11/05/24
December 17, 2010
From the barber's pole to between the pipes: Tom Fenton, a 26-year-old hockey coach, spent last night as the back-up goaltender for the Phoenix Coyotes at Madison Square Garden. Fenton, who coaches Manhattanville College and played four years at American International, signed a one-day contract after Phoenix couldn't get a replacement for Ilya Bryzgalov.
These stories are great but I bet the team management is just as scared as the 1-day goalie. If that guy has to go in, that team is in trouble. No matter what level he played before, the NHL is just that much higher of a level.
As for picking up a college player, they wouldn't do that. The college player, although eligible to sign a contract in the pros, would then lose his amateur status immediately and not able to play college again. No one would win in that scenario.
posted by pettym at 01:39 PM on December 17, 2010
"Back in the day" NHL teams carried only one goaltender. I believe they were required by league rule to have a reserve goaltender at the game, and this person was to play for either team, home or visitors, as needed. Ross Wilson of the Detroit Red Wings was one.
posted by Howard_T at 04:08 PM on December 17, 2010
If the Coyotes win the Cup will they put Fenton's name on it?
posted by 86 at 07:29 PM on December 17, 2010
Fans - bring your sticks to the next game.
Well, you never know.
posted by owlhouse at 08:31 PM on December 17, 2010
If the Coyotes win the Cup will they put Fenton's name on it?
No. The rules state that you must play at least one playoff finals game OR 41 regular season games.
They could, however, give him a full- or partial-share of the playoff winnings. And, given how most teams do it, he'd probably get a Stanley Cup ring, too.
posted by grum@work at 11:13 PM on December 17, 2010
I always like these stories.
I kind of wish teams that are out of the playoff picture late in the season did this for fun, and let the guy get one minute of ice time (to make it official).
Since it always has to be an amateur goalie, you can pick them off the local college rosters or men's adult leagues.