It was all over my social media feeds back during the winter, even on sites that don't cover sports. Here's how ESPN covered it:
Zamboni driver, 42, stars as emergency goalie for Hurricanes
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Ayres, a Zamboni driver and arena maintenance worker for the Maple Leafs' AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, has been the regular practice goaltender for the Marlies and has appeared at Maple Leafs practices and skills sessions this season. As the emergency goalie, he was available to either team, if needed.
"It was awesome. I had the time of my life out there," Ayres told the Sportsnet broadcast after the game.
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Ayres' hockey career was derailed by a kidney transplant in 2004. His mother, Mary, was his kidney donor.
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...stars and heroes are often found in unlikely places, the pandemic is showing who the real heroes are!
ReplyDeleteYes!
DeleteI saw this story when if first aired. Good on him! And a great 42
ReplyDeleteIt's satisfying to see a dream fulfilled :)
DeleteHe is a hero to many & his jersey from that night is apparently now hanging in the hockey hall of fame. Once again it proves the power of 42!
ReplyDeleteIt's The Answer ;)
DeleteWhat an unlikely, but satisfying story. And it even featured your beloved 42, too!!!
ReplyDeleteIt has it all :) And I think it's the perfect story for right now when we don'y have sports to watch ;)
DeleteI know you like the 42, but what struck me was how this man who's career got derailed, got a second chance, Even for just one game. That must have been as good as getting his kidney transplant and getting a second chance on life. Cool story. I hadn't heard it before. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteIt's the perfect feel-good story :)
DeleteI had even heard of this--LOL! Pretty cool! But I forgot that he was 42--LOL! :)
ReplyDeleteIt made the news even for people who don't follow hockey :)
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