Kings to host open tryouts for emergency goalie

The Los Angeles Kings are having a little fun.

With training camp opening this week, the Kings, like all teams, will be out to see which of their players will find a spot on the final roster.

But the role of the emergency goaltender could be filled from the stands.

On Thursday, the Kings announced that the team will host open tryouts for qualified amateur goalies who can fill in between the pipes on an as-needed basis.

"Fans are encouraged to strap on their goalie gear and hit the ice for (this) unique opportunity," the Kings said in a statement.

Added Kings president Luc Robitaille, "The NHL requires each home team to have an emergency goalie in the stands for every game and we thought this would be a good opportunity to see who in our area is best qualified for the job. It will be interesting, that is for sure."

Tryouts will take place Sept. 27 at the Kings' practice facility in El Segundo, Calif. A member of the team's hockey operations staff will be on hand to scout the talent.

Publicity stunt? Maybe, but it appears Los Angeles is taking no chances after what happened last season.

After losing starter Jonathan Quick in last year's opener, the Kings shuffled through four other netminders on the season, namely Peter Budaj, Jeff Zatkoff, Jack Campbell, and Ben Bishop.

In the end, one lucky fan could get the opportunity of a lifetime.

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