David Aryes, a 42-year-old former zamboni driver is now the oldest NHL goalie to win in a regular season NHL debut. On February 22, Aryes, who is an emergency goalie for the Hurricanes, got the call to suit up after both goalies sustained injury during play. He went on to make 8 saves on 10 shots and solidified the win for the Carolina Hurricanes for a 6-3 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Now, while all this might sound like a fantasy or just luck, the story has a lot more to it.
15 years ago, Ayres had a kidney transplant and he was unsure if he would ever be able to play hockey again. Fast forward to present day and Aryes has been a practice goalie for the AHL Toronto Marlies for the last 8 years and evidence of him being well practiced was on full display with his win over the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Ayres is the first emergency goalie to win a game in the NHL. What an incredible title to hold and what a way to fulfill a dream. Hockey fans are blowing up about Ayres and UpperDeck hockey cards recently created a David Aryes hockey card in the honour of the amazing story leading up to his NHL debut.
It has been a life changing event for the operations manager at the Mattamy Athletic Center in Toronto and we can only hope Maple Leaf fans don't feel too bitter about the local guy winning over the hometown team. Additional information can be found here.
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