An EBUG in hockey stands for Emergency Back-Up Goaltender. It is a rule that requires NHL teams to have a random person standing by in the arena, ready to hit the ice should either team’s two goalies both get injured. The EBUG is not on a teams roster but attends all its home games and occasionally practices with the team. They are typically an everyday individual who has past goaltending experience. When activated, EBUGs usually sign either an amateur or professional tryout contract. EBUGs almost never used in a regular-season game, but when it happens, its always a fantastic story. Only five EBUGs have ever appeared in an NHL game.