Tuesday to be ‘David Ayres Day’ in Raleigh in honor of Zamboni driver/goalie
The Carolina Hurricanes found a new hero in Toronto.
Now, David Ayres is coming to Raleigh.
The Canes announced Sunday that Ayres would be PNC Arena on Tuesday night to sound the warning siren before the game against the Dalla Stars.
Raleigh mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin also announced that Tuesday would be declared “David Ayres Day” by official proclamation of the City of Raleigh.
Ayres, 42, went from the standing room section at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena to the ice and into the Hurricanes’ net Saturday against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The designated emergency backup goalie tender at the Maple Leafs home games, he was needed when Canes goalies James Reimer and Petr Mrazek both left the game with injuries.
Ayres was named the first star of the game as the Canes won 6-3 and became the oldest goalie to win his NHL debut. He made a lot of media rounds Saturday night and Sunday, enjoying the moment.
Ayres’ interview with NBC on Sunday’s NHL telecast came after a Toronto Marlies practice session, where he put on his goalie gear and faced some shots. He’s still a member of the Leafs organization, still had work to do Sunday.
Then off to Raleigh.
“They’re flying me down to Carolina for their game on Tuesday so I’ll get to spend more time with the guys, which is really good,” Ayres told Canada’s Sportsnet on Sunday.
This story was originally published February 23, 2020 at 8:12 PM.
