#TBT: The Legend Of David Ayres

Source: NHL

2020 was a year of confusion, death and exhaustion for many around the world. Yet on February 22, 2020, an unexpected miracle took place. A man’s dream was about to actually unfold right in front of his eyes in the most unexpected way.

The Toronto Maple Leafs were playing their guests the Carolina Hurricanes. It started out as a typical game, but then the starting goalie James Reimer was injured. So Petr Mrazek took his place, but once again he gets injured. The Canes as their fans affectionately call them were out of goalies. Enter in David Ayers as the EBUG–Emergency Back Up Goalie. Ayers is a 42 year old Zamboni driver for the Toronto Marlies–an AHL affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Fans of several teams left watching their game to tune into to watch this unique opportunity. Ayers gained fans from all over the United States and Canada while earning the respect of the Canes’ players. He did allow two goals, but he walked away with the victory, bragging rights and a legend that Maple Leafs fans will never be able to live down.

The moral of the story is to never put an age on accomplishing your goal. Keep working, keep grinding and God will take care of the rest. Another moral is never underestimate an unknown. They may just kick your tush–just ask the Leafs.

Source: NHL