The Blackhawks used a 36-year-old accountant as an emergency goalie and he stopped every shot he faced
- The Chicago Blackhawks needed their emergency goalie on Thursday night as a backup, so they turned to 36-year-old accountant Scott Foster.
- Foster had not played in a professional hockey game in 12 years, and had never previously appeared in the NHL.
- Another injury forced Foster into action and he stopped all 7 shots he faced in 14 minutes.
Scott Foster had the night of his life on Thursday night.
The 36-year-old accountant had not played a competitive hockey game in 12 years, but injuries forced Foster into action for the Chicago Blackhawks and then he proceeded to stop every shot he faced in 14 minutes of action.
The Blackhawks starting goalie, Anton Forsberg, was injured during warm-ups.
NHL teams keep "emergency" goalies around for situations just like this. They are typically local rec-league goalies who typically just get, according to Jay Cohen of Boston.com, "a nice dinner and a night in the press box watching the world's best players compete at hockey's highest level."
If a goalie is injured unexpectedly, and there is not enough time for a minor league goalie to arrive, the emergency goalie will suit up, go through warmups, and usually, sit on the end of the bench watching the game.
But on Thursday, the Blackhawks also lost their second goalie to an injury in the third period. So Foster was forced into action, and in a huge spot, where he was forced to protect a 6-2 lead over the final 14 minutes. And did he have a night!
He immediately stopped his first shot and got a huge ovation from the crowd.
But he wasn't done.
He stopped each of the next six shots he faced also.
7 shots, 7 saves!
Interestingly, the emergency goalies are provided by the home team, but they can be used by either team, if needed. Foster could have just as easily been needed by the Jets.
But, when the final horn blew, the Blackhawks were winners, 6-2, and Foster was the hero.
His teammates showed their appreciation.
He was even named the First Star of the game.
Well deserved!
