Cooper Black Sets NHL Record as Tallest Goalie at 6-foot-9

Florida Panthers goaltender Cooper Black made NHL history in his first career start Thursday night in Pittsburgh, becoming the tallest goalie to appear in a regular-season game at 6-foot-9. The 25-year-old rookie made 17 saves at PPG Paints Arena, but the Panthers lost 4-0 to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Black stands 2 inches taller than the four goaltenders who previously shared the height distinction: Ben Bishop, Ivan Fedotov, Mads Sogaard, and Mikko Koskinen, each listed at 6-foot-7.

The Michigan native was called up from Florida's American Hockey League affiliate in Charlotte after Jacob Markstrom suffered a shoulder injury. Black showed early promise against Pittsburgh, stopping defenseman Kris Letang's wrist shot with his blocker about two minutes into the game before denying a breakaway attempt by forward Rickard Rakell.

However, Nick Robertson eventually beat Black on the glove side. At 5-foot-9, Robertson became the first player to score on a goaltender a foot taller than him since Rocco Grimaldi, who stands 5-foot-6, scored three goals against Bishop during the 2019 playoffs.

Black's NHL debut followed a strong developmental season in Charlotte, where he established himself as a productive goaltender after Florida signed him as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2024.

According to his season statistics reported by ESPN, Black posted a 25-13-4 record, a 2.47 goals-against average, and a .903 save percentage with Charlotte last season.

Florida coach Paul Maurice credited Black's physical development as a factor in his progression, noting that exceptionally tall players can need considerable time to adjust to their size.

"A man that size, it takes a long time to grow into that body," Panthers coach Paul Maurice said before adding with a laugh, "I think he's done."

Black began playing hockey at age 8. During his junior and senior years of high school, he experienced a 5-inch growth spurt, increasing from 6 feet to 6-foot-5 before continuing to grow.

ESPN Research and The Associated Press contributed information to the report.