Goffstown, Recent Hampshire native Kyle Chauvette experienced a whirlwind 24 hours, going from a heartbreaking complete to his college hockey career to sitting on the bench for an NHL game with the San Jose Sharks. The University of New Hampshire (UNH) senior economics major was unexpectedly thrust into the professional ranks as an emergency backup goalie for Thursday night’s game against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden.
Chauvette’s journey began with a tough 7-3 loss to Northeastern in the Hockey East playoff quarterfinals on Wednesday night, effectively ending the Wildcats’ season. Just one day later, he found himself in Boston, suited up with the Sharks due to an injury to their starting goaltender, Yaroslav Askarov. This unexpected turn of events provided a surreal moment for the 24-year-old, fulfilling a lifelong dream even in a limited role.
Sharks Face Goaltending Challenge, Turn to Emergency Option
The San Jose Sharks were forced to seek an emergency backup after Askarov sustained a lower-body injury during warm-ups on Thursday, according to Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky as reported by the East Bay Times. Askarov “tweaked something” prior to the game, prompting the team to sign Chauvette to an amateur tryout contract. He backed up Alex Nedeljkovic, who delivered a strong performance in net for the Sharks.
Chauvette, who played three years at Union College before transferring to UNH, finished his senior season with a 13-19-1 record and a .902 save percentage. Although he didn’t observe any playing time against the Bruins, simply being part of an NHL game was a significant achievement. His father, Keith Chauvette, who was in attendance at TD Garden, expressed immense pride in his son’s accomplishment, stating it was “really kind of cool” to see him realize his dream, even as an emergency backup as detailed by WMUR.
From College Hockey to the NHL Bench in 24 Hours
The Sharks have utilized an emergency backup goalie before this season, signing Justin Kowalkoski in December when Askarov was ill during a road trip. This highlights the team’s preparedness for unforeseen circumstances. Nedeljkovic, who recently signed a two-year, $6 million contract extension with the Sharks according to the official San Jose Sharks website, proved to be a reliable presence in net, preventing Chauvette from being needed in the game.
Despite not entering the game, Chauvette’s presence on the bench represented a significant milestone in his hockey career. The experience underscores the unpredictable nature of professional sports and the opportunities that can arise from unexpected events. It’s a testament to Chauvette’s dedication and hard work, qualities his father emphasized throughout his career.
The San Jose Sharks’ next game is scheduled for Thursday, March 19th against the Buffalo Sabres. Fans can locate game schedules and purchase tickets through Ticketmaster.
Askarov’s injury is being evaluated, and the Sharks will likely provide an update on his condition in the coming days. Chauvette’s future with the team remains uncertain, but his experience at TD Garden will undoubtedly be a cherished memory. The Sharks will continue to monitor Askarov’s recovery and assess their goaltending options as they navigate the remainder of the NHL season.
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