Emergency goalie and Zamboni driver David Ayres becomes a coach!

You have to remember the name David Ayres, the Zamboni driver whose life changed on Feb. 22, 2020 when he was the goalie of record in a 6-3 Carolina win over Toronto at Scotiabank Arena. Both Hurricanes goalies got hurt (one of them current Leafs injured net minder Petr Mrázek) and, at age 42, Ayres became the designated emergency backup.

He entered in the second period with a 3-1 lead. The first two shots beat him, but he stopped the next eight, and went on to get the win.

Ayres’ been a legend since then in Carolina, where he was honoured and celebrated more than once since that fateful day in 2020.

Great news came to Ayres on Wednesday and we know hockey fans will love it as it’s been announced that Ayres has become head coach of the Vermillion County Bobcats of the Southern Professional Hockey League.

This is awesome news and shows kids out there that you can make your way up the ladder and your dreams come true.
So cool for Ayres and the Bobcats!