David Ayres’ NHL debut is a moment he’ll remember forever.
The 42-year-old became a folk hero last Saturday, when he filled in as an emergency goaltender during an NHL game, registering a win for the Carolina Hurricanes against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Since then, Ayres went on a New York City media tour, which included appearances on The Today Show and Late Night with Stephen Colbert, among others. The Hurricanes hosted Ayres at a game in Raleigh, North Carolina on Tuesday, where he signed autographs and cranked the pre-game siren.
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The governor of North Carolina named Ayres an honorary North Carolinian, while the mayor of Raleigh formally proclaimed Tuesday to be “David Ayres Day.”
Ayres etched his name into the NHL record books, as he became the first emergency backup goalie to win an NHL game, as well as the oldest goalie to win in a debut performance.
And now the former Zamboni driver has been recognized by the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. Ayres has donated his game-used stick, which is now being displayed at the hallowed hall.
Thank you to David Ayres for donating your stick, and helping to put it on display!
Fans can see the stick now on display in the Honda NHL Zoneās NHL Today showcase š #HHOF pic.twitter.com/kGc8MrQdxS
— Hockey Hall of Fame (@HockeyHallFame) February 28, 2020
David Ayresā stick is now on display in the Metropolitan Division showcase! #HHOF pic.twitter.com/wKjpzb7i5A
— Hockey Hall of Fame (@HockeyHallFame) February 28, 2020
A bit of interest for the David #Ayres stick donation. pic.twitter.com/XnbQ61oO4E
— Kelly Masse (@KellyHockeyHall) February 28, 2020
Look who is the house! David and Sarah #Ayres for stick donation at 11 am. pic.twitter.com/qdeg2SWWzB
— Kelly Masse (@KellyHockeyHall) February 28, 2020
He got the balance just right š#HHOF pic.twitter.com/MNcapoZxEF
ā Hockey Hall of Fame (@HockeyHallFame) February 28, 2020