Florida Panthers goalie Cooper Black sets height record in NHL debut

Florida Panthers rookie goalie Cooper Black made NHL history by becoming the tallest goaltender to appear in a regular-season game, standing 6-foot-9, according to WSVN 7News. Black, who was called up from the Panthers' AHL affiliate in Charlotte after an injury to Jacob Markstrom, made 18 saves in his first start but the Panthers lost 4-0 to the Pittsburgh Penguins, CBS News Miami reported.

Black's height surpasses previous record holders who were 6-foot-7, including Ben Bishop and Ivan Fedotov, WSVN 7News noted. The 25-year-old from Alpena, Michigan, started playing hockey at age 8 and experienced a significant growth spurt in high school.

During the game at PPG Paints Arena, Black faced 25 shots and showed early promise by stopping several key attempts, including a breakaway by Pittsburgh's Rickard Rakell, but ultimately allowed four goals, CBS News Miami stated. Pittsburgh's Arturs Silovs earned a shutout with 25 saves.

The Panthers are continuing their four-game road trip with an upcoming game in Chicago, CBS News Miami reported. Panthers coach Paul Maurice praised Black's development and expressed optimism about his future contributions to the team, WSVN 7News said.