Emergency! This is not a drill: Lachlan White, an EBUG tale

Lachlan White during pre-game warm-up vs the Newcastle Northstars at the Brave Cave. Photo credit: Paul Furness

People tuning into AIHL.TV or in attendance at the Brave Cave last Saturday may have noticed a new name on the Canberra Brave roster, a Mr Lachlan White.

For those eagle-eyed readers, you may have even seen Lee Collins announce his signing last Friday on icehockeynewsaustralia.com. However, for most people the first glimpse of Lachlan was his entrance into Phillip Ice Skating Centre on Saturday night in a pair of very distinctive red pads and gloves.

Lachlan is what is known as an EBUG, an Emergency Backup Goaltender. Lachlan normally plays in the local ACT men’s grade B league for the Canberra Rebels. On Wednesday night he received a call-up to the big time here in Australian hockey, an opportunity to represent his city on the national stage.

Now, Lachlan is not the first EBUG brought onto an AIHL roster this season, in fact he was brought into the team to replace another EBUG for the Brave, Victor Sjodin. Elsewhere this season we have seen Greg Davis turnout for both the Sydney Bears and Perth Thunder on their road trips to Melbourne and Glen Forbes-White has featured for the Central Coast Rhinos after joining as an EBUG.

EBUGs like Lachlan play an important role in the league. They do this without much fanfare and late notice. These are players who love the game so much they are happy to put their hand up to help teams in their hour of need. Dramatically shaking up their weekend plans.

The experience

So, in front of a packed arena, Lachlan takes part in the team’s entrance. The main lights turn off and the colourful disco lights begin flashing. Lachlan soaks in the energy of the crowd in the arena. He fist bumps all the kids looking up at their sporting heroes enroute to the ice. He steps foot on the ice for the first time to a wall of noise and music. The main lights flick on and the teams get to work on their pre-game warm-up. Lachlan takes his place between the pipes of the goal to face his first shots as an AIHL player. Behind him stands a fan with a sign held up reading ‘Heck Yeah Whitey #35’.

Before he knows it, the warm-up is finished, the anthem is sung, and the game is about to begin. Lachlan takes his position on the players bench, where he will cheer on his team, hopefully to success.

When the game is done, and the fans have emptied the arena. Lachlan gathers his things, gets in his car and heads home. Tomorrow night he will be back, in the same arena, for his normal league game. However, this time there won’t be the same number of fans in attendance to watch him enter the ice. But he will nonetheless put his heart and soul into the game he loves. Lachlan will position himself between those goal pipes and attempt to keep the puck out. He will be cheering and screaming for his team to win. He will do his best to improve his save percentage, as all goalies know it’s all about the stats. Life returns to normal. All until the next phone call rings.

Lachlan White in goals facing shots from Brave players. Photo credit: Paul Furness
 

Lachlan’s reflection on the night

“I just loved it. It was so much fun. The roar of the crowd as we walked into the rink and chants throughout the game gave me chills, absolutely incredible. I will never forget this night. A big thank you to the lads, the management, the staff, the fans, my family and my friends for showing up, supporting and giving it their all. [I am] Looking forward to seeing and cheering with you all, no matter where I’m standing at the rink. I would definitely want to do this again if the chance arises.”

Lachlan White – Canberra Brave goaltender