In the NHL, every team dresses two goaltenders per game—a starter and a backup. But in the rare case that both become unavailable due to injury or illness during a game, the team can turn to an Emergency Backup Goalie, or EBUG.

The EBUG is a non-roster goaltender made available for emergency situations. Usually, they’re a local goalie with competitive playing experience—such as former college or junior-level play—but not currently under contract with a professional team.

These goalies are typically present at the arena and ready to suit up immediately. While their chances of playing are slim, their presence ensures games can continue safely—and occasionally results in unforgettable NHL moments.

How the EBUG Rule Works

The rule is outlined in NHL Rulebook Section 5.3, which states:

“If both listed goalkeepers are incapacitated, that team shall be entitled to dress and play any goalkeeper who is eligible.”

This gives teams the ability to use an emergency goalie who isn’t part of the regular roster—so long as that goalie meets basic eligibility standards. The rule doesn’t define exact criteria, but teams follow general practices based on prior league guidance.

Key Points:

• Each home team must ensure an EBUG is present at every home game.

• The EBUG can be used by either the home or visiting team if both of their goalies are incapacitated.

• The goalie signs a short-term Amateur Tryout Agreement (ATO) or a Professional Tryout (PTO) to become eligible to play in that specific game.

Who Can Be an EBUG?

There’s no publicly documented minimum age or fixed experience level in the NHL rulebook. However, in practice, EBUGs tend to:

• Be not under contract with any professional team

• Have prior experience at a competitive amateur, junior, or collegiate level

• Be in good physical condition and ready to play

• Reside locally and be able to reach the arena quickly

Each NHL team or arena maintains a list of such candidates throughout the season. While there’s no guarantee an EBUG will ever see the ice, they must be ready if called upon.

What Happens When an EBUG Is Needed?

If a team loses both goaltenders due to injury during a game, they can officially sign the EBUG to a tryout agreement during the game.

In most cases, the EBUG joins the bench as backup, but in a handful of cases, they’ve actually played—and changed the course of a game.

Notable EBUG Moments

🥅 David Ayres – Carolina Hurricanes (2020)

The most iconic EBUG moment happened on February 22, 2020. Ayres, a 42-year-old building operations staffer and part-time practice goalie, was called into action for the Hurricanes against the Maple Leafs. Ayres allowed two goals but made eight saves and secured a 6–3 victory.

He became the first EBUG to be credited with an NHL win, and his story went viral.

🧾 Scott Foster – Chicago Blackhawks (2018)

Foster, a 36-year-old accountant and former NCAA goaltender, entered a Blackhawks game when injuries knocked out both rostered goalies. He stopped all seven shots he faced in 14 minutes and was named first star of the game.

Do EBUGs Get Paid?

Most EBUGs sign an Amateur Tryout Agreement (ATO), which does not guarantee compensation. They may receive team merchandise, a jersey, or other mementos.

In some cases, a Professional Tryout Contract (PTO) may be issued, which allows for small payments—often reported as $500–$1,000—though this varies by team and is not standard.

The true value for many EBUGs is the once-in-a-lifetime chance to skate in an NHL game.

Why Not Just Call Up a Minor League Goalie?

Teams cannot call up a goalie mid-game. NHL rosters are locked once the game starts, and there simply isn’t time to fly in a backup from the AHL or ECHL in the middle of a game.

That’s why each home team must have an EBUG available on-site—so play can continue even in rare double-injury scenarios.

Are EBUG Rules Changing?

There have been discussions between the NHL and NHLPA about modifying the EBUG system as part of future Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) changes.

Some proposals under consideration include:

• Assigning designated third goalies to travel with teams

• Placing limits on EBUG eligibility (e.g., no recent pro experience, fewer than 80 pro games played)

• Replacing ad hoc in-arena EBUGs with contracted replacements

As of now, no formal date has been confirmed for implementation, but such changes may arrive in the coming seasons, potentially by 2026–27.

Why the EBUG Rule Captivates Fans

The EBUG rule is a rare quirk in pro sports that highlights the unpredictability and heart of hockey. It offers fans a connection to the game’s grassroots nature—where an everyday player can get the call and become a hero.

It also underscores the NHL’s commitment to player safety and competitive balance, ensuring games can continue even in the most unexpected goalie crises.

Final Whistle

The Emergency Backup Goalie rule remains one of the NHL’s most fascinating features. It’s rarely needed, and even more rarely results in actual ice time—but when it does, it creates moments that transcend the sport.

For recreational goalies and beer league warriors everywhere, it’s the ultimate underdog dream: sit in the stands one minute, skate onto NHL ice the next.