The Unpredictable Life of an NHL Emergency Goalie
In the high-stakes world of professional hockey, one of the most unique and unpredictable roles belongs to the emergency backup goalie, commonly known as an EBUG. These amateur players sit in arenas, ready to be called upon at any moment to suit up for an NHL team when regular goaltenders are unavailable.
Always on Call
Westin Cardwell, a designated EBUG, experienced this firsthand during an Edmonton Oilers game against the Minnesota Wild on January 31, 2026. From his seat in the press box at Rogers Place, eight floors above the ice surface, Cardwell watched the action unfold with his cell phone and a can of Dr. Pepper nearby. The game featured three early first-period goals and numerous high-danger scoring chances, creating a challenging night for goaltenders.
"The initial shock happened when I had to dress, and then I think you just kind of black out after that," Cardwell recalled about his emergency call-up experiences.
At any moment during the game, Cardwell could receive a message on his phone or a tap on the shoulder from Oilers communication staff. That signal would send him rushing to the underground parkade to retrieve his goalie pads and mask before signing a temporary contract with whichever team required his services.
The EBUG Experience
Over five years, Cardwell has been called to NHL dressing rooms on five separate occasions—twice for the New Jersey Devils, twice for the Anaheim Ducks, and once for the Buffalo Sabres. While he has never actually taken the ice during a game, the preparation and anticipation remain constant.
"I get to the rink, eat a meal and relax," Cardwell explained about his game-day routine. "If the call comes, I go get my stuff and get ready. Someone will come and then show me what to do next."
The first couple of emergency call-ups filled Cardwell with nervous anticipation, but he gradually became more comfortable with the unusual situation. His role represents one of the quirkiest positions in all of professional sports, where an amateur athlete must remain prepared to join the highest level of competition without warning.
Understanding the EBUG System
EBUG stands for "emergency backup goalie," a crucial component of NHL operations. Most teams carry only two goaltenders on their active rosters, with both dressing for games—one as starter and one as backup. If either goalie becomes ill or injured during a game, the emergency goalie system ensures the contest can continue without interruption.
The EBUG could potentially play for either the home team or visiting squad, depending on which organization experiences goaltender difficulties. Under the NHL's collective bargaining agreement rules, each team can utilize emergency goalies twice per season before roster penalties apply.
This system creates a unique scenario where an amateur player can sign a professional contract midway through a game—a circumstance virtually unheard of in other major sports. While most EBUG experiences mirror Cardwell's five call-ups without actual game action, the possibility always exists that they might need to take the ice.
Historical Precedent
The most famous EBUG incident occurred in February 2020 when David Ayres, a 42-year-old Zamboni driver and practice goalie for the Toronto Maple Leafs, stepped in for the Carolina Hurricanes against his own employer. Ayres not only played but helped Carolina defeat Toronto, becoming an overnight sensation and demonstrating the dramatic potential of the emergency goalie system.
For players like Westin Cardwell, the EBUG role represents both an honor and an extraordinary responsibility. They must maintain professional-level readiness while knowing they might never actually play, all while contributing to the smooth operation of NHL games across North America. This unique position continues to be one of hockey's most fascinating traditions, blending amateur participation with professional sports in a way no other league replicates.
