Cooper Black makes NHL debut as tallest goalie in league history
4 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 23, 2026, 12:56 AM
Last updated Oct 23, 2026
Florida Panthers goaltender Cooper Black debuted against the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 23, becoming the tallest goalie in NHL history at 6-foot-9. Black, recently called up from the AHL's Charlotte Checkers, stepped in after Jacob Markstrom's shoulder injury. He showed promise during the first period, making several key saves, although he allowed a goal to Nick Robertson. Black's development has been praised by Panthers coach Paul Maurice, highlighting his progression since being signed as an undrafted free agent in April 2024.
- •Cooper Black stands at 6-foot-9, surpassing previous height records.
- •Black was called up after Jacob Markstrom's injury.
- •He had a 25-13-4 record with a 2.47 goals-against average in the AHL.
- •Black saved a breakaway opportunity in his debut before conceding a goal.
- •Panthers coach Paul Maurice commended Black's growth and development.
- 1:42 AMESPN — Panthers make 'big' move in goal as 6-9 Black sets record with debut
- 12:15 AMYahoo Sports — Florida Panthers rookie goalie Cooper Black — all 6-feet-9 of him — makes NHL history in debut
- 12:04 AMYahoo Sports — Panthers set to start tallest goalie in NHL history against Penguins
"Florida Panthers goaltender Cooper Black is set to make his NHL debut on Thursday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena, with history awaiting him between the pipes. Standing at 6-foot-9, Black will become the tallest netminder ever to play in an NHL game. The 25-year-old will surpass the previous height benchmark of 6-foot-7, […] The post Panthers set to start tallest goalie in NHL history against Penguins appeared first on ClutchPoints.
"PITTSBURGH (AP) — Florida Panthers goalie Cooper Black skated onto the PPG Paints Arena ice alone during pregame warmups on Thursday night, a time-honored hockey tradition given to rookies everywhere.It took Black fewer strides to make the memorable lap than most.
"The 6-9 Cooper Black is listed as 2 inches taller than the goalies who previously held the mark -- Ben Bishop, Ivan Fedotov, Mads Sogaard and Mikko Koskinen.
Sources
External links- ESPNOct 23, 2026, 1:42 AMPanthers make 'big' move in goal as 6-9 Black sets record with debut
The 6-9 Cooper Black is listed as 2 inches taller than the goalies who previously held the mark -- Ben Bishop, Ivan Fedotov, Mads Sogaard and Mikko Koskinen.
- Yahoo SportsOct 23, 2026, 12:15 AMFlorida Panthers rookie goalie Cooper Black — all 6-feet-9 of him — makes NHL history in debut
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Florida Panthers goalie Cooper Black skated onto the PPG Paints Arena ice alone during pregame warmups on Thursday night, a time-honored hockey tradition given to rookies everywhere.It took Black fewer strides to make the memorable lap than most.
- Yahoo SportsOct 23, 2026, 12:04 AMPanthers set to start tallest goalie in NHL history against Penguins
Florida Panthers goaltender Cooper Black is set to make his NHL debut on Thursday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena, with history awaiting him between the pipes. Standing at 6-foot-9, Black will become the tallest netminder ever to play in an NHL game. The 25-year-old will surpass the previous height benchmark of 6-foot-7, […] The post Panthers set to start tallest goalie in NHL history against Penguins appeared first on ClutchPoints.
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