Netminder

GOALIE

This hockey player wears extra padding and stands between the pipes to block shots.

"Netminder" is a common hockey term for the player who guards the goal, which is exactly what a "goalie" does. The clue plays on the literal role—stopping pucks from hitting the net—while using a less common but well-known synonym. In sports like hockey or soccer, this position is always called the goalie, making it a straightforward answer.