David Ayres' NHL Story Is So Cool That Even Americans Are Noticing
David Ayres was the unlikely hero on Saturday’s “Hockey Night In Canada” and U.S. television networks are showering him with praise and attention.
The 42-year-old Zamboni driver had to enter an NHL game for the Carolina Hurricanes against his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs after two goaltenders went down with injuries. As the emergency backup netminder, he was forced into game action and did not disappoint, stopping eight of 10 shots in 29 minutes of play to get the win against the organization that employs him.
It was a surreal (and embarrassing) moment for the Maple Leafs, who regularly practise with him in Toronto. But it was also an achievement decades in the making for Ayres, who has shot into celebrity status since his incredible victory against all odds.
The victory made him the oldest goaltender in NHL history to win his regular season debut, according to the league’s public relations department. And it also made him a star not just in the Canadian sports world, but south of the border, too.
David Ayres (42 years, 194 days) became the oldest goaltender in NHL history to win his regular-season debut. The previous mark was held by Hugh Lehman (41 years 21 days w/ CHI). #NHLStatspic.twitter.com/ttg0E45xdX
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) February 23, 2020
A memory we'll all have forever pic.twitter.com/LUxqs8o3Wr
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) February 23, 2020
Emergency backup goaltender and 42-year-old David Ayres chalked up his first NHL win on Hockey Night in Canada. The story just writes itself. #NHLStatspic.twitter.com/wTUXPuQTBd
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) February 23, 2020
Ayres made an appearance Monday on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” where he had some fun stepping up to the plate one more time.
This time, he filled in for band leader Jon Batiste as part of a comedy bit.
“Hey Stephen, Jon got hurt so I’m in now,” Ayres told Colbert.
“Well thanks for filling in, David,” Colbert replied. “Could you play me over...
