That Goalie Dressed for Them? (Goalies who ONLY backed up for a team)

[Benchwarmers]

The last thread I started here was a list of goalies who only appeared in the NHL as backups. This is a much related topic. I thought people might also be interested in another list I've assembled, of NHL goalies who dressed as a backup for another NHL team but never actually played for the team. As you can see, there are quite a few of them and I've listed the season in which they appeared as a backup for the team. I know there are more goalies to add so I'll update this list as goalies are found.

Anyone else remember a goalie who dressed for an NHL team only as a backup?


Alphabetical Goalie List:

Craig Anderson - Boston Bruins (2005/06)
- St. Louis Blues (2005/06)
Hardy Astrom - Calgary Flames (1981/82)
Jean-Sebasten Aubin - Anaheim Ducks (2007/08)
Jason Bacashihua - Dallas Stars (2002/03 + 2003/04)
- Colorado Avalanche (2010/11)
- Philadelphia Flyers (2011/12)
Ryan Bach - Detroit Red Wings (1997/98)
Michel Belhumeur - Atlanta Flames (1977/78)
Jean-Francois Berube - Los Angeles Kings (2014/15)
Martin Brochu - Montreal Canadiens (1993/94)
- Calgary Flames (2000/01)
Mike Brodeur - Chicago Blackhawks (2007/08)
Sebastien Caron - Philadelphia Flyers (2009/10)
Lyle Carter - Minnesota North Stars (1973/74)
Frederic Cassivi - Ottawa Senators (1998/99)
- Colorado Avalanche (2000/01)
Frederic Chabot - Florida Panthers (1994/95)
Mathieu Chouinard - Ottawa Senators (2000/01)
Matt Climie - Vancouver Canucks (2011/12)
Pheonix Copley - Washington Capitals (2014/15)
Jim Corsi - Minnesota North Stars (1979/80)
Don Cutts - New York Islanders (1976/77)
Doug Dadswell - New Jersey Devils (1991/92)
Jean-Francois Damphousse - Anaheim Mighty Ducks (2002/03)
Cedrick Desjardins - Colorado Avalanche (2011/12)
Tom Draper - St. Louis Blues (1990/91)
Parris Duffus - St. Louis Blues (1993/94)
Bob Essensa - Boston Bruins (2014/15)
Wade Flaherty - Vancouver Canucks (2006/07)
Norm Foster - Philadelphia Flyers (1993/94)
Sean Gauthier - Winnipeg Jets (1992/93)
- Florida Panthers (2000/01)
Chris Gibson - Toronto Maple Leafs (2014/15)
John Grahame - Colorado Avalanche (2010/11)
- New York Islanders (2011/12)
Mike Greenlay - Philadelphia Flyers (1994/95)
Jaroslav Halak - Buffalo Sabres (2013/14)
Corey Hirsch - Nashville Predators (1999/00)
Johan Holmqvist - Minnesota Wild (2003/04)
Michael Hutchinson - Boston Bruins (2011/12)
Carter Hutton - Philadelphia Flyers (2009/10)
- San Jose Sharks (2010/11)
Arturs Irbe - Buffalo Sabres (2014/15)
Pat Jablonski - Toronto Maple Leafs (1994/95)
Henrik Karlsson - Chicago Blackhawks (2012/12)
Dieter Kochan - New York Islanders (2003/04)
Brent Krahn - Calgary Flames (2003/04 + 2006/07)
Les Kuntar - Philadelphia Flyers (1994/95)
Jason Labarbera - Chicago Blackhawks (2013/14)
- Philadelphia Flyers (2015/16)
Jean-Francois Labbe - Colorado Avalanche (1996/97)
Mark Laforest - New York Rangers (1991/92)
Manny Legace - Hartford Whalers (1996/97)
- Vancouver Canucks (1999/00)
Patrick Lalime - Anaheim Mighty Ducks (1998/99)
Mike Leighton - Buffalo Sabres (2005/06)
- Montreal Canadiens (2006/07)
- Columbus Blue Jackets (2012/13)
David LeNeveu - Anaheim Ducks (2008/09)
- New York Rangers (2013/14)
Danny Lorenz - Florida Panthers (1994/95)
Joey MacDonald - Anaheim Ducks (2009/10)
- Montreal Canadiens (2014/15)
Drew MacIntyre - Nashville Predators (2008/09)
- Atlanta Thrashers (2010/11)
- Carolina Hurricanes (2014/15)
Darrin Madeley - San Jose Sharks (1996/97)
Chris Mason - Florida Panthers (2002/03)
Mike McKenna - Florida Panthers (2014/15)
Jim McLeod - Chicago Blackhawks (1970/71)
Al Montoya - New York Rangers (2005/06 + 2006/07)
Mike Morrison - New York Islanders (2007/08)
Tyler Moss - Edmonton Oilers (2003/04)
Jack Norris - Montreal Canadiens (1969/70)
Mike O'Neill - Los Angeles Kings (1999/00)
Steve Passmore - Phoenix Coyotes (2005/06)
Jean-Marc Pelletier - Carolina Hurricanes (2000/01 + 2002/03)
Justin Pogge - Anaheim Ducks (2009/10)
- Phoenix Coyotes (2011/12)
Kevin Poulin - Tampa Bay Lightning (2015/16)
Bruce Racine - Pittsburgh Penguins (1990/91 + 1992/93)
Alain Raymond - St. Louis Blues (1990/91)
Terry Richardson - Hartford Whalers (1979/80)
Fern Rivard - Philadelphia Flyers (1968/69)
Dwayne Roloson - St. Louis Blues (2000/01)
- Anaheim Ducks (2014/15)
Mike Rosati - New York Rangers (1988/89)
Dany Sabourin - Washington Capitals (2010/11 + 2011/12)
- Boston Bruins (2009/10)
Nolan Schaefer - Minnesota Wild (2007/08 + 2008/09)
Travis Scott - Florida Panthers (2003/04)
Richard Shulmistra - Colorado Avalanche (1995/96)
Bob Sneddon - Chicago Blackhawks (1966/67)
- Philadelphia Flyers (1971/72)
Robb Stauber - Washington Capitals (1996/97)
Jamie Storr - Philadelphia Flyers (2005/06)
Rick Tabaracci - Dallas Stars (2000/01)
Rob Tallas - Florida Panthers (2012/13 + 2014/15)
Brad Thiessen - Calgary Flames (2014/15)
Hannu Toivonen - Chicago Blackhawks (2010/11)
Vesa Toskala - Anaheim Ducks (2009/10)
Michael Wall - Colorado Avalanche (2007/08)


