EBUGs Unmasked: Inside the life of an emergency backup goalie

Under the NHL's updated collective bargaining agreement, emergency backup goalies (EBUGs) have transitioned into full-time, traveling team employees dedicated solely to one franchise. Netminders such as Washington's Connor Leslie, Tampa Bay's Kyle Konin, and Carolina's Jorge Alves now travel on team flights, participate in daily practices, and wear No. 00 jerseys to relieve regular starting goaltenders from taking excessive shots during sessions.

Beyond absorbing hundreds of practice pucks, these emergency backups frequently fulfill diverse secondary responsibilities across their organizations. Alves continues his longstanding role as the Hurricanes' head equipment manager, while Leslie assists Capitals medical staff with emergency injury drills and reviews game film with goaltending coach Scott Murray.