'Surreal': Emergency backup goalies getting second crack at NHL dream - TSN
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Brendan Bonello can name every goaltender to suit up for the Toronto Maple Leafs over the last two decades. He also eventually realized his own quest to stop NHL shooters would likely never materialize. The Mississauga, Ont., product patrolled the crease in junior and university hockey, along with a brief stint in the third-tier ECHL. His playing days over, Bonello got the opportunity to help the Maple Leafs’ organization whenever an extra netminder was needed at practice or a game-day skate. The road, it seemed, ended there. But with the NHL’s move to professionalize the seldom-used emergency backup position this season, Bonello and 31 other goaltenders are getting another crack at living out childhood dreams. “Your goal is to make it,” said the 27-year-old, who is serving as Toronto’s so-called “EBUG” in 2026-27 and grew up idolizing former Maple Leafs netminder Ed Belfour. “Getting a second chance, you don’t take it for granted. “Being here now is surreal.”Calgary Flames emergency backup Dusty Nickel was in the same role the last five seasons before getting the permanent call. “Right place at the right time,” said the 35-year-old ex-Junior A goalie.
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