Foster earned plenty of attention last season when, as an emergency goalie, he helped the Chicago Blackhawks secure a win against the Winnipeg Jets. This season he will be at the Blackhawks' optional morning skates, ensuring they will have two goalies throughout the practice.
The 36-year-old accountant took part in drills Thursday after starting goalie Corey Crawford left the ice. Foster was not available for comment. The Blackhawks play the New York Rangers at United Center on Thursday (8:30 p.m. ET; NBCSCH, MSG, NHL.TV).
"I think he likes the idea. It beats beer league," Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said with a laugh. "He'll be out here for optional skates as we go along here at home, so we have two goalies all the time."
Foster, whose full-time job is at Golub Capital in Chicago, became a sensation last season after coming in to finish a 6-2 win against the Jets on March 29. Backup goalie Anton Forsberg was not available (injured before the game) and starter Colin Delia sustained an injury with 11:59 remaining in the third period. Foster, the emergency backup, saved all seven shots he faced.
"He definitely makes you work on your shot, "Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews said. "It's not like you're shooting against some freshman goalie. It was pretty cool to see him go through what he did last year and the story that he was. He played well, so I think he's earned his chance to get back on the ice with the guys."