Goalies by Team:

Anaheim Ducks
Jean-Sebastien Aubin (2007/08)
Jean-Francois Damphousse (2002/03)
Patrick Lalime (1998/99)
David LeNeveu (2008/09)
Joey MacDonald (2009/10)
Justin Pogge (2009/10)
Dwayne Roloson (2014/15)
Vesa Toskala (2009/10)

Arizona/Phoenix Coyotes
Steve Passmore (2005/06)
Justin Pogge (2011/12)

Atlanta Flames
Michel Belhumeur (1977/78)

Atlanta Thrashers
Drew MacIntyre (2010/11)

Boston Bruins
Craig Anderson (2005/06)
Bob Essensa (2014/15)
Michael Hutchinson (2011/12)
Dany Sabourin (2009/10)

Buffalo Sabres
Jaroslav Halak (2013/14)
Arturs Irbe (2014/15)
Michael Leighton (2005/06)

Calgary Flames
Hardy Astrom (1981/82)
Martin Brochu (2000/01)
Brent Krahn (2003/04 + 2006/07)
Brad Thiessen (2014/15)

Carolina Hurricanes
Drew MacIntyre (2014/15)
Jean-Marc Pelletier (2000/01 + 2002/03)

Chicago Blackhawks
Mike Brodeur (2007/08)
Henrik Karlsson (2012/13)
Jason Labarbera (2013/14)
Jim McLeod (1970/71)
Bob Sneddon (1966/67)
Hannu Toivonen (2010/11)

