University of Manitoba coach serves as backup goalie for Washington Capitals

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“His first shot in the warmups was Ovechkin. Over his shoulder,” Ian added with a smile. “But it’s OK. A couple of the other people have said that’s the job of a backup, make the players feel good.”

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McHale didn’t get into the 3-1 Winnipeg victory, but he had a big smile after the game, especially recalling Ovechkin’s shot.

“Not even close. Not even close,” he said of his attempt to stop it. “I was pretty star struck. It was like, who’s shooting on me now? Probably should have been focusing a little more on the puck.”

The six-foot-seven, 200-pound full-time personal trainer is in his second season as one of the emergency backups available for NHL games in Winnipeg. He used to play in the Western Hockey League and also with the University of Manitoba Bisons.

He’s currently in his second season as the goalie coach for the Bisons women’s hockey team, which won the national championship last season. He’s also the goalie coach for the Manitoba Major Junior Hockey League’s Charleswood Hawks.

McHale, who had to sign an amateur tryout contract, met the players before the game and then sat in a seat in the stands beside the exit door to the visitors’ dressing room.

Copley’s mask came off in first period after shot by Jets forward Brandon Tanev.

“I was thinking, ‘Get that thing on as fast as you can,’ ” McHale said.

He had been a backup last February when the Jets were hosting Colorado. Jonathan Bernier was injured during the second period and was replaced by Semyon Varlamov to start the third. McHale had to watch that game from the dressing room.

“He was fine in the warmup,” Washington coach Todd Reirden said of McHale. “It was a great opportunity for a local guy. As we’ve seen in the league over the last couple of years, you never know.

“He was great coming into our room and talking to our guys. I liked having him around.”

Judy Owen, The Canadian Press