Scott Litwack, the Devils director of hockey operations, asked one of the team's designated emergency backup goaltenders (EBUG) Kyle Shapiro if he could help the team out and work a practice with the club.
Goaltender Akira Schmid had tested positive for COVID-19 and was required to enter protocol. Meanwhile, Mackenzie Blackwood had an inconclusive test and was held out of practice as a precaution. Thus, assistance was needed. But following practice Litwack approached Shapiro.
"What would you think if you backed up tomorrow night," Litwack asked, referring to New Jersey's game at the New York Islanders the following evening.
"About 10, 15 minutes went by and he said, 'we're going to need you tomorrow night,'" Shapiro recalled to the Speak of the Devils podcast. "It's taken on a world of its own since then."
Shapiro, 28, dressed as the team's backup for that contest. And the team even let him take a "rookie lap" before warmups. He skated on his own at UBS Arena, friends and family watching by the glass, without a helmet and soaking in the moment.
"The whole no bucket thing came from P.K.," Shapiro said. "How can you say no to P.K. when he says, 'You're going no bucket.' (Assistant equipment coach) Nate (Belliveau) came in and took my helmet, so I didn't really have a choice. It was definitely no bucket the whole time. With no helmet you'll take the laps a little bit slower. I took my time getting on the ice, took a couple shots, enjoyed it, had a smile on my face."
Here's more of what Shapiro had to say about that moment and his life…
New Jersey Devils Official Podcast
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EBUG Kyle Shapiro | Speak of the Devils
Shapiro on a Chance of a Lifetime | PODCAST
The Devils EBUG goaltender discusses serving as the team's backup, his career, coaching and more
