Tyler Stewart had a night to remember.
The St. Louis Blues season-ticket holder - who's a vending machine worker by day, according to The Associated Press - briefly served as the club's backup goaltender Thursday night.
So how did that happen?
Goalie Carter Hutton got hurt in the morning skate, and while the Blues called up Ville Husso from their AHL affiliate, he couldn't make it to the arena in time for puck drop.
That gave Stewart the unlikely opportunity to hear head coach Mike Yeo's pregame speech, speak to several Blues players, and warm up alongside starter Jake Allen.
Tyler Stewart backing up Jake Allen until Ville Husso arrives ... #stlblues pic.twitter.com/3QWeP2rKGH
— Lou Korac (@lkorac10) December 8, 2017
The 25-year-old signed a tryout contract Thursday afternoon.
What a moment for Tyler Stewart, local St Louis kid. Told me he was 5’7. Hmmmmmm. Waiting on Ville Husso to get to rink, he is the emergency back up. @FSMidwest pic.twitter.com/NUOumsrqlJ
— Darren R Pang (@Panger40) December 8, 2017
Stewart watched the first period from the Blues' dressing room, and Husso made it to the arena with about five minutes left in the opening frame.
Tyler Stewart: “Dream come true to be able to do the warmups.” #stlblues pic.twitter.com/nhNEJjjyRE
— Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) December 8, 2017
"It's something I'll never forget," Stewart said, according to the AP. "This was my Christmas present."
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