Emergency goalie David Ayres becomes social media hero

The Hurricanes lost both James Reimer and Petr Mrazek to injuries, forcing them to bring in emergency goaltender David Ayres to play against the Maple Leafs.

Saturday night’s clash between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes saw one of hockey’s rarest situations unfold at Scotiabank Arena.

After both of Carolina’s goalies left injured in the first period and a half, emergency netminder David Ayres — who serves as the Toronto Marlies’ zamboni driver — was forced into action. Seeing his first competitive minutes since 2015 when he was a member of the Allan Cup Hockey League’s Norwood Vipers, the 42-year-old surrendered two goals on his first two shots.

Ayres settled in from there and backstopped Carolina to a shocking 6-3 victory and earned first star honours for his effort.

As expected, social media erupted over the oddity. Here’s some of the best reaction.

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