An emergency backup goalie (EBUG) is a goaltender who is not part of either teams roster but is available to play in case both of a teams goalies are injured or otherwise unable to play. Here are some key points about EBUGs:

• Designation: Each home team is required to designate an emergency goalie for each game. This person is usually a rec league player or former college player who helps out at practice.

• Preparation: EBUGs attend the game but usually sit in the press box and are not needed to play. However, they prepare as if they are playing that night. They take the pregame nap, get to the rink early, dress up nice, and manage their game.

• Eligibility: Emergency goalies who are activated sign either an amateur or professional tryout contract. They are generally goaltending coaches themselves at higher levels of amateur hockey, and/or they play in a very competitive adult league for some part of the calendar year.

• Experience: It is a unique experience for someone who has been obsessed with goalies since they were a little kid. It is definitely tricky, definitely surreal, but its a huge, huge honor and something that no one will ever be able to take away from them.

• Famous case: David Ayres, a building operator for the Toronto Maple Leafs, played for the Carolina Hurricanes against Toronto on Feb. 22, 2020, after goalies James Reimer and Petr Mrazek were injured. Ayres saved eight of 10 shots in a 6-3 win, becoming the first emergency backup goalie to be credited an NHL win.

Overall, EBUGs are an important part of the NHLs emergency backup goalie system, and they play a crucial role in ensuring that games can continue even if both of a teams goalies are unable to play.