If you can read this, either the style sheet didn't load or you have an older browser that doesn't support style sheets. Try clearing your browser cache and refreshing the page.

(ESPN) Spiffy The story of how a 51-year-old screen printer got a one-day contract with the NHL-leading Minnesota Wild. No snark, just a nice guy who got to live out a dream   (espn.go.com) divider line 47
More: Spiffy, Minnesota Wild, NHL, Minnesota, goalie masks, nice guy, Niklas Backstrom, goal tender, good cop  
•       •       •

1996 clicks; posted to Sports » on 03 Dec 2011 at 4:44 AM   |  Favorite    |   share:  Share on Twitter share via Email Share on Facebook   more»   |    Get this fabulous T-Shirt and impress the methane out of your friends! shirt it!



47 Comments   (+0 »)
   
 
Staffist [TotalFark]
2011-12-03 12:59:48 AM
Wow. That is a great story, and what a nice and humble man he seems to be. Classy move by The Wild, too. Thanks, Subby.
 
Meatzilla
2011-12-03 01:08:56 AM
s3.amazonaws.com
 
Ishkur [TotalFark]
2011-12-03 05:24:06 AM
This is actually pretty common in the NHL and it happens at least once or twice a year. Pattern is this:

1) Starting goaltender gets scratched late on gameday for some emergency reason.
2) Backup given starting slot.
3) No time to call up backup from farm team.
4) Sign local amateur to one-day contract.

Local amateur is usually a Junior goalie, but I've seen everything from a beer leaguer to a college goalie called up, usually several levels removed from NHL calibre and under no circumstances will they see ice time. At least, it hasn't happened yet. They just ride the pine and get a free thrill for a day.

The Canucks went through this back in 2003 when fans were treated to the Chris Levesque Experience.
 
Evilsmurf
2011-12-03 05:50:43 AM
Ishkur: Local amateur is usually a Junior goalie, but I've seen everything from a beer leaguer to a college goalie called up, usually several levels removed from NHL calibre and under no circumstances will they see ice time. At least, it hasn't happened yet. They just ride the pine and get a free thrill for a day.

One guy kind of did. He was a Russian guy drafted by the Pens in 2008. He was playing in the WHL and Brent Johnson and Marc-Andre Fleury were injured. John Curry was starting and let in 5 goals, so they let this Russian kid play for a little over half an hour and he only let in one goal. His name was Alexander Pechursky. He currently plays in the KHL after spending last season in the low minors in the US.
 
VvonderJesus
2011-12-03 06:14:07 AM
This guy is friends with one of my uncles. From what I was told at Thanksgiving, he gets a ring if the Wild win the cup. So that's pretty cool.
 
swahnhennessy
2011-12-03 06:33:19 AM
He can make a wicked fake of his own sweater.
 
puffy999
2011-12-03 06:43:17 AM
VvonderJesus: This guy is friends with one of my uncles. From what I was told at Thanksgiving, he gets a ring if the Wild win the cup. So that's pretty cool.

Right, just like Peyton Manning gets a ring if the Colts win the Super Bowl.
 
Kurohone
2011-12-03 07:23:18 AM
Evilsmurf: Ishkur: Local amateur is usually a Junior goalie, but I've seen everything from a beer leaguer to a college goalie called up, usually several levels removed from NHL calibre and under no circumstances will they see ice time. At least, it hasn't happened yet. They just ride the pine and get a free thrill for a day.

One guy kind of did. He was a Russian guy drafted by the Pens in 2008. He was playing in the WHL and Brent Johnson and Marc-Andre Fleury were injured. John Curry was starting and let in 5 goals, so they let this Russian kid play for a little over half an hour and he only let in one goal. His name was Alexander Pechursky. He currently plays in the KHL after spending last season in the low minors in the US.

Aaron Sorochan rode the bench for the Oilers a few years back, while playing for the University of Alberta. That seems to have given him contacts if nothing else, because after going undrafted he was able to sign with the Oiler's farm team for a season and did get some pro action.
 
stanhapsburg
2011-12-03 08:13:39 AM
 
Loud_Mouth_Soup
2011-12-03 08:35:56 AM
stanhapsburg: In 2008 the Caps temporarily dressed their web site producer. (new window)

That's the one I remember.


"Reggie!"

"Yeah?"

"Suit up, fatty!"


2.bp.blogspot.com
 
Anderson's Pooper
2011-12-03 09:22:32 AM
Stories like this are why I still keep a full set of goalie gear even though I haven't skated in a few years. Never know when the Blue Jackets might need me.
 
fatalvenom
2011-12-03 09:23:47 AM
I saw this on NHL on the fly the night it happened, but I'm glad I got to read the backstory.

Thanks subbs.
 
