The Carolina Hurricanes were facing a disaster scenario midway through Saturday’s game in Toronto after starting goaltender James Reimer and backup Petr Mrazek were forced out of the game due to injuries before the third period began. Without another option on the roster, the Canes were forced to turn to Zamboni driver Dave Ayres, who also serves as a practice goalie for the AHL’s Toronto Marlies, an affiliate of the Leafs.
Ayres entered the game with a 3-1 lead – and went on to make history by becoming the first emergency backup goalie to earn a win in the NHL. The Hurricanes added a fourth goal in the second period, and Ayres allowed just two goals in the third. He finished the game with eight saves in 28 minutes and 41 seconds of action, and was honored at the first star after the game.
We believe in Dave pic.twitter.com/YnxhFKTLpN
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) February 23, 2020
The Hurricanes shared an incredible moment with Ayres when he walked into the locker room to celebrate the victory.
A memory we'll all have forever pic.twitter.com/LUxqs8o3Wr
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) February 23, 2020
Ayres said after the game that one of the Hurricanes told him to have fun, and that they didn’t care if he allowed 10 goals, which he says allowed him to settle down and have the time of his life.
David Ayres is the first #EBUG in NHL history to earn a win!
Hear from him, courtesy of @Sportsnet. pic.twitter.com/0niOIDRgAb
— NHL on NBC (@NHLonNBCSports) February 23, 2020
The Canes even changed their Twitter bio in tribute to Ayres.
[jwplayer aI0Gt7AD-q2aasYxh]