = 0.89). Additionally, the absolute duration of QE was longer in the 1–0 drill ( p < 0.001, g = 1.05). Similarly, the duration of QE relative to trial duration was longer in the 2–0 drill ( p = 0.01, g = 0.36). No significant differences were found in fixation patterns between saves and goals. Elite goaltenders showed superior gaze control, characterized by fewer but longer fixations and a longer QE period, which may enhance anticipation and decision-making. These results underline the importance of visual perception training in the development of goaltenders.
Laukkanen et al. (Mon,) studied this question.