The NHL’s EBUG (Emergency Backup Goalie) situation has been modified significantly for the upcoming 2026-27 season. No longer will a team’s Zamboni driver be called upon to sub in when both goalies suffer an in-game injury. Instead, all NHL team’s must hire their own qualified “third goalie” available at home and on the road. As this photo seems to indicate, being an official EBUG comes with many perks.
