๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ……….
In one of the most unexpected and heartwarming moments in NHL history, the **Edmonton Oilers** have signed a **mysterious Zamboni driver**โknown only by his nickname, โBig Waltโโas an official backup goalie for a recent game following a surprise performance that left both teammates and fans speechless.
This real-life Cinderella hockey story unfolded in dramatic fashion earlier this week at Rogers Place. During what was meant to be a routine closed scrimmage session, the Oilers found themselves without a backup goaltender when Calvin Pickard was ruled out minutes before puck drop due to illness. With no official replacement available and time ticking, the team was in a scrambleโuntil a familiar face from the sidelines stepped forward.
Big Walt, who works as an ice technician and Zamboni operator for the Oilers arena crew, had quietly watched hundreds of NHL practices from behind the boards. But what few knew was that Walt had once been a standout goalie in Saskatchewanโs senior league, and still trained regularly at local rinks before and after hours.
I jokingly told the trainer Iโd suit up if they needed someone,โ Walt said after the game, chuckling. โNext thing I know, Coach is handing me a helmet.
Walt was given an impromptu tryout in front of stunned Oilers players. Donning a spare set of goalie pads and an old-style mask, he took to the iceโand put on an absolute clinic.
McDavid came in on a breakaway, and Walt stoned him,โ defenseman Darnell Nurse recalled. โAt first we laughed. Then he robbed Draisaitl. Then he made a glove save from Nugent-Hopkins and we all just stood there likeโwho IS this guy?
Under NHL emergency backup goalie (EBUG) rules, each team can sign a non-roster individual for one game in case both rostered goalies are unavailable. The Oilers quickly offered Walt a one-day amateur tryout contract making him the official backup for that eveningโs game against the Calgary Flames.
While starter Stuart Skinner played the full 60 minutes, Walt dressed, warmed up with the team, and sat on the bench throughout the game, drawing cheers every time the camera panned to him. His stoic presence and unassuming demeanor instantly made him a fan favorite.
Within hours, #BigWalt trended across Canadian social media platforms. Fans created memes, tribute videos, and even mock trading cards celebrating the humble Zamboni driver-turned-goalie. Even ESPN and TSN ran highlight segments dedicated to the heartwarming story.
After the game, Oilers captain Connor McDavid was full of praise:
He was calm, collected, and actually really good. The guy stepped up when we needed him. Thatโs the spirit of hockey right there.
Despite internet pleas to give Walt a permanent spot on the roster, the Oilers made clear that the one-day contract was a special moment, not a long-term roster move. Walt has since returned to his regular job, resurfacing the ice at Rogers Place as if nothing happened.
Iโm not looking for fame,โ he said modestly. โJust glad I could help out the team I love.
While Walt may never play another NHL minute, his story will live on in hockey folklore. Like David Ayresโthe Zamboni driver who famously won a game for the Hurricanes in 2020โWalt’s night as an Oiler reminds us of the magic and unpredictability of sports.
For one special evening in Edmonton, the crowd didnโt cheer for the biggest star on the iceโbut for the biggest heart beside it.