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David Ayres was still the talk of the hockey world on Sunday morning.
The 42-year-old Zamboni driver from Whitby, Ontario was thrust into action on Saturday night after both of the Carolina Hurricane's starting goalies went down with injuries.
Serving as the Hurricane's emergency goalie, Ayres hit the ice midway through the second period and went on to stop eight of 10 shots leading his team to a 6-3 victory.
It will surely be a story of the year candidate in the sports world and plenty of folks on social media from American politicians to former NHLers were quick to give Ayres a shoutout.
I’m ready to make emergency goaltender and zamboni driver David Ayres an honorary North Carolina citizen after courageous @Canes win. Amazing.
— Roy Cooper (@RoyCooperNC) February 23, 2020
After this difficult week across Canada, I’d like to thank David Ayres for bringing the national dream to life tonight. And for giving hope to Zamboni drivers everywhere.
— Paula Simons (@Paulatics) February 23, 2020
If I’m David Ayres im dummying a couple bottles of pink Whitney and watching the game on repeat until April
— Ryan Whitney (@ryanwhitney6) February 23, 2020
David Ayres now available for a 2nd and a prospect. #Tradecentre
— James Duthie (@tsnjamesduthie) February 23, 2020
Dark comedy man https://t.co/bUIYrohUCl
— Ray Ferraro (@rayferrarotsn) February 23, 2020
A subplot to the story is Ayres' kidney transplant 15-years-ago and wasn't sure if he would ever play hockey again before becoming a practice goalie for Maple Leaf's AHL affiliate eight years ago.
Within hours of the game ending, the Hurricanes social media accounts were already advertising Ayers’ No. 90 jersey up available for sale on their website with a portion of proceeds set to go to a charity kidney foundation.
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 https://t.co/RwSNg12DA4
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) February 23, 2020
Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour gave his emergency goalie kudos as well, telling reporters after the game “What a moment for him that he can have for the rest of his life. That’s incredible.”
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