The Minnesota Wild have signed Peter Thome as a Hockey Operations Analyst and Emergency Backup Goalie (EBUG), according to a team post. Michael Russo of bluesky reported that Thome, a former University of North Dakota goalie, has been on the ice for the last few weeks and will serve as the Wild’s first full-time EBUG. He will also double as a hockey ops analyst, adding to the team’s analytics department.
Thome, 29, is a goaltender who spent the 2022-23 season in the ECHL, where he appeared in two games with a 0-2 record, a 3.66 goals-against average, and a .882 save percentage. He has not yet played in an NHL regular-season game.
Later reports added that Thome will take on dual roles with the team, combining on-ice responsibilities as an EBUG with analytical work in hockey operations. No conflicting information was reported regarding the nature of his roles or the terms of his contract.
As an EBUG and hockey operations analyst, Thome brings experience as a goaltender and a background in hockey analytics, which could support the team’s development and in-game decision-making processes.