Zamboni Driver Who Became An Emergency Goalie Visits TODAY Live | TODAY

Over the weekend, 42-year-old David Ayres, a former Zamboni driver, was pressed into service as an emergency goalie in an NHL game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Carolina Hurricanes - and helped win the game for his team. Joining TODAY live, he jokes, “I was confident until I hit the ice, and then I was terrified.” He also talks about receiving a kidney transplant from his mom, who calls into TODAY live to congratulate him.
» Subscribe to TODAY: on.today.com/Su...
» Watch the latest from TODAY: bit.ly/LatestTODAY
About: TODAY brings you the latest headlines and expert tips on money, health and parenting. We wake up every morning to give you and your family all you need to start your day. If it matters to you, it matters to us. We are in the people business. Subscribe to our channel for exclusive TODAY archival footage & our original web series.
Connect with TODAY Online!
Visit TODAY's Website: on.today.com/Re...
Find TODAY on Facebook: on.today.com/Li...
Follow TODAY on Twitter: on.today.com/Fo...
Follow TODAY on Instagram: on.today.com/In...
Follow TODAY on Pinterest: on.today.com/Pi...
#DavidAyres #NHL #TodayShow
Zamboni Driver Who Became An Emergency Goalie Visits TODAY Live | TODAY

[@JRadMaddy]

Now we need a game between the Blackhawks with Scott Foster against the Hurricanes with David Ayres.

[@maxscameraguy]

I'd pay very good money to see that.

[@dougdimmadome9841]

I’d watch that over the all star game

[@MetalCharlo]

This > the All-Star game

[@chaseman12]

12-11. But it would be fun.

[@SirManfly]

Charlo Rivard ya the all star game sucks and has for years! I don’t think I have watched one since Wayne Gretzky hung up his skates?

[@landrec2]

I tip my hat to the fans of Toronto who took a bad loss and handled it in the best way possible. Very nice to see them salute their own maintenance man on the night of his life even though their team lost. Cheers fellas!

[@zugbrugh6472]

landrec2 this just means that the stereotype of canadiens being nice is true

[@keithstarke242]

What a wonderful thing to say. Yes indeed the leafs were classy. How can anyone not be glad for the back-up the back-up net minder.

[@chrisquarrie]

Yup the fans even gave the guy a standing ovation at the end of the game for getting the first star.

[@KtotheL]

ahh they got a lot of practice so :)

[@hilareeek]

Any game I've been to where the Leafs have been losing in the 3rd the stands clear out long before the game ends. So the fact that the fans were still there to cheer after a loss is REALLY CRAZY! And he would know that being part of the franchise! Huge class coming from T.O.

[@Zach-mw5so]

If he’s ever down in Raleigh from Toronto I don’t think he’ll be charged for a drink. That was something special

[@Mkbryant123]

Zach N tonight!

[@SirManfly]

Zach N and it could be the 2 points that makes the difference in getting to the playoffs, you never know? Feel good story for sure!

[@NicStryker1027]

He is doing the siren at beginning of Hurricane game

[@brooke-3615]

Raleigh knows what hockey is?

[@clumsiii]

What? you tryin to hurt his kidney?

[@govtom4]

Love his smile. Don’t think he’s stopped smiling since game time. Congrats, my friend, congrats.

[@dotdot6176]

He’s happy he finally got his fame

[@nakiasimone]

govtom4 i mean life has its ways but this has to be one of the top days of his life. Unbelievably awesome 👏🏾

[@theblueoctopus4494]

I love the fact he's wearing blue and white pants in the second period, before the Hurricanes gave him the red team pants before the start of the 3rd period.

[@spencerhodkinson5304]

Yeah i think they just gave him a shell

[@michaelprovost6066]

Nice attention to detail!

[@josehborba3004]

I think he is a huge leafs fan .he shut out the leafs in the third ,just amazing.,canes played great around him..

[@TheWitchOvAgnesi]

Brind'Amour likely requested it.

[@johnny6071]

The refs came up to him after the second and he got a shell to put over his pants.

[@christianbrasso8257]

Was tearing up when he was talking to his mum. What a gesture to give his jersey proceeds to a kidney foundation. Should make a movie about this! A great Canadian guy eh?

[@CNC-Time-Lapse]

Would certain make for a good book deal.

[@Jamzkee84]

Who gonna play him? I’m thinking maybe Chris Pratt but open to suggestions.

[@robertfapswell3719]

Ha ha lol, you big softie...me too ^_°

[@luke_5187]

Would it have killed you to not write “eh”?

