Tom Hodges, 28, was suddenly caught between posts.
The Dallas Stars goalkeepers went to congratulate Hodges on their first NHL match. AOP / USA Today Sports
The Anaheim Ducks got a tough spot in the final NHL regular season match against Dallas Stars.
Started with the team’s goal John Gibson injured after the first batch. Come to the place Anthony Stolarzin the evening was over at the end of the second batch.
That meant Anaheim had to resort to an emergency goalkeeper in the final round.
A 28-year-old life insurance salesman was placed between the poles Tom Hodges. The emergency paint guard had to run from the ice rink to the parking lot as he kept the equipment in his own car.
– I jogged from the car to the locker room. At least I got warmed up, he chuckled after the match.
The England-based goalkeeper had played his previous professional match in the 2016-2017 season at the ECHL, which is two notches below the NHL.
Even then, Hodges played a few minutes in a single match. In his previous full season, he played at the high school level in 2011-2012.
There were no options on Friday.
– I’m a little out of breath, but I’m fine. Stolarz could barely walk, so I had to throw on my jersey. I’ve never been so nervous. I’m glad I didn’t embarrass myself, ”Hodges said.
The Ducks players supported the goalkeeper before the start of the third round.
– They tried to calm me down. They noticed that I was close to a panic attack. They didn’t care if we could win or lose, I’ll let in ten goals. The most important thing they thought was that I had fun. It made the experience easier.
Hodges were the scorer. He let one of Dallas ’draws in, the fourth hit went blank.
Dallas won 4-2.
The sight went
Tom Hodges was caught napping as he finished off the pitch. AOP / USA Today Sports
Playing in the NHL was Hodges ’childhood dream. Serious health concerns shattered the plans.
– At the age of 12, I lost sight of my left eye. It (playing in the NHL) became impossible.
However, Hodges decided to try again in 2016. He will be training with the ECHL team Allen Americans, will act as an emergency goalkeeper and will occasionally go to the Stars to practice puck.
The NHL debut commemorates a jersey.
– I’ve never played in front of so many people. I remember this for the rest of my life.
The salesman also saw an opportunity to trade after the match.
– If someone needs life insurance, just come and say, he laughed at the press conference.
The last time an emergency goalkeeper was resorted to in the NHL was in 2020, when Carolina Hurricanes put on an ice machine driver David Ayeresin between the poles and defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs.