NCDC Alum Connor Leslie Named Washington Capitals’ First Full-Time EBUG

Former NCDC goaltender Connor Leslie has been named the Washington Capitals’ first full-time, dedicated emergency backup goaltender (EBUG), bringing the former Twin City Thunder netminder into an NHL organization for the 2026-27 season.

The 24-year-old Leesburg, Va., native will serve as Washington’s full-time EBUG under a new NHL requirement calling for all 32 teams to have a dedicated emergency backup goaltender. Leslie will be with the Capitals throughout the season, including practices, home games and road trips, while also being available to step into the lineup in an emergency situation.

For Leslie, the opportunity represents another step in a hockey journey that included a season in the NCDC with the Twin City Thunder in 2020-21.

Leslie appeared in 18 regular season games for the Thunder, posting a 3.20 goals against average and .899 save percentage. He also earned a postseason victory for Twin City, stopping shots at a .933 clip with a 2.48 goals against average in his playoff appearance.

Following his NCDC season, Leslie advanced to Amherst College, where he competed for four seasons at the NCAA Division III level. He finished his collegiate career with 39 appearances, an 18-13-4 record, a 2.65 goals against average, .901 save percentage and three shutouts.

Leslie graduated from Amherst in May 2025 with a double major in psychology and political science and initially planned to pursue a career in federal law enforcement. His hockey career, however, received another opportunity after his continued involvement in summer skates at MedStar Capitals Iceplex caught the attention of Capitals goaltending coach Scott Murray.

Murray brought Leslie in for an audition early in 2026, beginning the process that ultimately led to his selection for the newly created full-time role. Washington cited Leslie’s local ties, character and ability in net as important factors in the decision.

The opportunity also brings Leslie back to familiar surroundings. Before playing in the NCDC and advancing to Amherst, Leslie spent eight years in the Washington Little Capitals program and regularly played at MedStar Capitals Iceplex, the Capitals’ training facility.

More than five years after his NCDC season helped lead him into NCAA hockey, Leslie now returns to the rink where his career began as a member of the NHL club he grew up following.

Leslie called the opportunity a “full circle moment,” adding that after growing up with the Little Caps, he is now getting the chance to help the “Big Caps.”

Read the full story from the Washington Capitals: Leesburg’s Leslie Named Caps EBUG