What Happened
Florida Panthers goaltender Cooper Black entered the NHL record books by making his first regular-season appearance against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Listed at six-foot-nine, the 25-year-old surpassed previous record holders Ben Bishop, Mikko Koskinen, Ivan Fedotov, and Mads Sogaard by two inches. Black earned the promotion from the American Hockey League earlier in the week after starting netminder Jacob Markstrom sustained an injury during practice. Prior to his call-up, Black appeared in three AHL games this season, recording a 2-1-0 record alongside a 2.67 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage.
Key Details
- Cooper Black is listed at six-foot-nine.
- He is two inches taller than previous record holders Ben Bishop, Mikko Koskinen, Ivan Fedotov, and Mads Sogaard.
- The call-up followed an injury to starting goalie Jacob Markstrom.
- Black signed with Florida as an undrafted free agent in 2024 out of Dartmouth College.
What It Means
Black provides depth for the Panthers in the crease following the injury to Jacob Markstrom. His promotion gives the rookie an opportunity to gain valuable NHL experience after developing through the AHL and college ranks.