One of the most valuable players on the Colorado College hockey team’s roster isn’t even on it.

Bernie Horowitz, a senior from New York City studying history and political science, was back in a Tigers’ practice jersey earlier this week after freshman goalie Hudson Stremmel left the program to play juniors in Canada.

His role is unheralded, but important. As the third goalie, Horowitz rests the other two goalies, freshman Joe Howe and junior Tyler O’Brien, as part of a rotation during the near-continuous drills of a 90-minute practice.

“If you have just two goalies you really can’t go past an hour in practice,” senior captain Mike Testwuide said. “A third enables the other guys to take breaks and keep the practice going.”

Mental and physical fatigue from too many drills involving the 23 skaters would be detrimental during the weekend games. Fatigue can also lead to injuries.

“Two goalies would have faced so many shots it would be like playing an entire game on a Tuesday,” coach Scott Owens said.

“The wear and tear of just two goalies would really add up,” O’Brien said.

Owens said the coaching staff is looking to bring in a third goalie on scholarship after the winter break.

For the time being, Horowitz is enjoying the chance to be part of the program. He understands his role even if he struggles at times to handle Division I shooting.

“I’m doing all right,” he said. “I know I’m not challenging Howe or O’Brien for playing time. I just want to help the team however I can.”

It’s the second time Horowitz has helped. He stepped in last season when then-senior Drew O’Connell had season-ending shoulder surgery. He plays on CC’s club team and has been friends with some of the Tigers since his freshman year, when he took part in some spring captain’s practices when a second goalie was needed. He’s a good fit in the locker room too.

“He gets razzed like any new guy on the team does and he gives it right back,” O’Brien said.

“He’s a great fit,” Testwuide said.