Revisiting Goalie Height Incentivization
For reference in NHL 24 these two Patches/Updates were introduced:
NHL 24 Patch 1.4.0
NHL 24 1.4.0 Patch Notes | EA Forums - 9571885
NHL 24 April 25th Update Tuner
NHL 24 April 25th Gameplay Tuner | EA Forums - 9543007
In these two updates, something that I truly enjoyed was how the abilities lightwork and extra padding were increased based on the height of the goalie, incentivizing the use of smaller goalies. I know that the majority of the community stuck to habits of being 6'5 and that was fine, but I did utilize a smaller goalie for the end of 24 and the majority of NHL 25. I really found enjoyment playing a more traditional style that these increases allowed in game.
In NHL 26, the removal of lightwork and extra padding removed this feature of giving smaller goalies an increase in abilities reverting to even myself finding 6'5 being the preferred height.
Just as a suggestion to bring back the incentivized use of smaller goalies it would be interesting/exciting if smaller goalies were given an increase to all abilities based on size. For example, Showstopper (All-Star) currently gives a 25% increase to save ability and reaction time. Following something similar to how Lightwork was increased in the past the following formula could be introduced:
Showstopper (All-Star)
6'4-6'5: no additional increase
6'3: +5% increase = 30% increase to save ability and reaction time
6'2: +10% increase = 35% increase to save ability and reaction time
6'1: +15% increase = 40% increase to save ability and reaction time
6'0: +20% increase = 45% increase to save ability and reaction time
etc.
My thought on this would be a small but significant increase to all abilities like this would incentivize smaller goalies once again, adding to the variety of the position.
I appreciate any and all of you who took the time to read and consider this suggestion/feedback. Feel free to tweak this idea with any suggestions you might have as well in the comments. Were all in this together. Looking forward to seeing you all on the ice.
