Shawn Hunwick protects the net in his NHL debut against the New York Islanders on Saturday while another former Michigan player, Jack Johnson (7), defends.

Associated Press

It took some lobbying from his new teammates, but former Michigan hockey goalkeeper Shawn Hunwick made his NHL debut on Saturday night.

Columbus interim coach Todd Richards put Hunwick in the game with 153 seconds remaining in the Blue Jackets’ season. He did not face a shot in the 7-3 win over the New York Islanders.

According to the Columbus Dispatch, Jackets players “badgered” Richards to get Hunwick in the game late in their regular season finale.

“I think it was R.J. (Umberger) who turned around and asked me about it,” Richards said. “My first response was no, but they kept turning around and looking at me.”

Hunwick replaced starter Steve Mason, who stopped 35 of 38 shots. Another former Michigan player, defensemen Jack Johnson, scored a third-period goal.

It was an injury to Mason that earned Hunwick an amateur tryout contract with the Blue Jackets in late March. He later signed a deal for the remainder of the 2012 season.

After the game, Hunwick sent this message via Twitter:

"Well this has been an amazing experience. Thank you to all of you have texted, tweeted or emailed. Your support has been tremendous."