What the heck? Food journalist Parker, 35, received an NHL assignment

Parker Milner is a 35-year-old food writer for the Post and Courier, but during a game between the Anaheim Ducks and the Washington Capitals, he also became an NHL goalie.

Milner has a high-level hockey background, having played 30 games in the minors last decade. He also has experience at the ECHL level.

Milner hasn’t played hockey in five years, but now he received a last-minute notification that the Washington Capitals needed a backup goalie.

Charlie Lindgren was unavailable. In goal against the Ducks was Logan Thompson, but the backup goalie role opened up for Milner.

– I heard that “Chucky” was injured during the morning skate. They then tried to find out if this could work within the rules. I got the news at 2:30 PM and everything happened pretty quickly, I jumped on the bus and just tried to enjoy it. I’ve played so many hockey games, but I’ve never reached this level. Just getting here this way is really special, Milner said to reporters after the game.

Milner was allowed to do a “rookie lap,” where he skated alone onto the ice for warm-ups. He saw a video of this.

– I moved a lot slower than I imagined. I just tried not to fall. It was great that they let me do that. They welcomed me nicely into the group, Milner said.

Milner was excited to play in the same game as Aleksandr Ovechkin.

– It was unreal. The best goal scorer of all time in the same game. It’s hard to put into words, but I just tried to appreciate every moment.

If you don’t see the X video below, you can watch it here.