Let’s face it, some of the funnest things in life are also the most dangerous. Sports would be included in that category. Whether someone plays junior varsity for their school football team or has been playing sports professionally for over a decade, injuries are bound to happen. Whether it be a hamstring strain, ankle twist, or even a blow to the head resulting in a concussion, those who play sports are well-aware that trouble on the field could occur. That’s why players wear special gear.
But even with gear and safe gameplay, this doesn’t guarantee that a player won’t get hurt during a game. In fact, ice hockey team, the Carolina Hurricanes, had both of their goalies injured during a recent game against home team, the Toronto Maple Leafs. Once 42-year-old Zamboni driver, Dave Ayres, was called out to play as the emergency goalie, he was a bit hesitant but decided, “Why not?”
For the remaining half-hour of the game, Ayres blocked eight out of 10 shots from the Maple Leafs. As a result, the Hurricanes won 6-3!
Although the emergency goalie played a great game, he didn’t think he had the preparation to just join in so abruptly. Ayres was previously a designated backup goalie, however, had never been asked to play, until now.
“I was nervous for the whole second period, as you can tell I couldn’t stop a puck if I had to in the second,” Ayres admitted. “But I told the boys, ‘When I come out in the third I’ll be ready to go.'”
The emergency goalie did feel better, though, when the team told him not to worry about the goals. So, imagine how surprised they were when he did take the game very seriously! But it wasn’t just a lot of work; it was great fun too.
“These guys, how great they were to me, how fun. The crowd in Toronto is unreal, even though I was on the other team they were so receptive and so awesome. Every time I made a save I could hear them cheering for me.”
Goal-tending coach, Jason Muzzatti, congratulated the emergency goalie for his phenomenal work on the ice and for remaining calm despite being thrown into a high-pressure situation.
“It was great to see. I heard his background, someone who has received a kidney transplant,” said Muzzatti. “That’s phenomenal. Just a happy, good-natured goalie like most of us are.”
Ayres is not only a Zamboni driver for the Toronto Marlies and an amateur hockey team coach, but he’s also a man who has made history. After Lester Patrick’s record in 1927, Ayres is the second-oldest player to have made a professional debut in the NHL.
“Dave will be getting royalties, but we are also working with him to identify a kidney foundation that will receive a portion of the proceeds,” the team said on February 22, 2020.
In addition, the team said in a tweet that they’d be releasing a shirt with the Zamboni driver’s last name.
Watch below to see Ayres killin’ it on the ice!