Colorado Avalanche
Jason Bacashihua (2010/11)
Frederic Cassivi (2000/01)
Cedrick Desjardins (2011/12)
John Grahame (2010/2011)
Jean-Francois Labbe (1996/97)
Richard Shulmistra (1995/96)
Michael Wall (2007/08)

Columbus Blue Jackets
Michael Leighton (2012/13)

Dallas Stars
Jason Bacashihua (2002/03 + 2003/04)
Rick Tabaracci (2000/01)

Detroit Red Wings
Ryan Bach (1997/98)

Edmonton Oilers
Tyler Moss (2003/04)

Florida Panthers
Fredric Chabot (1994/95)
Sean Gauthier (2000/01)
Danny Lorenz (1994/95)
Chris Mason (2002/03)
Mike McKenna (2014/15)
Travis Scott (2003/04)
Rob Tallas (2012/13 + 2014/15)

Hartford Whalers
Manny Legace (1996/97)
Terry Richardson (1979/80)

Los Angeles Kings
Jean-Francois Berube (2014/15)
Mike O'Neill (1999/00)

Minnesota North Stars
Lyle Carter (1973/74)
Jim Corsi (1979/80)

Minnesota Wild
Johan Holmqvist (2003/04)
Nolan Schaefer (2007/08 + 2008/09)

Montreal Canadiens
Martin Brochu (1993/94)
Michael Leighton (2006/07)
Joey MacDonald (2014/15)
Jack Norris (1969/70)

Nashville Predators
Corey Hirsch (1999/00)
Drew MacIntyre (2008/09)

New Jersey Devils
Doug Dadswell (1991/92)

New York Islanders
Don Cutts (1976/77)
John Grahame (2011/12)
Dieter Kochan (2003/04)
Mike Morrison (2007/08)

New York Rangers
Mark Laforest (1991/92)
David LeNeveu (2013/14)
Al Montoya (2005/06 + 2006/07)
Mike Rosati (1988/89)

Ottawa Senators
Frederic Cassivi (1998/99)
Mathieu Chouinard (2000/01)

Philadelphia Flyers
Jason Bacashihua (2011/12)
Sebastien Caron (2009/10)
Norm Foster (1993/94)
Mike Greenlay (1994/95)
Carter Hutton (2009/10)
Les Kuntar (1994/95)
Jason Labarbera (2015/16)
Bob Sneddon (1971/72)
Fern Rivard (1968/69)
Jamie Storr (2005/06)

Pittsburgh Penguins
Bruce Racine (1990/91 + 1992/93)

San Jose Sharks
Carter Hutton (2010/11)
Darrin Madeley (1996/97)

St. Louis Blues
Craig Anderson (2005/06)
Tom Draper (1990/91)
Parris Duffus (1993/94)
Alain Raymond (1990/91)
Dwayne Roloson (2000/01)

Tampa Bay Lightning
Kevin Poulin (2015/16)

Toronto Maple Leafs
Christopher Gibson (2014/15)
Pat Jablonski (1994/95)

Vancouver Canucks
Matt Climie (2011/12)
Wade Flaherty (2006/07)
Manny Legace (1999/00)

Washington Capitals
Pheonix Copley (2014/15)
Dany Sabourin (2010/11 + 2011/12)
Robb Stauber (1996/97)

Winnipeg Jets
Sean Gauthier (1992/93)

Click to read more...

 

[Doctor No]

Nice - I love it!

I track these (or attempt to) on my site as well - off the top of my head, one that you're missing is Shawn Simpson, who dressed for the Capitals in the 1990 playoffs.

I quote from the Washington Post here:
http://hockeygoalies.org/bio/simpson.html

"Radio color commentator Shawn Simpson was halfway through a broadcast of last night's (4/23/1990) Baltimore Skipjacks game at Baltimore Arena when a breathless man came up to him and said, "Pack your gear, hop in the car and get down to Washington right away." Simpson's night as a broadcaster was over. He was about to become the Washington Capitals' backup goaltender. When Don Beaupre went out with a groin injury in the opening minutes of last night's playoff game, the Capitals quickly called their farm team in Baltimore and asked for an available goaltender. Simpson, 21, Baltimore's third-string goaltender - who is so available he sits in the broadcast booth - was ready and willing. He arrived at Capital Centre between the second and third periods. He found a jersey waiting for him - No. 30, with his last name on the back. "You always dream about something like this happening," said Simpson, who has spent six years in the minors [sic]. "Does this count toward my pension?"

