Toronto Marlies' Zamboni Driver Gets Win as Carolina Hurricanes' Emergency Goalie Against Toronto Maple Leafs
On a normal day, Dave Ayres is the Zamboni driver for the Toronto Marlies. On Saturday night the 42-year old was credited with his first NHL victory in his first NHL game. Ayres filled in admirably for the Carolina Hurricanes as they beat the Toronto Maple Leafs, 6-3. Ayers entered the game in the second period when backup goalie Petr Mrazek went down with an injury. Mrazek was in the game because starter James Reimer was injured in the first period.
Ayres gave up two goals on the first three shots he faced, but ended up making eight saves and even got credit for a shot on goal. After the game he was mobbed by his teammates. Teammates he either didn't know or had maybe said hello to at some point in the previous hour.
Three hours ago, David Ayres was sitting in the press box.
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 23, 2020
Now he's got his first @NHL win. What a moment! ? pic.twitter.com/VOTTWnHjIl
UPDATE: We'll add more video as it comes, but this was an all-time sports moment. And something uniquely hockey. As Ayres mentioned in at least one post-game interview, he has to face the Maple Leafs players in practice tomorrow.
Waiting on SN to post the full interview but here's David Ayres talking about @EHaula telling him they didn't care if he let 10 goals in, just have fun" pic.twitter.com/hmdT8s04pS
— CJ Fogler (@cjzero) February 23, 2020
Emergency backup goaltender David Ayres is first star of the game and gets an ovation from Leafs fans pic.twitter.com/5ARqtH1Re3
— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) February 23, 2020
"It was awesome. Time of my life out there."
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 23, 2020
After coming in as the emergency goalie for the @Canes, David Ayres spoke with @SNkylebukauskas about picking up his first @NHL win. pic.twitter.com/pNaxv6z880
A memory we'll all have forever pic.twitter.com/LUxqs8o3Wr
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) February 23, 2020
Everything about this is so cool.