Seven years after University of B.C. goalie Chris Levesque was called up as a backup goaltender for the Vancouver Canucks, another Thunderbird goalie is getting his first big shot in the NHL.
Netminder Jordan White, in his second year with the university squad, was called up to play emergency backup for the San Jose Sharks after regular goaltender Anterro Nittymaki was injured during a practice skate.
The 22-year-old got the news from UBC coach Milan Dragicevic while he was preparing for practice at the university just before noon.
"At first, I was just trying to put it into perspective. You've heard about these stories on TV or in the papers and I'm looking forward to the experience and taking it for what it is," said White.
White is UBC's best goalie, with a record of of 7-7-4 with a 3.51 GAA and .876 save percentage. He had to sign all of the paperwork before 2 p.m. because of league rules.
The Surrey native said he will treat the game as a learning experience and try to "learn a few pointers" so he can be prepared for a weekend series against the Regina Cougars.
"I can be a Canucks fan every other night but tonight I'm going to rooting for the guys on the bench with me," said White.
White told CTV News he would give his parents the two tickets given to him for tonight's big game.
The Vancouver Canucks face off against the San Jose Sharks at 7 p.m. at Rogers Arena.
