Yeah it's a toss-up really. Quality defencemen and goaltenders are in short supply -- and generally they both take much longer to "mature" than forwards. Y9ou can draft either one now, but it's going to take most players a few years to really mature into the role. IMO, defence is the hardest position to play in hockey. Goalie is the most stressful, yes, but defence is the most difficult to actually play really well. I agree. I just started playing defense this year (played forward previously). I like it, but it's much more high-pressure and harder to make plays.