NHL announces yet another new goalie rule, and it's turning heads
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Every emergency backup goaltender across the NHL will be required to wear No. 00 for their team this season, according to a report from insider Chris Johnston.
Johnston detailed the change as part of the league's broader overhaul of the EBUG system, which now mandates that every team carry its own designated emergency goalie for both home and road games rather than relying on a rink-side volunteer supplied by the home team.
Further to this, it sounds like every EBUG is required to wear No. 00 for their NHL team this season. As a reminder: Everyone will carry an emergency backup home and road this season. Those goalies can't have NHL experience or more than 80 pro games.
What Changes for EBUGs This Season
The shift represents one of the more visible pieces of the new arrangement between the league and its teams.
Previously, EBUGs were arena employees, local goalies, or even Zamboni drivers pressed into service only when both rostered goaltenders went down, with no standardized uniform number attached to the role.
Under the new setup, every club will travel with its own EBUG rather than depending on whoever the home team has arranged.
Johnston's report indicates the eligibility bar remains similar to past seasons, with no NHL game experience allowed and a hard cap of 80 professional games played.
Why the Number Matters
Assigning a uniform number like 00 gives the role a consistent identity across all 32 teams, making it instantly recognizable to broadcasters, officials, and fans whenever an EBUG is called into action.
It also formalizes a job that has produced some of hockey's most memorable underdog moments.
This detail should be treated as a developing report pending official league confirmation.
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