[zoomablemind]

> ...The emergency backup goalie is essentially the ultimate underdog and ends up being the fan favourite for the game.

I always thought that EBUG is an excellent PR device. It just feels to be so much "For the love of the game", something that fans on each side can relate.

Win or lose is situative, but the EBUG effect after such games is always humanising. So the lucky activated EBUGs are in the goal to simply play hockey, they are ultimately NHL ambassadors.

[Delk]

I also think it's a great rule, and I don't really even follow hockey nowadays.

Some people would probably say it's too random, has no place in serious top-level sports, or something. But to me it creates awesomely human moments, not to mention that the entire idea of having someone ready to step in for either team in an emergency just screams good sportsman spirit.