Story Summary
The rule bars goalies who have played an NHL game or more than 80 professional games in total, ending the informal era when a local amateur could be pressed into service on the night.
Key Facts
- The NHL’s new CBA rule requires all teams to designate a travelling Emergency Backup Goalie (EBUG) for every home and away game during the season.
- To qualify as the EBUG the goalie must not have played an official NHL game and must have participated in no more than 80 professional games in total.
- Cole Kehler’s background includes time in the WHL and brief stints in the AHL and ECHL; most recently he played for the Altona Maroons at a lower level.
- Under the new arrangement, the possibility of a local amateur being unexpectedly called into an NHL game will disappear.
IHM Discussion
The NHL’s CBA amendment formalises emergency goaltender arrangements by requiring a travelling EBUG for every home and away game. That removes the previous possibility of a local amateur being called upon at short notice. The eligibility limits – no official NHL games and no more than 80 professional games – steer teams towards goalies with some experience who remain eligible.
Winnipeg’s addition of Cole Kehler is an immediate response to the rule. Kehler is 28 and has played in the WHL, with brief spells in the AHL and ECHL, most recently appearing for the Altona Maroons. He will travel full-time with the Jets, ready to dress if an on-ice emergency leaves the club without a goaltender.
Why It Matters
The change alters a quirky NHL tradition and forces clubs to formalise contingency planning. Teams must now carry a dedicated, league-approved emergency backup on every trip, which affects travel logistics, roster planning and day-to-day operations. For fans, the romanticism of a local amateur suddenly making an NHL appearance is effectively ended; for clubs, the change lowers risk and reduces the ad-hoc nature of prior emergency solutions.
Mini Q&A
What exactly has the NHL changed in the CBA?
The CBA now obliges every NHL team to designate a travelling Emergency Backup Goalie (EBUG) who must accompany the team to all home and away games for the season.
Who qualifies to be an EBUG under the new rule?
To qualify the goalie must not have played an official NHL game and must have played no more than 80 professional games in total.
What is Cole Kehler’s background?
Kehler has a background in the WHL, brief stints in the AHL and ECHL, and most recently played for the Altona Maroons at a lower level.
Does this change the chance of a local amateur playing in an NHL game?
Yes. The new arrangement removes the opportunity for a local amateur to be unexpectedly called into an NHL game as a spontaneous emergency option.
Coach Mark Comment
A travelling EBUG gives coaches and staff a clearer contingency plan when both regular goaltenders are unavailable. The key is ensuring that the designated goalie is prepared for the travel, routines and pressure of a potential NHL appearance.
What Comes Next
For the coming NHL season, every club will be required to designate and carry a travelling EBUG for home and away games. Cole Kehler will travel full-time with the Winnipeg Jets in that role.
IHM Final View
The CBA change replaces one of the NHL’s more unusual traditions with a formal emergency plan. Winnipeg’s addition of Cole Kehler shows how clubs are beginning to meet the new requirement.
Winnipeg
