Emergency goalie David Ayers didn’t only give himself a memory for life following the 6-3 win against the Toronto Maple Leafs Saturday. The Carolina Hurricanes’ team, coaches included, also got a fantastic memory in the 42 year old stopping 8 shots in the third.
When the game ended, the Hurricanes’ players quickly surrounded Ayers on the ice, celebrating and cheering him on after the unbelievable achievement.
“These guys were awesome,” Ayres said. “They said to me, ‘Have fun with it, don’t worry about how many goals go in, this is your moment, have fun with it.'”
Ayers was praised by both players and coaches afterwards, with him getting loudly cheers in the dressing room.
“It’s pretty special,” Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour said. “I told the guys after the game, ‘Thank him because that just gave (us) an incredible memory.'”
The 42 year old, who works as the zamboni driver for the Maple Leafs’ AHL affiliate Toronto Marlies and the arena maintenance worker, got $500 for appearing in the game. But the Hurricanes’ players thought he deserved more.
Speaking with Finnish newspaper IIlta-Sanomat, star forward Sebastian Aho said that the players chose to pay Ayers out of their own pocket.
“Yes, we came him a little bit of money,” Aho said.
David Ayers, who was on the ice with the Maple Leafs for practice yesterday, also got presents from goaltender James Reimer and coach Rod Brind’Amour.
“These guys,” Ayres said explaining his thoughts on the amazing night. “How great they were to me. The crowd in Toronto was unreal. Even though I was on the other team they were so receptive. Every time I made a save I could hear them cheering for me.
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