The Florida Panthers created quite a buzz on Tuesday when both of their goalies got injured during a game. Panic ensued, and goalie coach Robb Tallas was this close to actually playing in his first NHL game in 14 years.
So, like any good team with a great marketing department, the Panthers doubled down on the crazy situation with an awesome promotion.
Florida announced on Thursday it will host a "Goal of a Lifetime" contest, where a lucky fan will actually get to become the Panthers' back-up goalie for one practice!
The Florida Panthers announced today the club's plans for their "Goal of a Lifetime" contest that will give one lucky Panthers' fan the opportunity to sign a one-day amateur try-out and serve as Florida's back-up practice goalie for a day.
"We are very excited to launch this contest and expect a great turnout for this ultimate fan experience," said Florida Panthers Executive Chairman Peter Luukko. "This contest provides our hockey community with the opportunity to earn a chance to skate with the Panthers and serve as the team's back-up practice goalie for a day."
The contest is open to any man or woman over the age of 18 who is brave enough to face an Erik Gudbranson slap-shot in real life. Try-outs will be run by Tallas himself, which is bad news for anyone who thought they'd make a better emergency goalie than him.
Then, two finalists will face Panthers alumni in a shootout during the first intermission on March 17. Once that final trial and tribulation is passed, one winner gets to practice with the actual Panthers during practice.
This is an awesome idea, and major kudos are in order for the Panthers' marketing guy or gal who came up with it. Who knows? With Roberto Luongo and Al Montoya still injured, Florida could solve its backup problem right here.