On February 22, 2020, then-42-year-old David Ayres made NHL history. He secured a win for the Carolina Hurricanes against the Toronto Maple Leafs—but he didn’t do it as a starting goaltender or even a backup. He did it as an emergency backup goaltender, and his performance made his name echo throughout the hockey world. But what is the “Zamboni goalie” doing today?
David Ayres, an Ontario native, grew up with hockey like most Canadian kids. His father and brother were also goaltenders, but no one in the family was expected to make it to the big leagues. At least, that’s what they all thought. Ayres grew up and got a job as a building operator at Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto, the home arena of the Toronto Marlies—the AHL affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs. His duties included maintenance and driving the Zamboni, which would eventually lead to his iconic nickname. When the Marlies staff found out Ayres used to be a goaltender, they started using him in practice when they needed extra players. And then one thing led to another.
NHL debut ag age 42
On February 22, 2020, the Carolina Hurricanes found themselves in trouble when both Petr Mrazek and James Reimer were injured during a game against Toronto. Sitting on the bench as the emergency backup goaltender was David Ayres. Abbreviated as EBUG, an emergency backup goaltender is a person who isn’t on any team’s roster but attends the game in the stands. In case of injury, illness, or another incident that leaves either team without a goaltender, the EBUG is called in. Every NHL team must have an EBUG available at games.
In the second period, Ayres was called in when the Hurricanes were leading 3–1. He allowed two goals on his first two shots, but then made eight consecutive saves, securing a 6–3 victory. The win made Ayres historic: he is the only EBUG to enter an NHL game as a substitute and be credited with a win. He is also the oldest goaltender in NHL history to record a win in his debut—at 42 years old.
After the game, David Ayres was named the game’s first star. His clutch performance made headlines across the hockey world, turning him into an overnight sensation.
“It was awesome. I had the time of my life out there,” Ayres told Sportsnet after the game.
Where Is David Ayres Today?
Following his legendary performance, the Hurricanes began selling merchandise with Ayres’ name, and North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper declared Ayres an honorary citizen. The city of Raleigh—home of the Hurricanes—proclaimed February 25 as “David Ayres Day.”
Ayres went on to become a brand ambassador for the CBD company CaniBrands. In April 2022, he was named head coach of the Vermilion County Bobcats but was released after one season. He then coached the Port Perry Lumberjacks during the 2022–2023 season, though the team struggled, finishing with a 10–28–4 record and a first-round playoff exit.
But as a goaltender, David Ayres is still active. He played four games for the Richmond Hill Coyotes in the Ontario Super Hockey League (OSHL) during the 2024–2025 season, at 47 years old. What a career!
