# Edmonton Oilers Deploy First Full-Time Emergency Backup Goalie The NHL team dressed Brett Epp as a permanent emergency backup during Thursday's game. - **Source:** [Global News – Canada](https://globalnews.ca) - **Published:** 2026-11-06 - **Topic:** [sports](https://brifing.si/c/sports) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/38bde5d6-fc1c-4396-b62e-669d4f1cf9c3 ## Historic Roster Milestone The Edmonton Oilers made league history on Thursday night by dressing a full-time emergency backup goalie for an NHL game. Brett Epp served as the backup while Matt Tomkins started in net during the 5-4 loss against the Anaheim Ducks. This marks the first instance of a team utilizing this new roster designation. ## New League Mandates Starting this season, the NHL officially required all teams to maintain a full-time emergency backup goalie on their active rosters. This policy shift replaces the previous system where home teams were responsible for providing an amateur emergency backup if a goaltender suffered an in-game injury or illness during the match. ## Strict Eligibility Criteria The league enforces specific rules for these emergency goaltenders, who are required to wear jersey number 00. Candidates must have 80 games or less of professional experience. Furthermore, they cannot have played in the NHL under a standard contract or suited up in professional games during the three preceding hockey campaigns. ## Context of the Match The Oilers were forced to adjust their goaltending situation after Tristan Jarry missed the game due to illness. Matt Tomkins took the starting position for the team during the contest against Anaheim. Despite the presence of a full-time emergency backup on the bench, the Oilers ultimately fell to the Ducks 5-4. ## Evolution of Goalie Safety Before the 2026-27 campaign, the responsibility for emergency coverage fell on the home team to provide an amateur player. This often led to unpredictable scenarios where local goalies were pulled from the stands. The new full-time requirement ensures that every team has a vetted, professional-ready option traveling with the club at all times. ## Operational Roster Changes By mandating a full-time emergency goalie, the NHL aims to standardize the backup process across all thirty-two franchises. These players travel with the team throughout the season, ensuring they are integrated into the club's daily operations. This transition minimizes the logistical risks associated with relying on last-minute amateur replacements during critical game moments. ## Impact on Team Depth The inclusion of a dedicated emergency backup changes how teams manage their goaltending depth charts throughout the long season. While these players are rarely expected to see ice time, their presence provides a necessary safety net. This structural change reflects the league's commitment to maintaining competitive integrity even during unexpected player absences. ## Future of Goalie Logistics The implementation of this rule represents a significant shift in how NHL organizations handle emergency personnel. As teams adapt to these requirements, the role of the emergency backup has transitioned from a sporadic amateur duty to a formalized professional position. This development ensures consistent standards for goaltending availability across the entire league. ## Sources covering this story - https://globalnews.ca/news/12139342/oilers-become-first-team-to-dress-full-time-ebug/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._