The Anaheim Ducks were forced to use emergency backup goaltender Tom Hodges in Friday's season finale versus the Dallas Stars after John Gibson and Anthony Stolarz were ruled out with injuries.
Hodges has one professional appearance under his belt, coming with the ECHL's Allen Americans in 2016-17. He entered his first NHL game with Stars-colored gear and a Ducks jersey without a name bar.
EBUG ALERT!! šØ
ā NHL (@NHL) April 30, 2022
Tom Hodges has laced them up and is now in net for the @AnaheimDucks! pic.twitter.com/B2ZjbEjWgP
Gibson started the contest before leaving with an upper-body injury. Stolarz entered the crease in relief but didn't emerge for the third period after sustaining a lower-body injury.
The game was 2-2 when Hodges entered, but Dallas scored midway through the frame on a power-play tally from Jason Robertson. While Hodges made two saves, the Stars added an empty-netter to seal the 4-2 victory.
"I was probably the most nervous I've ever been in my life, but I'm glad I didn't embarrass myself too much out there," Hodges said after the game.
The 28-year-old was mobbed by Ducks teammates upon entering the dressing room.
He battled for us.
ā Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) April 30, 2022
We battled for him.
Thank you, Tom Hodges!
š§” this team. #FlyTogether pic.twitter.com/yarDMTHw1K
The Ducks finished the season 31-37-14.
