From booking team travel logistics to subbing in for an NHL roster, Reid Robertson supports the Columbus Blue Jackets in more ways than just one.
Beginning with the 2026-2027 season, a new NHL rule states that teams must have a designated full-time, traveling emergency backup goalie (EBUG). For the Blue Jackets, their EBUG of choice was naturally Robertson, as he had already spent the last four years unofficially practicing with the team.
Entering his fifth year with the Jackets, the 27-year-old team services manager of travel and logistics serves the team through managing transportation, hotels, reservations, and more. He works alongside former Blue Jacket and current director of team operations Aaron Johnson to ensure the team's needs are met at home and on the road.
“Anything and everything that players, management or coaches need, we are kind of a one-stop shop to eliminate distractions off the ice and just make their lives as easy as possible,” said Robertson.
Robertson first arrived to the Jackets as a hockey operations intern and was later recruited to be a practice goaltender. He said for the past four years, whenever they needed him, he would sub into practice. If a goalie was hurt, needed a day off or skaters wanted extra reps before or after practice, Robertson was their guy.
“One year I skated almost every day I felt like,” said Robertson. “It’s been good to stay in shape throughout the years.”
Robertson has gotten accustomed to pivoting his responsibilities at a moment’s notice.
“Sometimes it’s like, I’m looking at a computer screen and 10 minutes later I’m in the net in an NHL practice,” said Robertson.
The eligibility requirements for official EBUGs are strict and highly specific.
EBUGs must travel with the team to serve home and away games, must not be on the reserve list for an NHL club, must not have played professionally within the last three seasons, must not have played an NHL game on a standard player contract, must not have played in more than 80 professional games and must not have another contractual obligation that would preclude their ability to be an emergency goalie.
Luckily, Robertson fit the criteria.
In addition to having rapport with the Blue Jackets, Robertson has previous EBUG experience.
Immediately after graduating from Manhattanville University in 2022, Robertson served the New York Rangers as a practice goalie and EBUG for a couple of weeks of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
The first game of the playoffs was Rangers versus Pittsburgh Penguins. The Penguins goalie got injured, and Robertson was called to get dressed and prepare to go in as the backup.
Ultimately, he did not touch the ice. But he did go on to practice with the Penguins the next day.
Along with serving as a practice goalie for the Blue Jackets for the past several years, Robertson would also practice with visiting teams when needed.
During his tenure with the team, he has skated with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Tampa Bay Lightning, Montreal Canadiens, and Detroit Red Wings.
Robertson received positive support when the Jacket players heard he would fill the role as official EBUG.
“They’re happy for me,” said Robertson. “Being down there and having a relationship with all of them, that’s been the most fun for me.”
Robertson is no stranger to managing many responsibilities. At Manhattanville University, he was a dual-sport athlete in ice hockey and golf while double-majoring in business management and sports studies.
“Juggling school and both sports and those time management lessons that I’ve learned, you're kind of forced to be dialed in. It’s definitely translating now,” said Robertson.
