61-year-old goaltender signs with ECHL team to become their emergency backup

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Axel Williams
October 26, 2024 (9:42 PM)

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Some interesting news coming out of the ECHL today as the Toledo Walleye just signed 61-year-old Doug Melvin as their emergency backup goaltender

EBUG's are common in hockey, but of course, with Melvin's age, there is no doubt that this is going to raise a few eyebrows. In the end, the Walleye had no choice to do this as Carter Gylander was called up by the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL.

"The @ToledoWalleye lost rookie G Carter Gylander to a call up to Grand Rapids today. The Walleye, who are in Boise, signed G Doug Melvin as an EBUG. Not at all unusual for the ECHL. Except Melvin is 61 years old. Yes 61! He served as an EBUG last year for the Idaho Steelheads."

Melvin has history of being an EBUG for the Idaho Steelheads. Moreover, according to none other than Jeff Marek, Melvin once attended training camp for the Philadelphia Flyers where he competed against Carey Price's dad, Jerry.

"Melvin was at Philadelphia Flyers training camp in 1978 along with another netminder Jerry Price, Carey Price's father."

Melvin probably won't see the ice today but if he does, it will be quite the story. He has been in and around the ECHL for 30 years at this point, so if he gets in, it won't be the biggest surprise in the world. Regardless, it makes for quite the story.

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