A back-up goaltender’s job in hockey can be more meticulous than you think. Goaltenders need to be alert at all times in case a flying puck comes close to the bench, and a flash of the leather is needed to avoid any players or coaches getting stiches from an unsuspecting puck.
Some coaches will get their goalies to write down certain stats or tendencies of certain players, and will often be seen holding a clipboard and writing notes.
Other ‘tenders prefer to run the bench for their defenceman whenever they come on or off. Some prefer to run their mouth, firing off chirps to the other team, while some choose to be that motivational voice, or extra eye that gives a perspective on a certain play.
But once in a while, a goaltender will just simply watch take in and watch the game without a worry in the world. There’s plenty of water available to him on the bench if he gets thirsty, but what if his stomach starts to grumble mid-game and he gets a little hungry?
Most arenas have concession stands attached to them, making them a hit for parents and siblings to chow down on a little snack. If a ‘tendy knows there’s a good chance he’ll have the night off, then there’s there's a chance he could take advantage of all the little rink rats running around and slip them a $5 bill to grab a hot dog. Keep the change, kids.
Kyler Ayers, a goaltender at Boise State University playing in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (non-varsity Div. 2) proved that being a back-up ‘tender isn’t so bad after all when he whipped out a hot dog while dressed on the bench.
What a legend.
Let’s just hope that dog wasn’t coated in toppings, because there’s nothing worse than having mustard stains all over your hockey equipment, right?
You can beat Ayers was hoping his fellow crease companion played well enough that he didn’t even have to think about relieving him.
Phil Kessel would certainly be proud.