 

[Sanf]

Yep this is interesting. Sadly I have never made any list of these, but some that I can remember now.

Wasn´t Toskala briefly Ducks backup or do I remember wrong?

Al Smith was injured long period at the start of the Whalers 1979-1980 season. Garrett played all the games and Terry Richardson was backup.

Manny Legace Whalers? 1996-1997

October 19, 1996 Hartford Courant

Jason Muzzatti is expected to make his second consecutive start for the Whalers in goal. Muzzatti played against the Devils three times last season and was 1-2 with a .933 save percentage. Manny Legace will be his backup.

Mike Rosati with Rangers?

February 04, 1989

The Rangers summoned Mike Rosati, a goalie, from Niagara yesterday to serve as Bob Froese's backup for the game tonight at Montreal. Coach Michel Bergeron decided to leave John Vanbiesbrouck home...

I´m 100% sure that I have stumbled to many more...

Edit. One more before I forget it. Tom Draper was traded to Blues for future considerations in February 1991. He was traded back to Jets in summer for future considerations.

March 7, 1991 St. Louis Post-Dispatch

With goalie Vincent Riendeau back in the lineup, the Blues sent goalie Tom Draper to their Peoria farm team on Tuesday. Draper, acquired from Winnipeg last week for future considerations, did not play a minute. He simply was in uniform as Pat Jablonski's backup. "It's really no surprise," Draper said. "I knew as soon as Vinnie got healthy, I'd go to Peoria to play some games. I knew my role here was as a backup. It would have been tough to play me because no one's seen me play."

Edit2. And that reminded me that Jim Corsi was most likely North Stars backup in 1980 in some playoff games. He was traded there from Oilers in March and traded back to Oilers in summer.

 

[Gigantor The Goalie]

Before the Avalanche traded for Semyon Varlamov there was a lot of talk on the Avs forum on just going into the next season with Jason Bacashihua and John Grahame as the tandem.

 

[frontsfan2005]

Didn't Craig Anderson dress as a backup for a game or two for the Bruins in 05-06?

http://www.gettyimages.ca/detail/ne...he-boston-bruins-looks-on-news-photo/56811382

 

[Doctor No]

Didn't Craig Anderson dress as a backup for a game or two for the Bruins in 05-06?

He did; here's one game:
http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20052006/ES020756.HTM

 

[DJ Man]

I recall that Roy Edwards was Glenn Hall's backup in the Chicago system in those years when Hall never missed a game. I remember him being mentioned as "standby" during some playoff games. I think that involved sitting in the press box in civilian garb, so maybe it doesn't count as being "dressed."

Edwards had a decent NHL career with Detroit and Pittsburgh, but never would play for the Hawks.

 

[The Pale King]

Never heard about Essensa with the Bruins last season. Would have been the best defense he'd played behind.

 

[Sanf]

I recall that Roy Edwards was Glenn Hall's backup in the Chicago system in those years when Hall never missed a game. I remember him being mentioned as "standby" during some playoff games. I think that involved sitting in the press box in civilian garb, so maybe it doesn't count as being "dressed."

Edwards had a decent NHL career with Detroit and Pittsburgh, but never would play for the Hawks.

Yep I have seen this one. Can´t remember the year though (somewhere in 1960 to 1962). There were Denis DeJordy and Ed Johnston at Black Hawks depth chart at the time too.

 

[Sanf]

Don Cutts was Islanders backup in 1976-1977 (March)

Cutts was on the bench Sunday night in Denver, as the Islanders shut out the Colorado Rockies, 5-0

I don´t have the link only my notepad memo, but there was rather interesting interview from Cutts in some paper. He was rather big (6'3") goalie and was butterfly goalie. Came to Finland after his brief stint in NHL and was rather popular with his one year with Reipas.

few clips

"I feel that I cover more of the net down on my knees than when I'm standing up, and that's important.'

