Philly Leader

Kyle Konin recently became a part of Philadelphia Flyers history as an emergency backup goaltender (EBUG) during their road game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The 26-year-old was signed to an amateur tryout contract following injuries to both primary goaltenders, Samuel Ersson and Aleksei Kolosov. Konin, who previously played for Grand Valley State University, has experience as an EBUG with appearances for the St. Louis Blues in December 2021 and the Lightning earlier this year.

The concept of EBUGs is not new to the NHL. One notable instance involved Alfie Moore during the 1938 Stanley Cup Final when he helped lead the Chicago Black Hawks to victory after being called up unexpectedly due to a shortage of goalies.

Throughout Flyers history, numerous backup goaltenders have dressed but never played in games for the team. These include minor league players or former NHLers such as Jamie Storr and Jason Bacashihua. Some eventually went on to play in NHL games with other teams, like Rejean Lemelin and Carter Hutton.

There have also been instances where non-professional goalies served as backups without playing, such as Mike Bloski after Pelle Lindbergh's death in 1985 or trainer Dave "Sudsy" Settlemyre dressing for farm teams. More recently, Eric Semborski served as a backup for both Chicago and Philadelphia during health-related absences of starting goalies.

In certain cases, EBUGs were ready but ultimately not needed due to circumstances allowing original starters to remain on standby despite injuries or illnesses. Jeff Hextall once suited up under such conditions but did not take part in any game action.

A list of other Flyers backups who never played includes Russ Gillow (EBUG), Darryl Gilmour, Gil Hudon, Dennis Roy (EBUG), Bob Sneddon, and Bill Woodyatt.