In emergency, goalie saves Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks were backed into a corner on Thursday night when starting goalie Anton Forsberg was hurt during a “pregame ritual” and backup goalie Collin Delia, who was making his NHL debut, cramped up in the third period and was forced to leave the game.
The Blackhawks then had to turn to emergency backup goalie Scott Foster, a 36-year-old accountant, to finish the third period and close out a 6-2 win over the Winnipeg Jets.
Here is what you need to know about Foster: Age: 36 Hometown: Oak Park, Ill. Day job: Accountant at Golub Capital Playing experience: Petrolia Jets, Western Ontario Hockey League (2000-01), Western Michigan University (2002-06), Rec league goalie at Johnny’s IceHouse in Chicago (present) NHL minutes: 14 Saves: 7 Save percentage: 1.000 Compensation: $0. Emergency backup goalies are given one-day contracts and usually asked to be “available if needed” and are generally unpaid.
Schedule: Foster has attended 12-15 games this season as the emergency backup, most often watching the game from high up in a suite.
Accolades: The Blackhawks awarded Foster their star player belt after the game.
Quote: “A few hours ago I was sitting on my computer typing on the 10-key, and now I’m standing in front of you guys, just finished 14 and a half minutes of NHL hockey. From my perspective, this is a dream regardless. This is something that no one can ever take away from me, it’s something I can go home and tell my kids.”