MonkeyButton
2011-12-03 09:45:46 AM
Loud_Mouth_Soup: stanhapsburg: In 2008 the Caps temporarily dressed their web site producer. (new window)

That's the one I remember.


"Reggie!"

"Yeah?"

"Suit up, fatty!"


[2.bp.blogspot.com image 500x333]


...."Suit up, fatty!"

Thank you. From the bottom of my cold, black heart. Thank you.
 
LesserEvil [TotalFark]
2011-12-03 10:00:55 AM
This is what makes hockey so great... no pretentious BS.
 
Evilsmurf
2011-12-03 10:10:50 AM
Anderson's Pooper: Stories like this are why I still keep a full set of goalie gear even though I haven't skated in a few years. Never know when the Blue Jackets might need me.

You could probably do better than Steve Mason, to be honest.
 
jeffrey626
2011-12-03 10:12:21 AM
As much as i love these stories when it happens every now and then, I am glad the Wings have a whole slew of reserves a couple hours down the road in Grand Rapids.

/Also love the griffins for dollar beer night
 
Evilsmurf
2011-12-03 10:14:32 AM
jeffrey626: As much as i love these stories when it happens every now and then, I am glad the Wings have a whole slew of reserves a couple hours down the road in Grand Rapids.

/Also love the griffins for dollar beer night

Philly's AHL affiliate used to be literally right down the street.
 
drunk_bouncnbaloruber [TotalFark]
2011-12-03 10:36:56 AM
This just happened in Vegas, too. The ECHL team here got someone from Nellis AFB to backup in net about month ago, and last night their opponent asked him to do the same for them.
 
HeathenHealer
2011-12-03 10:42:02 AM
More proof of how awesome the Wild are. Really hope they can continue winning this year, they're due.

/Clutterbuck, it's just fun to say.
 
Savoir-Faire
2011-12-03 10:43:47 AM
Evilsmurf: Anderson's Pooper: Stories like this are why I still keep a full set of goalie gear even though I haven't skated in a few years. Never know when the Blue Jackets might need me.

You could probably do better than Steve Mason, to be honest.

Came here to say the same thing.
 
detroitdoesntsuckthatbad
2011-12-03 10:49:42 AM
HeathenHealer: More proof of how awesome the Wild are. Really hope they can continue winning this year, they're due.

/Clutterbuck, it's just fun to say.

I prefer saying Shattenkirk this year
 
Donnchadha [TotalFark]
2011-12-03 11:04:47 AM
puffy999: VvonderJesus: This guy is friends with one of my uncles. From what I was told at Thanksgiving, he gets a ring if the Wild win the cup. So that's pretty cool.

Right, just like Peyton Manning gets a ring if the Colts win the Super Bowl.

He's not going to get his name on the Cup, but there are a lot of front office people and managers and such who also get rings. Since he was an "unofficial" practice team member, the team may have wanted to give him something, but now that he's actually signed a contract, they may be allowed to per NHL rules.

Difficulty -- getting the word "Minnesota" on the Cup first.
 
Anderson's Pooper
2011-12-03 11:58:58 AM
Savoir-Faire: Savoir-Faire 2011-12-03 10:43:47 AM

Evilsmurf: Anderson's Pooper: Stories like this are why I still keep a full set of goalie gear even though I haven't skated in a few years. Never know when the Blue Jackets might need me.

You could probably do better than Steve Mason, to be honest.

Came here to say the same thing.

When I get the call you will both receive official A. Pooper sweaters.
 
bart2puck
2011-12-03 12:13:00 PM
Donnchadha: puffy999: VvonderJesus: This guy is friends with one of my uncles. From what I was told at Thanksgiving, he gets a ring if the Wild win the cup. So that's pretty cool.

Right, just like Peyton Manning gets a ring if the Colts win the Super Bowl.

He's not going to get his name on the Cup, but there are a lot of front office people and managers and such who also get rings. Since he was an "unofficial" practice team member, the team may have wanted to give him something, but now that he's actually signed a contract, they may be allowed to per NHL rules.

Difficulty -- getting the word "Minnesota" on the Cup first.

a) getting anything from anything of this experience is awesome. i for one, will NEVER get a pro contract for my ice hockey skills.
b) how awesome a story is that? imagine him in 10 thanksgivings from now. yea the year the wild won the cup? i was on that team.
c) Minnesota is 1st in the entire NHL currently in points.
 
Donnchadha [TotalFark]
2011-12-03 12:43:48 PM
bart2puck: c) Minnesota is 1st in the entire NHL currently in points.

*checks standings*

Holy crap, dude.
 
tommylikewingy
2011-12-03 01:11:13 PM
Donnchadha: bart2puck: c) Minnesota is 1st in the entire NHL currently in points.

