Milner Reflects on Life as Capitals' Practice Goalie, EBUG

Veteran goalie discusses facing Ovechkin's shot, food critic job, and his hockey career

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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In a Q&A with NHL.com, Washington Capitals practice goalie Parker Milner reflects on his unique role, including being pressed into service as the team's emergency backup goalie (EBUG) in December 2025. Milner, a former NCAA champion at Boston College, discusses the challenges of facing Alex Ovechkin's powerful shot in practice, how he landed the Capitals job, and his transition to a second career as a food critic in Charleston, South Carolina.

Why it matters

Milner's story provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at the life of an NHL practice goalie and the challenges they face, from dealing with high-powered shots to balancing hockey with outside interests. His journey also highlights the unpredictable nature of being an EBUG and the lifelong impact hockey can have, even for those who don't make it to the NHL full-time.

The details

Milner, a 35-year-old Pittsburgh native, has been the Capitals' practice goalie for the past three seasons after living in Charleston, South Carolina with his wife, a doctor. He landed the job through his connection with Capitals goalie coach Scotty Murray, whom he knew from their time together with the Hershey Bears. Milner's main role is to provide extra goaltending work for the Capitals' skaters, allowing the team's regular goalies to rest. He also got a chance to dress as the EBUG in December 2025 when Charlie Lindgren was injured, an experience Milner called the "culmination" of his time with the Capitals. Milner also discussed the challenge of facing Alex Ovechkin's powerful shot in practice, saying "It's hard, first of all, but reading it off his blade is really impossible."

  • In December 2025, Milner was pressed into service as the Capitals' EBUG when Charlie Lindgren was unavailable.
  • Milner plans to move back to Charleston, South Carolina full-time after this season to focus on his job as the food editor at The Post and Courier.

The players

Parker Milner

A 35-year-old Pittsburgh native who has been the Washington Capitals' practice goalie for the past three seasons after a professional career that included winning NCAA championships at Boston College and playing in the AHL and ECHL.

Scotty Murray

The Washington Capitals' goalie coach, who previously worked with Milner when he was with the Hershey Bears.

Charlie Lindgren

The Washington Capitals' regular backup goaltender, who was unavailable due to an upper-body injury in December 2025 when Milner served as the EBUG.

Logan Thompson

A former ECHL teammate of Milner's with the South Carolina Stingrays, who is now representing Canada at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games.

Alex Ovechkin

The Washington Capitals' star forward and the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer, whose powerful one-timer shots Milner faces in practice.

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What they’re saying

“Seeing Logan in there and thinking back to the last time I played professionally, it was me and him. I almost had to remind myself of that because it felt so long ago. Then, you get back into the old routine where he comes over the bench and I was like, 'Oh yeah, he used to do that.'”

— Parker Milner (NHL.com)

“It's hard, first of all, but reading it off his blade is really impossible. It comes off a different way, it feels like, every time, and there's just so much heat and power behind it. Not to mention that knowing who's shooting on you, it kind of plays into it. But just his ability to find a way to score in all sorts of circumstances and situations and get the puck on net in a place the goalie can't reach is really cool to see.”

— Parker Milner (NHL.com)

What’s next

Milner plans to move back to Charleston, South Carolina full-time after this season to focus on his job as the food editor at The Post and Courier.

The takeaway

Milner's story highlights the unique role of an NHL practice goalie, who must balance the demands of the job with outside interests and a life after hockey. His journey from NCAA champion to ECHL veteran to Capitals EBUG showcases the unpredictable nature of a hockey career, and how even those who don't make it to the NHL full-time can find fulfillment in the sport.