The Edmonton Oilers become the first NHL team to dress a full-time emergency backup goalie for a regular game, doing so for their matchup against the Anaheim Ducks. Brett Epp is in uniform as the emergency backup while fourth-string goalie Matt Tomkins starts.
Multiple outlets describe the move as a league first, with the Oilers identifying Epp as the designated emergency option dressed for the game. The coverage also notes that it is an EBUG placed on a full-time basis rather than being arranged only as needed.
Where outlets differ is mainly in emphasis. Some stories foreground the “first NHL team” aspect and the novelty of a full-time EBUG, while others specify the names involved and the starting goalie for that particular night.
