Coyotes give MVP belt to emergency backup Schoenfeld after win
After a 6-2 blowout victory over the Montreal Canadiens, the Arizona Coyotes gave their MVP belt to a man who, despite never taking the ice, lived out a lifelong dream Monday.
New guy Nathan Schoenfeld gets the MVP belt! 👏https://t.co/y5TqVouCUP
— Yotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) February 16, 2016
Nathan Schoenfeld was called to serve as an emergency backup to Louis Domingue after Anders Lindback suffered an off-ice injury hours before game time. He was honored to receive the belt from his new teammates.
Related: Coyotes turn to men's league goalie as emergency backup vs. Canadiens
"That was great," Schoenfeld said. "It shows how great this locker room is ... It was a special night."
#Coyotes emergency goalie Nate Schoenfeld received tonight's game belt pic.twitter.com/UsgXhLUjRU
— Greg Dillard (@GregDillard) February 16, 2016
The 31-year-old drove 30 minutes to Gila River Arena, and admitted he "didn't have to break any laws" to arrive on time. He didn't seem to be in too much of a rush to head home after the big win.
"I was just going to keep my jersey on and stay here as long as I could, but eventually I'll have to go home," he added.
Domingue on Schoenfeld: "The way we played tonight, I though he would have been OK."
— Sarah McLellan (@azc_mclellan) February 16, 2016
Meanwhile, head coach Dave Tippett told reporters postgame that Lindback's injury looks "fairly serious." He'll be evaluated Tuesday.