"Playing goal is matter of percentages," he went on. "I try to figure my chances of beating another guy to the puck and take it from there. It's the same story playing the angles in the net."

Ed Chadwick, former NHL goalie, who was scout in Islander organization did see things bit different.

He tends to go down on the ice too much," Chadwick said. "If he would stay on his feet more, I feel Don would be an ever better goalie. But each player, whether he's a goalie or not, does have a certain style that fits him.

 

[Sanf]

Another who came to Finland. Parris Duffus. I remember reading that he was Blues backup (probably more than once). Interesting name and interesting style.

 

[LeafsNation75]

Vesa Toskala was a back-up Goalie for Anaheim during the 2009-2010 season after he was traded to them by Toronto, however he never played a single minute for the Ducks since he was traded to Calgary right before the NHL trade deadline.

 

[Sanf]

I believe that Fredric Chabot dressed for Florida Panthers in 1994-1995. Fitzpatrick was suffering from back spasms.

Another is Allan Bester in same season with Mighty Ducks. Guy Hebert was runned over and he suffered minor injury. Bester was with the club, but not 100% sure if he dressed.

Also I believe you forgot Chris Gibson, Maple Leafs last season.

I have few questions. The first two ones sounds difficult, but at some point there was some sort of Sabres history pdf in internet which had gathered every player that ever dressed for Sabres. Including benchwarmers.

1. Did Jim Bedard ever dress for Sabres?

I´m mainly interest in this because Sabres drafted Finn Jari Paavola in 1980 draft. Bowman wanted Paavola to Buffalo in next season, but he still had contract with TPS. TPS made condition that Sabres need to send goalie for them in exchange. So Jim Bedard was sent to Finland.

2. Did Rick Knickle ever dress for Sabres?

I´m mainly trying to figure the answer to a trivia question, who had the longest period between being a benchwarmer and actual NHL debut in ice. Rick Knickle might be the answer.

3. Did Jani Hurme dress for Atlanta Thrashers?

He was acquired just before the season from Panthers (via Hurricanes). I don´t remember at which point the illnes sidelined him.

 

[Moose Head]

Perhaps Robert Mayer for the Habs? I seem to recall him getting a callup but not playing.

http://www.rotoworld.com/recent/nhl/2877/robert-mayer

The Canadiens recalled goaltender Robert Mayer from Hamilton of the AHL.
With Carey Price experiencing headaches, the Habs needed to look toward Hamilton for another goaltender to dress Wednesday night in Tampa. Mayer, a Czech native who was signed as a free agent prior to the 2008-09 season, was 12-16-1 in 35 games with the Bulldogs.
Source: canadiens.nhl.com Tue, Apr 3, 2012 03:19:00 PM

 

[ICM1970]

This list would not be complete without mentioning Bob Perreault, who suited up for the one and only Los Angeles Sharks of the WHA for one game in 1972-73 and was one of three netminders who played barefaced in that league.

 

[Sanf]

Gathered proof of those who I went with my memory.

Frederic Chabot

Called
UPI

MIAMI, April 27 -- The Florida Panthers shored up their goaltending situation Thursday by recalling Frederic Chabot from Cincinnati of the International Hockey League.

Chabot will replace backup goaltender Mark Fitzpatrick, who is suffering from recurring back spasms and has returned to South Florida for treatment.

Sent back

May 2, 1995 NY Times

FLORIDA PANTHERS -- Recalled Danny Lorenz, goaltender, from Cincinnati of the IHL. Sent Frederic Chabot, goaltender, to Cincinnati.

Allan Bester

May 01, 1995 LA Times

Shtalenkov made 15 saves, holding off some furious King assaults. His reward for 30 shutout minutes probably will be a start against St. Louis tonight, his first in almost a month. Even if Hebert isn't still suffering from the concussion, he isn't likely to play with the Ducks' playoff hopes over. "What's the point?" Coach Ron Wilson said. If a backup is needed, the Ducks can call up Allan Bester for emergency duty. Bester, the San Diego Gulls' goalie, has been practicing with the Ducks since the Gulls' season ended for precisely that reason.

