Parker Milner, retired pro goaltender and food critic, on serving as emergency backup for Capitals: 'To get here - even in this way - was pretty special'

""It's surreal," he said. "You're staring at the greatest goal scorer to ever play the game, and you're about to go on the ice for an NHL game. So it's really hard to describe, but just tried to be super present and appreciate the moment and appreciate the guys that I was around to help me do it.""

""Found out that Chuckie was hurt after morning skate, and they were trying to figure out if they could make it work rules-wise," he said. "Got the news probably around 2:30, so it happened pretty quickly from there. Just hopped on the bus, came here, and tried to enjoy the moment. I've played so many hockey games, and I never made it to this point. So even to get here - even in this way - was pretty special.""

Parker Milner, 35, signed a professional tryout with the Washington Capitals and dressed as the backup against the Anaheim Ducks after Charlie Lindgren sustained an upper-body injury. Milner last played professional hockey in 2020 and now works as a food critic and editor covering South Carolina restaurants. He has served as a part-time practice goalie for the Capitals and occasionally traveled with the team. Milner learned of the injury around 2:30 p.m., quickly joined the roster, and did not enter the game but described the experience as surreal and special.

Read at RMNB