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Panthers fan to serve as backup practice goaltender for a day

Robert Mayer / Reuters

The Florida Panthers were desperate for a goaltender on Tuesday night, but there will be no shortage of candidates vying for the role later this month.

The Panthers are holding a contest to give one lucky fan a chance to serve as the team's backup goaltender for a future practice.

The "Goal of a Lifetime" contest is open to all goaltenders 18 years of age and older. 

Contestants will submit their netminding resumes, and several fans will then be chosen to compete in an on-ice tryout overseen by goaltending consultant Robb Tallas, who was nearly forced to enter Tuesday's game.

Two finalists will be selected and invited to participate in a shootout during the first intermission of the Panthers game against the Montreal Canadiens on March 17.

The winner will be the team's backup practice goalie for a day.

“We look forward to welcoming goaltenders from across South Florida to this open try-out,” Tallas said. 

“It promises to be a once in a lifetime experience for the goaltender who is selected to serve as our team’s back-up practice goalie for a day.”

Roberto Luongo and Al Montoya were both injured in Tuesday's 3-2 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Montoya will miss two weeks, and Luongo will miss at least the next two games.

The Panthers recalled Dan Ellis and Sam Brittain on Wednesday.

- With h/t to SB Nation

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