May 2, 1995 NY Times

ANAHEIM MIGHTY DUCKS -- Recalled Allan Bester, goaltender, from San Diego of the IHL.

Jim Corsi

The Lewiston Daily Sun - Jun 21, 1980

Corsi had a 2.60 goals-against avarage in 11 games for Minnesota´s Oklahoma City farm clum in the Central Hockey League. He also was used as a backup during the National Hockey League playoffs.

Gary Edwards suffered injury during playoffs, but I don´t have proof if Corsi was the backup.

 

[Benchwarmers]

Thanks for all the comments everyone!


Sanf,

I'm so glad you responded to the thread because I knew you'd have some great names.

The Sabres guide you mention is here: http://downloads.sabres.nhl.com/other/record_book.pdf
see bottom of page 185 for the backup goalie list. If you ask me, someone has assembled too comprehensive of a list to miss Bedard or Knickle if they dressed for Buffalo. I'm not saying its impossible, but when they're able to come up with Regan, Weaver, Rein et al I have a hard time believing their list isn't complete. This combined with not being able to find any leads on Bedard or Knickle playing for Buffalo would make me very doubtful they ever dressed as backups for the Sabres.

Jani Hurme did not dress as a backup for the Atlanta Thrashers. Pasi Nurminen and Byron Dafoe were the Thrashers tandem all through October 2003. When Atlanta officially listed Hurme as injured and out for the season they made it retroactive to Oct. 4, 2003 which was five days before the season started.


Allan Bester:
I found this article from May 2, 1995 that seems to confirm he was recalled but didn't dress after all.

Goalie Guy Hebert dressed as the backup the day after suffering a mild concussion when the Kings' Eric Lacroix drove him into the crossbar during a 2-1 loss. San Diego Gulls goalie Allan Bester was available on an emergency basis after being recalled but did not dress


Jim Corsi with North Stars seems like a solid lead and it would appear to me that its very likely he dressed for them.

---------

Note, I didn't add Shawn Simpson or Robert Mayer because they fall into the backups only category (see my last thread for that list).

 

[Sanf]

Thanks!

Yep, thats the one! I did found that years ago, but haven´t been able to find it ever since. Yeah, I agree. In that light it is highly unlikely that they would have dressed for Sabres.

Also thanks about the Hurme confirmation. Bester with Mighty Ducks would have been great, but it does seem that it didn´t happen.

 

[Bear of Bad News]

Folks - the first post of the thread makes it very clear what it is.

It's not the "post photos of goalies on teams other than the one that made them famous" thread.

We have a thread for that - please use it for that.

 

[Sanf]

Frederic Cassivi

I remember that he competed with Jani Hurme from spot in Senators. It seems that he was recalled. While trying to find info I found that he was Avalanche backup also.

March 9, 1999 The Cincinnati Enquirer

Frederic Cassivi has been recalled by the NHL Ottawa Senators to serve as backup while starter Ron Tugnutt recovers from a sprained knee

Denver Post Nov. 27, 2000

The Avs did send goaltender Frederic Cassivi back to Hershey on Sunday, after he was brought up to serve as Patrick Roy's backup for the game against Calgary because of David Aebischer's throat infection.

I can´t found it, but I have seen mentioning that Jack Norris was recalled twice by Montreal Canadiens during 1969-1970 season. This may be related to Bruve Mullet´s game as backup which Canadiens1958 mentioned in other thread.

Jiri Crha. This one I´m the most sceptical. It was at the time speculated that North Stars just used this signing as way to pay him from his help to get the Czech players to Minnesota. Crha was agent of many defected players.

March 30, 1984 Democrat and Chronicle

The Minnesota North Stars signed goal-tender Jiri Crha to a one-year contract and will use him as a backup in the Stanley Cup playoffs, replacing injured Don Beaupre.

