The Devils were forced to go deep
into the minor leagues to find an emergency backup goalie due to COVID-19
absences - choosing the assistant coach of the New Jersey Titans minor league team.
Kyle Shapiro grew
up in Middletown and now lives in Ocean Township. He doesn't have any NHL
experience, but he played hockey at the Christian Brothers Academy before
coaching in the minor league.
He joined the team on Long Island
Thursday night but did not play.
Shapiro is signed to be the emergency goalie for about 12
games this year. Devils fans do hope they get their starters back, but some say
they actually want to see him play.
The last time an
emergency backup played in the NHL was when a 42-year-old suited up for the
Carolina Hurricanes several years ago.