When both of the Carolina Hurricanes' goaltenders left Saturday's game versus the Toronto Maple Leafs with injuries, 42-year-old Dave Ayres stepped onto the ice—and into NHL History—when he came in as the emergency backup goaltender and stopped 8 of 10 shots to get credit for the 6-3 win.
It was a rough start though, as Ayres allowed goals on the first two shots he faced before stopping the final eight in succession to become the first ever emergency backup goalie to record an NHL win.
"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 told 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. As the emergency goalie, he was available to either team, if needed.
And he’ll have a lovely souvenir from the night as—per NHL rules—Ayres was paid $500 for the game and was allowed to keep his game-worn jersey.
Something tells me that jersey is going in a framed case over the mantle.
Source:ESPN