*checks standings*

Holy crap, dude.

Yeah, thats right. To anyone in this thread who made a joke about the Wild winning the cup, fark you. Its not going to happen this year, but they have alot of young guys coming up and are set up for a Cup run in the next 5 years. Oh, and they actually have a good coach now.

/Go Wild
 
detroitdoesntsuckthatbad
2011-12-03 02:15:59 PM
tommylikewingy: Donnchadha: bart2puck: c) Minnesota is 1st in the entire NHL currently in points.

*checks standings*

Holy crap, dude.

Yeah, thats right. To anyone in this thread who made a joke about the Wild winning the cup, fark you. Its not going to happen this year, but they have alot of young guys coming up and are set up for a Cup run in the next 5 years. Oh, and they actually have a good coach now.

/Go Wild

The Wild will win the cup when Danny Heatley wins Safe Driver of the Year award.
 
tommylikewingy
2011-12-03 02:43:45 PM
detroitdoesntsuckthatbad: tommylikewingy: Donnchadha: bart2puck: c) Minnesota is 1st in the entire NHL currently in points.

*checks standings*

Holy crap, dude.

Yeah, thats right. To anyone in this thread who made a joke about the Wild winning the cup, fark you. Its not going to happen this year, but they have alot of young guys coming up and are set up for a Cup run in the next 5 years. Oh, and they actually have a good coach now.

/Go Wild

The Wild will win the cup when Danny Heatley wins Safe Driver of the Year award.

img823.imageshack.us
 
Hugh Jassole
2011-12-03 03:21:44 PM
Dudes just lucky he didn't get a couple of 100 mph slappers bounced off his melon.
 
meathome
2011-12-03 04:42:49 PM
Evilsmurf:
Philly's AHL affiliate used to be literally right down the street.

No they weren't.

They were across the parking lot. 2 minutes from door to door if you were serious about it.
 
Twitch Boy [TotalFark]
2011-12-03 04:46:15 PM
There's an awesome marketing idea: teams could sell a fan the right to be the emergency backup goalie if this kind of situation ever arises.

Maybe charge a few hundred bucks, and you get your own official jersey, etc. Or you could give it away in a contest or a drawing.
 
MFAWG
2011-12-03 05:54:04 PM
Evilsmurf: Ishkur: Local amateur is usually a Junior goalie, but I've seen everything from a beer leaguer to a college goalie called up, usually several levels removed from NHL calibre and under no circumstances will they see ice time. At least, it hasn't happened yet. They just ride the pine and get a free thrill for a day.

One guy kind of did. He was a Russian guy drafted by the Pens in 2008. He was playing in the WHL and Brent Johnson and Marc-Andre Fleury were injured. John Curry was starting and let in 5 goals, so they let this Russian kid play for a little over half an hour and he only let in one goal. His name was Alexander Pechursky. He currently plays in the KHL after spending last season in the low minors in the US.

I remember that guy. Russian goalies are kind of rare in the WHL.
 
chi_tino
2011-12-03 06:10:40 PM
In the Lightning's horrific 2008-2009 season, they signed an amateur and actually let him log some minutes:

Link (new window)

I remember the game -- the attendance was so bad I was able to buy a block of all-inclusive Club Suite tickets for about $30 each.
 
fatalvenom
2011-12-03 09:26:32 PM
detroitdoesntsuckthatbad: The Wild will win the cup when Danny Heatley wins Safe Driver of the Year award.

1.bp.blogspot.com

lh4.ggpht.com

/sorry
 
keylock71 [TotalFark]
2011-12-03 09:53:10 PM
I love these kinds of stories...

And I enjoyed watching the Bruins dominate Toronto again.
 
fatalvenom
2011-12-03 10:09:21 PM
keylock71: I love these kinds of stories...

And I enjoyed watching the Bruins dominate Toronto again.


That was nice, but did you see Tootoo run Ryan Miller tonight?

It really is open season on Miller. Buffalo, you should be ashamed of your team.
 
jekostas
2011-12-03 10:16:18 PM
fatalvenom: keylock71: I love these kinds of stories...

And I enjoyed watching the Bruins dominate Toronto again.


That was nice, but did you see Tootoo run Ryan Miller tonight?

It really is open season on Miller. Buffalo, you should be ashamed of your team.

Buffalo's fighting back tonight. Tootoo immediately got jumped by every Sabre on the ice, they pretty well held him down and let Miller work him over until the rest of the Preds showed up.
 
fatalvenom
2011-12-03 10:27:30 PM
jekostas: fatalvenom: keylock71: I love these kinds of stories...

And I enjoyed watching the Bruins dominate Toronto again.


That was nice, but did you see Tootoo run Ryan Miller tonight?

