David Nozzolillo's ordinary workday pivoted into an NHL dream when the Chicago Blackhawks called him to dress as their emergency backup goalie. The 45-year-old bank employee and beer league player scrambled to the United Center after flu sidelined two regular goalies, swapping his client calls for a spot on the bench against the Capitals.

Flu outbreaks are a familiar headache for teams, especially with the NHL's compressed schedule ahead of the Olympic break. The Blackhawks, already short-handed, tapped Nozzolillo after recalling AHL goalie Drew Commesso. For Nozzolillo, an independent contractor paid $100 just to be on call, this was the once-in-a-lifetime exception to his usual role.

Emergency backups like Nozzolillo are a unique NHL tradition born from a 2015 incident. They've created moments of fame, from Zamboni driver David Ayers to accountant Scott Foster. For Nozzolillo, it meant signing a tryout contract and facing a barrage of shots during warmups, a whirlwind experience for a lifelong fan living out a fantasy.