Joe Sakic doesn’t know where it all began, but suspects the first goalie to “stand on his head” had something to do with circus acrobats.
“Maybe Cirque du Soleil,” the Avalanche captain said, pondering the origin of the odd hockey term. “But really, I have no clue.”
Similar responses were found throughout the Avalanche locker room Wednesday — even from white-hot goalie Jose Theodore, who has been dubbed a “headstander” numerous times recently.
“No clue,” Theodore said of the idiom’s origin. “But I know when you say you’re standing on top of your head, it means you’re playing the best you can play, and making saves that are almost lucky in a way, because you’re stopping everything.”
Avs defenseman Kurt Sauer figures the expression was originated by a goalie looking for attention.
“Somebody that just said, ‘Look what I can do,’ and ‘He’s standing on his head,’ ” Sauer said.
Here’s the skinny, according to the Colorado Springs-based USA Hockey Magazine: The term began with former NHL president Frank Calder in 1918. In the early years of the NHL, goalies were prohibited from falling to the ice to block a shot. Then in 1918 Calder changed the rules. In describing the change, Calder said, “They could stand on their head if they want to.”
Goalies began making acrobatic saves with virtually every part of their body and every piece of their equipment.
“It means he’s making saves all over the place, from his back, his blocker, side to side, saves you wouldn’t expect, through screens — just awkward,” said former University of Denver star Angelo Ricci, who is director of the Littleton Hockey Association.
When a goalie stands on his head, his teammates usually feel they’re going to win.
“It’s momentum, when your goalie is playing as hot as Jose is, you’re feeling a lot more confident because you know he’s going to be there covering for you,” Sakic said.
Said Avs defenseman John-Michael Liles: “When the other team’s goalie is standing on his head, it’s not very fun, but when your goalie is standing on his head, it’s beautiful.”
Mike Chambers: 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com
