David Ayres’ stick to be added to Hockey Hall of Fame display on Friday

By News Staff

David Ayres likely never expected to suit up and earn a victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

And it’s safe to say he never expected to be the focus of attention at the Hockey Hall of Fame.

But that’s where the 42-year-old emergency back-up goalie for the Carolina Hurricanes will be on Friday morning when the stick he used in his unlikely win against the Leafs will be added to a display at the Hockey Hall of Fame.

The Zamboni driver that flooded us with warm, fuzzy feelings will be at the storied hockey shrine in downtown Toronto at 11:00 a.m.

Ayres, who is the Operations Manager at Mattamy Athletic Centre, became the first emergency backup goalie to win an NHL game, and the oldest goalie to secure a victory in his first NHL appearance when the Canes embarrassed the Leafs 6-3 last Saturday.

The first two shots he faced went in, but he stopped the next eight to secure an already-iconic victory.

“It was wild, it was fun,” Ayres said after the game, for which he was paid $500.

The Whitby native had a kidney transplant 15 years ago, making his sudden hockey stardom even more remarkable.

He’s been a practice goalie the AHL’s Toronto Marlies for the last eight years.

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