David Ayres, the former Toronto Maple Leafs zamboni driver who helped the Carolina Hurricanes beat them, signed a new hockey contract.
It’s very unusual to see teams use emergency backup goaltenders (ebug), but sometimes, they have no choice. If a team loses it’s two goaltenders to injuries in the same game, there’s always someone ready to jump in.
One of the most renowned emergency goalie is David Ayres. Back in 2020, he was the zamboni driver at the Scotiabank Arena during a game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Carolina Hurricanes. Unfortunately for Carolina, both of their goalies, Petr Mrazek and James Reimer, had to leave the game. Ayres put on his gear and came on the ice to help the Canes win 6-3.
He was the first ebug to ever win a game in the National Hockey League.
Ayres is now 47 years old, and continues to play hockey. In a surprising twist, we have a new development to report concerning the famous goalie.
According to Puck Empire, after a stint as the VC Bobcats head coach in the SPHL, he signed a one-year contract with the Richmond Hill Coyotes in the Ontario Super Hockey League (OSHL).
His team, the Coyotes, released the following statement:
David Ayres has signed with the Richmond Hill Coyotes for Inaugural 2024/25 season. Undefeated in the NHL, we believe David will be a massive part of our success this upcoming season.
“Great goalie, but what a great person. Authentic, humble and down to earth” 🌵
Welcome aboard David!
The Coyotes and Ayres are set to play their first game of the season tonight against the Orangeville Blitz at the Elgin Barrow Arena, in Richmond Hill.
It’ll be interesting to see how Ayres performs with his new team, in a new League. Formerly known as the WOSHL, the League was created during the COVID pandemic to give local players an opportunity to continue their development after junior, college, or pro hockey. The league is currently developing a province-wide association with the EOSHL, and since the expansion was announced,
We wish him the best going into the next step of his career!
