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𝐄𝐃𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐍 𝐌𝐘𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐎𝐔𝐒 𝐙𝐀𝐌𝐁𝐎𝐍𝐈 𝐃𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐒 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐔𝐏 𝐆𝐎𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐄 𝐀𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐄 ……….

In one of the most unexpected and heartwarming moments in NHL history, the **Edmonton Oilers** have signed a **mysterious Zamboni driver**—known only by his nickname, “Big Walt”—as 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 scramble—until 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 Saskatchewan’s senior league, and still trained regularly at local rinks before and after hours.

I jokingly told the trainer I’d suit up if they needed someone,” Walt said after the game, chuckling. “Next 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 ice—and put on an absolute clinic.

McDavid came in on a breakaway, and Walt stoned him,” defenseman Darnell Nurse recalled. “At first we laughed. Then he robbed Draisaitl. Then he made a glove save from Nugent-Hopkins and we all just stood there like—who 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 evening’s 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. That’s 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.

I’m not looking for fame,” he said modestly. “Just 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 Ayres—the Zamboni driver who famously won a game for the Hurricanes in 2020—Walt’s night as an Oiler reminds us of the magic and unpredictability of sports.

For one special evening in Edmonton, the crowd didn’t cheer for the biggest star on the ice—but for the biggest heart beside it.