It really is open season on Miller. Buffalo, you should be ashamed of your team.

Buffalo's fighting back tonight. Tootoo immediately got jumped by every Sabre on the ice, they pretty well held him down and let Miller work him over until the rest of the Preds showed up.


I didn't catch the aftermath. I walked into my bedroom and I had NHL Network on and just happened to catch what went down at first.

Good to know Buffalo dug their balls out of their wife's purse.
 
jekostas
2011-12-03 10:31:47 PM
fatalvenom: jekostas: fatalvenom: keylock71: I love these kinds of stories...

And I enjoyed watching the Bruins dominate Toronto again.


That was nice, but did you see Tootoo run Ryan Miller tonight?

It really is open season on Miller. Buffalo, you should be ashamed of your team.

Buffalo's fighting back tonight. Tootoo immediately got jumped by every Sabre on the ice, they pretty well held him down and let Miller work him over until the rest of the Preds showed up.


I didn't catch the aftermath. I walked into my bedroom and I had NHL Network on and just happened to catch what went down at first.

Good to know Buffalo dug their balls out of their wife's purse.

Eh, kinda. Buffalo is jumping anyone that goes near Miller, but Nashville keeps doing it because let's be fair - there's still no one on Buffalo to be even the least bit afraid of.

And apparently Gaustad hurt himself punching Tootoo.
 
jekostas
2011-12-03 10:34:46 PM
Dipietro's hurt again.
 
fatalvenom
2011-12-03 10:38:40 PM
jekostas: Eh, kinda. Buffalo is jumping anyone that goes near Miller, but Nashville keeps doing it because let's be fair - there's still no one on Buffalo to be even the least bit afraid of.

And apparently Gaustad hurt himself punching Tootoo.


I really amazes me how soft Buffalo is. I figured they'd be a bit more hard-nosed than they are.
 
FreakinB [TotalFark]
2011-12-03 10:56:13 PM
jekostas: Dipietro's hurt again.

...thankfully. I'm all for anything that gets Montoya in there more.

It's settled down but this game has been farking bananas, especially the 2nd period. All glory to the Moulstache.
 
FreakinB [TotalFark]
2011-12-03 11:02:45 PM
FreakinB: jekostas: Dipietro's hurt again.

...thankfully. I'm all for anything that gets Montoya in there more.

It's settled down but this game has been farking bananas, especially the 2nd period. All glory to the Moulstache.

And they hold on with Montoya making some big saves at the end. 3-0-1 on the road trip. I'll take it.
 
UncleStumpy
2011-12-04 04:45:32 AM
VvonderJesus: This guy is friends with one of my uncles. From what I was told at Thanksgiving, he gets a ring if the Wild win the cup. So that's pretty cool.

Well now I'm cheering for them to win the cup!


I read a great book, a few years ago about a goalie, cannot remember his name, who played for a pro team for a year...he had been a prospect (sorta) and was derailed with cancer. Went on to live your average joe career,then decided to fulfill his dream of being a pro goalie. Played for the bakersfield condors, now that I remember...
 
hp6sa
2011-12-04 10:38:32 AM
Even though I'm not a huge NHL fan - this still made my room a little dusty.

/subby
 
Evilsmurf
2011-12-04 06:27:19 PM
UncleStumpy: VvonderJesus: This guy is friends with one of my uncles. From what I was told at Thanksgiving, he gets a ring if the Wild win the cup. So that's pretty cool.

Well now I'm cheering for them to win the cup!


I read a great book, a few years ago about a goalie, cannot remember his name, who played for a pro team for a year...he had been a prospect (sorta) and was derailed with cancer. Went on to live your average joe career,then decided to fulfill his dream of being a pro goalie. Played for the bakersfield condors, now that I remember...

Link. It's called They don't play hockey in Heaven by Ken Baker.
 
UncleStumpy
2011-12-05 12:09:22 AM
Evilsmurf: UncleStumpy: VvonderJesus: This guy is friends with one of my uncles. From what I was told at Thanksgiving, he gets a ring if the Wild win the cup. So that's pretty cool.

Well now I'm cheering for them to win the cup!


I read a great book, a few years ago about a goalie, cannot remember his name, who played for a pro team for a year...he had been a prospect (sorta) and was derailed with cancer. Went on to live your average joe career,then decided to fulfill his dream of being a pro goalie. Played for the bakersfield condors, now that I remember...

Link. It's called They don't play hockey in Heaven by Ken Baker.

Yup, great book. If you're a fan of sports non fiction, pick it up.
 
Displayed 47 of 47 comments

Redisplay/refresh comments

This thread is closed to new comments.

Continue Farking
Submit a Link »
From the Fark Shop:
More from the Fark Shop »