Bonello and Nickel embrace NHL emergency-goalie roles

Brendan Bonello and Dusty Nickel are finding new opportunities in the NHL's emergency-goalie system, they told The Canadian Press in a report published Oct. 14.

Bonello serves as Toronto's emergency backup, while Nickel holds that role in Calgary after helping the Flames on a game-by-game basis for five seasons. Bonello also runs a goalie school; Nickel combines goalie coaching with a construction business.

The NHL now requires each club to carry an emergency backup. Its eligibility rules exclude anyone who has appeared under an NHL standard player contract, played more than 80 professional games or played professionally during the preceding three seasons. The backups practise and travel with their clubs, dress for games and wear No. 00.

Deputy commissioner Bill Daly told The Canadian Press that increasing goalie injuries helped drive the change. The report says emergency backups are club employees, outside the salary cap and the NHL Players' Association.

Bonello sees facing NHL shooters in practice as part of the assignment. Nickel said he trains during the summer to prepare for the role.