US EditionHockey's Beloved Emergency Backup Goalies Face an Uncertain Future with New NHL Rule
CANADA, JUL 15 – The NHL will replace rare emergency backup goalies with full-time traveling backups to improve team readiness, with EBUGs having appeared in only six of 13,068 games in 10 seasons.
- Starting in the 2026-27 NHL season, NHL teams will require full-time, traveling emergency backup goalies, replacing non-rostered locals like accountants or Zamboni drivers. Scott Foster said, 'Like most things, change is inevitable.'
- Amid growing demands on goaltenders, Justin Goldman, Colorado Avalanche Emergency Backup Goalie and Goalie Guild founder, said, adding sport has become faster and more taxing physically.
- Given the program's rarity, EBUGs have appeared in just six of 13,068 regular-season games over the past decade, naming David Ayres, Scott Foster, Tom Hodges, Jett Alexander, and Matt Berlin.
- In reaction to the new rule, Scott Foster said, 'Like most things, change is inevitable,' noting that the guidelines still allow fairytale moments despite erasing some mystery.
- Amid these changes, questions remain, including costs to roster and fly emergency backups across North America.
55 Articles
55 Articles
EBUG Legend David Ayres Gives His Take On NHL's Big Rule Change
I'm still in a state of mourning now that the NHL will be shaking up its emergency backup goalie, or EBUG, rule in the new collective bargaining agreement. This means that no longer will we get to see accountants, Zamboni drivers, or beer leagues throw on their pads and backstop an NHL club.Instead, each team will employ a full-time, traveling replacement goalie instead of the home team supplying one backup who, I believe, sat up in the press bo…
NHL: Under new CBA, the emergency goalie role will change dramatically
Former Zamboni driver-turned-arena manager David Ayres became an immediate sensation when he pulled on the goaltending gear and took the ice in an NHL game on a Saturday night in Toronto and beat his hometown Maple Leafs. Before that, accountant by day/beer league goalie by night Scott Foster won a game for Chicago. It’s the stuff of legend, possible only in hockey thanks to the existence of emergency backup goaltenders, the beloved “EBUGs” who …
Associated Press News
Hockey's beloved emergency backup goalies face an uncertain future with new NHL rule
The beginning of the NHL’s next collective bargaining agreement brings to an end the possibility that a former Zamboni driver or an accountant who plays beer league hockey could enter a game in the league.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 63% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