This one probably doesn´t fit even looser definition of backup, but in my opinion nice small trivia. Maple Leafs acquired rights to use Dave Kerr as their emergency goalie before the 1944-1945 Stanley Cup Playoffs. He trained with Maple Leafs few time, but there wasn´t serious comeback attempt.

Kerr retired from N.H.L competition after the 1940-41 season and still is the property of Rangers. Day said he had obatained permission to us the goalie "if needed".

 

[Sanf]

Well how could I forget this.

March 2, 1982 The Oklahoman

Oklahoma City Stars goaltender Hardy Astrom has been called up by the parent club, the Calgary Flames. Astrom will be with the Flames for tonight's game against the New York Islanders, and for Wednesday's game against the New York Rangers. He will return to the Stars in time for a two-game series this weekend at Cincinnati

Jim McLeod Blackhawks 1970-1971 Playoffs.

NY Evening News May 1. 1971

The Hawks called up goalie Jim McLeod for the deciding game against the Rangers. McLeod, who replaces Ken Brown on the roster, led the Portland Club to the Western Hockey League championship.

The Chicago Tribune May 1. 1971

McLeod, tho, will be the only one who will dress for tomorrow´s game, replacing Brown as the stand-in goalie. No, Reay has no thoughts of supplanting Tony Esposito.

Jim Shaw practised also with the team during playoffs, but I don´t know if he dressed.

Jim "Seaweed" Pettie signed with Rangers in 1979. I haven´t found any news of hin being recalled to parent club.

But there is this by far the strangest lead this far. In 19. episode of the season 2 (Shut it down part 1) of the TV sitcom Taxi, Jim Pettie is mentioned as the Rangers backup goalie. And at the moment this episode is in Youtube (about 4:40). Seriously I had boring morning.

That´s pretty much all the names that I have stumbled during my researches.

 

[Benchwarmers]

Update, added a few more names. Still working on the list if anyone can remember any leads.

Sanf, thanks again for your additions. A few notes on some of the names you brought up. Was able to find proof of pretty much everyone except Pettie.



Jiri Crha


Did dress with the Minnesota North Stars

From April 4, 1984 Globe and Mail

"Some clubs had to make last-minute additions because of injuries. Minnesota North Stars hired former Toronto Maple Leaf goalie Jiri Crha, who has been playing in West Germany, to serve as backup for the first two games of their series with the Hawks while regular Don Beaupre recovers from strained knee ligaments."

Jack Norris


Did dress with the Montreal Canadiens

Montreal Gazette 1970:

Vachon was out with an ankle injury and …. "Thus Phil Myre will start against the Leafs with Jack Norris, up from the AHL Voyageurs, as backup netminder."


Jim Pettie

I was looking into Jim Pettie and found this rather odd "did you know" piece imbd.com has for that episode of Taxi

"Goofs
Alex mentions that Jim Pettie is the Rangers back-up goalie. Pettie was in the Ranger system during the 1979-80 NHL season, but played in the minors. Steve Baker, Wayne Thomas and Doug Soetart were the New York Rangers back-ups."

So that seems to imply that Pettie didn't dress with the Rangers, which would support why we both could not find any additional information. It begs the question why they mentioned Pettie in the first place on the show.

 

[Doctor No]

Interesting finds!

Regarding Pettie, I agree that the sentence does imply that Pettie didn't skate with the Rangers, although without knowing the source of the "goof", it's hard to know how much I trust that information (it could be that the person Googled hockeydb.com and found that Pettie didn't actually play in a game, and came to their own conclusion).

 

[MS]

Joe Cannata spent a long stretch of 15-16 backing up Jakob Markstrom for the Canucks but never played.

He will almost certainly not be resigned this offseason. He's never played anywhere else, either, so would make the list of guys who backed up but have never seen an NHL game as well.

 

[Doctor No]

Joe Cannata spent a long stretch of 15-16 backing up Jakob Markstrom for the Canucks but never played.

Yep, and also dressed as backup in 2012-13:

http://hockeygoalies.org/bio/cannata.html

I believe he's on the other list, though (in the parallel thread).