In a season already filled with surprises, perhaps none is more headline-worthy than what’s happening in Conception Bay. After making deals, the team found themselves without a goaltender, the Riders turned to an unlikely—but familiar—solution: General Manager Shannon Goodfellow, who has now backstopped the team to an impressive 13-5-1 record and the top spot in the standings, with their sights firmly set on the Tiger Cup.
From the Front Office to the Crease
When the Riders found themselves without a goalie just days into the season, Goodfellow, a former netminder himself, strapped on the pads and volunteered. Due to a quirk in the ODBHL rulebook, league management is permitted to suit up for their own teams—so long as they do not accept a salary or register with the Players Union. As a result, the league-approved solution has the GM officially listed on the scoresheet simply as:
#30 – Unknown
Despite the anonymity, there’s no mistaking the impact. The Riders, thought to be in trouble before the season even began, now lead the league and have emerged as a top contender.
“These players deserve to have a chance to win.”
Speaking after a 7–6 win over Loggieville, Goodfellow was characteristically humble.
“These players deserve to have a chance to win,” he said. “They have played their entire careers for this, and I can't let them have no one in net.”
His words reflect the sentiment felt across Conception Bay’s locker room: a team pulling together under unusual circumstances, playing inspired hockey in front of a leader who refuses to let them falter.
League Takes Notice
While the story has inspired admiration, it has also reignited concerns about the ODBHL’s goaltending depth. The current player pool is stretched thin, and due to league drafting and entry policies, no new goaltenders can be added this season. That means teams must rely on what they already have—or in the Riders’ case, what they can improvise.
The ODBHL League Office confirmed they are exploring solutions for the offseason. Among the proposals gaining traction:
A goalie-only entry draft round to boost position-specific depth.
Adjustments to allow more goalie prospects to enter the draft pool.
A review of emergency backup protocols and management eligibility rules.
Looking Ahead
Whether or not Goodfellow remains in net for the full season, one thing is certain: the Riders are for real. They’ve overcome adversity, rallied around their unconventional goaltender, and now sit atop the standings with a legitimate shot at hardware.
And as long as "#30 – Unknown" is between the pipes, fans across the league will keep watching—because some legends wear suits, and some trade them in for goalie pads when their team needs them most.
6/30/2025 - 428 words
