Eric Semborski is an American former ice‑hockey goaltender who is notable for having served as an emergency backup goaltender (EBUG) for the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League (NHL) during the 2015‑2016 season.
Early life and education
Semborski was raised in Pennsylvania. He attended Penn State University, where he played as a goaltender for the Penn State Nittany Lions men's ice‑hockey program. Details regarding his date of birth, early schooling, and family background have not been widely published; accurate information on these aspects is not confirmed.
Playing career
After completing his collegiate career, Semborski did not sign a professional hockey contract. He worked in the financial sector, holding a position as an accountant.
In March 2016, the Philadelphia Flyers experienced an injury to their backup goaltender, Michal Neuvirth, just before a game against the New Jersey Devils. Under NHL rules permitting teams to sign an emergency backup goaltender for a single game, the Flyers signed Semborski to an amateur try‑out contract. He dressed for the game on March 24, 2016, and entered the fourth period after the starter, Steve Mason, was pulled. Semborski faced one shot, which resulted in a goal, and he recorded no saves during his brief appearance. This made him one of the few non‑professional players to appear in an NHL regular‑season game.
Later activities
Following the emergency appearance, Semborski returned to his career outside of hockey. He has occasionally been referenced in media coverage of EBUGs and has participated in public speaking engagements related to his unique experience. No further professional hockey contracts or regular‑season NHL appearances have been recorded.
Legacy and significance
Semborski’s appearance is frequently cited in discussions of the NHL’s emergency backup goaltender policy and as an early example of a non‑professional athlete playing in an NHL game prior to the more widely known case of David Ayres in 2020.
References
- Reports from major sports news outlets covering the March 2016 Flyers‑Devils game.
- Official statements from the Philadelphia Flyers organization regarding the emergency signing.
Note: Information such as Semborski’s exact birthdate, personal life details, and post‑hockey career specifics are not extensively documented in publicly available, reliable sources; therefore, accurate information is not confirmed.