Zamboni driver saves the day in goal for Carolina
When both of the Carolina Hurricanes goaltenders left Saturday’s game versus the Toronto Maple Leafs with injuries, 42-year-old Dave Ayres came in as the emergency backup goaltender — and stopped eight of 10 shots he faced to get credit for the 6-3 win.
Ayres allowed goals on the first two shots he faced before stopping the final eight in succession.
“Obviously that second period was a little shaky, but I told the boys in the dressing room once we come out for the third I’ll be settled down and ready to win this one,” Ayres said afterwards on the CBC Sports broadcast.
Ayres, a Zamboni driver and arena maintenance worker for the Maple Leafs’ AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, has been the regular practice goaltender for the Marlies and has appeared at Maple Leafs practices and skills sessions this season.
“It was awesome, I had the time of my life out there,” Ayres told the Sportsnet broadcast after the game. After he was named the No. 1 star, the crowd in Toronto gave him a loud ovation.
“I’ve been on this ice many times without fans,” Ayres said. “Put fans in the mix and it’s a whole different game, obviously. But, hey, once in a lifetime. I’ll take it.”
Per NHL rules, Ayres was paid $500 for the game, and was allowed to keep his game-worn jersey. He was greeted warmly by his teammates-for-a-night when entering the dressing room after the game.
A memory we’ll all have forever pic.twitter.com/LUxqs8o3Wr
Carolina had a 3-1 lead when Ayres took over. James Reimer started in goal, but left 6:10 into the first period with a lower body injury. Petr Mrazek left in the second period after he collided with Toronto forward Kyle Clifford.
Ayres, a Whitby, Ontario, native, came into the game with a No. 90 Hurricanes jersey, but was wearing a helmet featuring Toronto Marlies decals. Several Toronto players came to give him stick taps after the second period.
Ayres said advice from one of his teammates helped him settle down after the shaky start.
“One of the guys [left wing Erik Haula] said to me, ‘Just have fun, we don’t care if you let 10 goals in,'” Ayres said. “That’s’ what settled me down and it was great.”
Ayres’ own hockey career was derailed by a kidney transplant in 2004. Ayres’ mother, Mary, was his kidney donor. Ayres’ last competitive action was an eight-game stint with the Norwood Vipers of the Allan Cup Hockey League. He allowed 58 goals, had a .777 save percentage and a 0-8 record.
The Canes mobbed Ayres after he made a save at the final buzzer. Ayres is the second backup goaltender to gain notoriety over the past three years. In March 2018, Chicago-area accountant Scott Foster was called on in a Blackhawks game and made seven saves over 14 minutes to seal the win — and achieve viral fame.
Ayers was gratified by the reaction of the fans — especially since he helped beat the hometown team.
“The Toronto fans are real appreciative even though I was on the other team,” Ayres said according to Fox Sports Carolina. “… It was something I will never forget.”
The health status of both of Carolina’s goaltenders is unclear. The NHL’s trade deadline is 3 p.m. ET Monday.