David Ayers, 42, drives a Zamboni, but over the weekend the two-time skin cancer survivor took on a very different role: goalie for the Carolina Hurricanes. In doing so, he became the oldest player to debut in the National Hockey League — and reportedly the first emergency goalie to win a game.
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Ayers was at Saturday’s game at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, where the Maple Leafs play, on call in the unlikely event that either team’s goalies suffered injuries and were not able to finish the game, according to The New York Post. RELATED: Philadelphia Flyers’ Oskar Lindblom Cheers on Team As He Undergoes Cancer TreatmentWhen the Hurricanes’ goalies James Reimer and Petr Mrazek were both taken out of the game, this incredible cancer survivor got his chance. Ayers played nearly half the game on Saturday and logged eight saves, helping the Hurricanes cruise to a 6-3 victory over the Maple Leafs.
The Hurricanes’ community dubbed Tuesday “David Ayers Day.” He’ll even be on the Hurricanes’ home turf Tuesday night at PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C., to sign autographs for fans.
Witness the GOAT pic.twitter.com/bFqqo7iG3h
Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) February 25, 2020
Ayers has been making the media rounds since his stellar performance, and has been candid about the health struggles he’s been through in the past.
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In addition to battling skin cancer twice, Ayers also had to have a kidney transplant 15 years ago, when he just 27 years old There was a time, he said on the “Today” show, when he was worried he’d never play hockey again.
“Any hockey to be honest,” Ayers said. “When I first got [the transplant], I thought I’m done playing hockey. And then, they pushed me along and they said, ‘You know, you’re ready to go. You can work out. You can play hockey, and just progressively get better.'”
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Even though he played against them over the weekend, Ayers has been affiliated with the Maple Leafs for quite some time. He drives the Zamboni for their American Hockey League team affiliate the Toronto Marlies, and works maintenance at the Marlies’ arena. He has also been a practice goalie for the Maple Leafs and the Marlies for the last eight years.
He assured fans during a press conference that there were no hard feelings between him and the Leafs.
And he has certainly made an impression on the Hurricanes community. The team’s Twitter account has shared multiple posts and videos calling the player a legend. A fan-favorite is the one featured below, where Ayers gets a champagne shower in the locker room after his NHL debut.
When you wake up and remember last night pic.twitter.com/5jXmSnvuK9
Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) February 23, 2020
David Ayers Uses Fame for Good
Now, Ayers has decided to use his new-found fame to share a message of hope for others who may be going through their own health struggles.
“You can still do whatever you want to do, regardless of what happens to you — if you have a kidney transplant or what not — there’s always something that’s going to help you move forward, and do what you want to do in life,” Ayers said in a press conference for the Hurricanes.
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The team even created Ayers T-shirts to show their support. Some of the proceeds will go to Ayers himself, and some are designated to the National Kidney Foundation, the team said.
When discussing why he chose the charity on Today, Ayers explained, “This could be anything for one kid, or an adult, whoever, to be able to go and do what they want with their life. It’s not an easy thing to go through. So, if there’s anything I can do to help anybody out, I am gladly in for that. I want people to realize just because you have a kidney transplant, doesn’t mean you can’t go on and do anything you want.”
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