Zach Dietz, a goalie for the University of Ottawa, became the centre of the hockey world last weekend when he temporarily became the backup netminder for the Ottawa Senators — and was spotted running to Canadian Tire Centre with his equipment.
Dietz was the designated emergency backup goalie, often known as an EBUG, for the Senators’ game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday.
EBUGs are meant to act as reserves, should both goalies on one team be unable to play. They rarely see NHL action, with the most notable case being that of David Ayres, the 42-year-old Zamboni driver who helped the Carolina Hurricanes defeat the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2020.
However, Dietz got closer to the ice than most EBUGs when Ottawa starter Anton Forsberg was injured during pre-game warm-ups, forcing Linus Ullmark to start back-to-back games, and leaving Dietz as the team’s back-up.
The development may have come as a surprise to Dietz, who was seen sporting a Senators jersey and running with his goalie gear on a highway overpass toward the arena.
Ultimately, Ullmark backstopped the Sens to a 3-2 overtime win, with captain Brady Tkachuk scoring the winner.
Dietz, originally from Freelton, Ont., just outside of Hamilton, is in his second-year with the Gee-Gees. He’s appeared in three games this year, notching two wins and posting a save percentage of .930.
The Gee-Gees have won 10 of their first 17 games this year, leaving them fourth in the OUA East division. They are set to host the 2025 U Sports University Cup in March, guaranteeing them a spot in this year’s post-season tournament.
