36-year-old accountant with no NHL experience stars in Blackhawks win
2 replies
Dol-Fan DupreeForum VeteranOPWow, what a cool story!
Foster is one of a small group of ‘‘emergency backup’’ goaltenders who are kept on hand, usually in the press box or the stands, in the highly unlikely event both regular goalies on the roster are hurt or otherwise unavailable.
It is ‘‘among hockey’s great quirks,’’ as Hockey News put it, ‘‘is that it’s the only pro sport with the potential for someone not on the roster to come out of the stands and actually play in the game.’’ But, ‘‘it takes a very rare set of circumstances to open that door . . .’’
Hours before the game, goaltender Anton Forsberg injured himself during a morning practice, according to the Chicago Tribune. Down to one goalie, rookie Collin Delia, the Blackhawks signed Foster as an emergency back-up.
When asked if he received any advice before his big moment, Foster said, ‘‘I don’t think I heard anything other than ‘Put your helmet on’.’’
It turns out no advice was needed.
Foster was an impenetrable wall, stopping all seven of the shots he faced, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.
In the 14 minutes and one second that Foster played, the Internet went wild.
His spotless performance stunned fans, with Sun-Times reporter Satchel Price tweeting an all-caps reminder that Foster had ‘‘NEVER PLAYED PRO HOCKEY.’’
His spotless performance even earned him the team belt, which is awarded to the player of the game.
What a night.
‘‘This is something that no one can ever take away from me,’’ Foster said. ‘‘It’s something that I can go home and tell my kids.’’
Holland is a huge upgrade over McCain
I want to be alive, I am alive! Alive, I tell you! Mother, I love you, those are no longer just words. I want to hold you, I want to run in a stream, I want to taste ice cream but not just put it in my mouth and let it slide down my throat but really eat it. - Robot Morty
Unlucky 13SupporterI read another article on this earlier. It mentioned, but did not explain, that NHL rules prevent the team from calling someone up from the minors in this circumstance. That seems incredibly archaic.
I can't believe this! IF that's completely accurate is one of the best stories I've ever hear :)