[@dgan2304]

It sounds like they are making a movie about it, as they should.

[@fishfishing5782]

what a legend, hockey is life

[@WHADDDD]

Just get pucks deep, short shifts, shots on net

[@lobitome]

Will never pay for a meal in N. C.

[@rossviles835]

A good job by him, yes. “Legend” is pretty strong, Lol. He did great for what it was, an emergency and short-term situation.

[@Stalitic]

J H just carry the puck in, long shifts, dangle the goaile

[@JakeWolstenholme]

J H yessir

[@anthony.jesse.s2161]

This guy makes me proud to be Canadian.

[@chrislarue6715]

He made feel like a proud North Carolinian

[@anthony.jesse.s2161]

@@chrislarue6715 I'm def a Carolina fan now, after Saturdays game.

[@b7ndn]

Jesse Daylin bandwagon

[@anthony.jesse.s2161]

@@b7ndn I'm from Toronto. Just supporting some Carolina/Canada luv and hockey.

[@michaelmckay]

@@anthony.jesse.s2161 Toronto fans should be proud, they acted with real class cheering for the guy.

[@mercuryangel9223]

Soooo nice to have this feel good story!!! How can anyone not be in this guys' corner? Love it!!!

[@fatpowerful]

I mean if your a leafs fan, I could imagine you would be to happy

[@blap5630]

Because I am from Toronto

[@thehockeybeast3376]

Leafs fans are a different breed

[@mercuryangel9223]

@@fatpowerful Not a friggin' leaf fan or watch much hockey but people have to pick at my noting something positive. How original, ugh!

[@fatpowerful]

Mercury Angel just making a joke

[@mgriffin4297]

I’m a Leafs fan and even though my team played brutal when he got in, I couldn’t be more happy that we at least lost to this amazing human being who has always dreamed of getting this chance. Stopped 8 shots, even landed a shot on net against the Leafs. So happy for you David.

[@billy6313796]

M Griffin that’s really awesome to say!

[@billy6313796]

M Griffin I guess there is good Leafs fans fan* 😂

[@giampaolofini1535]

Dude's gonna be the answer to a sports trivia question for all eternity.

[@lobitome]

Rightfully so

[@A.C31]

The question will have to be specific because he’s certainly not the first to do this.

[@matthewsaari6577]

@@A.C31 Not really. "First emergency goalie to record a win in the NHL". Which would be diabolic question too since Scott Foster, the first emergency goalie to play, won but with only 14 minutes so he wasn't given the win.

[@Legendary-zh9hd]

no

[@Moda-pf8wt]

@@matthewsaari6577 He wasn't given the win because he wasn't in the net for the winning goal. He made 7 saves out of 7 shots, that's really impressive.

[@rustymacneil3227]

Just your average Canadian kid who got to live the dream!!! Proud moment!!

[@paulus12345]

I am a Brit, not a Yank. I know nothing about hockey, I have NEVER even watched a game. BUT..................... This story is one that the world should hear about, because people will see that ANYTHING is possible, and dreams could come true!

[@NovaScotiaNewfie]

The Elite Ice Hockey League is in the UK so you have pro hockey in your back yard.

[@scottodell8217]

He's from Canada not the USA.

[@glennwolfe6056]

The way they celebrate when he walked into the room, you swear the Canes won the cup!! !!!

[@HH-hm7kg]

Glenn Wolfe They’re giving him a memory of a lifetime

[@glennwolfe6056]

@@HH-hm7kg yaaa just like Rod told them.. Memories will last a life time... Right on

[@lobitome]

Loved Rod's initial look when he came on the ice, like wtf!?! "We lost this game". Then at the end, when he had to eat his words.

[@nikantropov3165]

Someone’s salty

[@blackspider2274]

He did for sure that night. What a moment for him.

[@bobjames8232]

That’s the true meaning of “ Living the Dream “ best loss ever for a Leafs fan. Fans showed a lot of class too. Well done.

[@solsurfer1558]

I’m A 48 Year Old Man Siting Here Watching This Brought Many Tears To My Eyes SUCH A GREAT STORY 🙏 We’re All Very Happy For You And Proud Of You Brother ..

[@jonpenguin303]

Yes. Me too. Very emotional and inspirational story.

[@solsurfer1558]

No matter how old we are The Parent ❤️ Child LOVE That SHINES ❤️

[@lobitome]

The only goalie to win 1 NHL game and have a piece of equipment in the Hall of Fame. Love the love that he is getting for this.

[@lucasmaclean6498]

It's a joke

[@giampaolofini1535]

He never lost a single game in his entire career.

[@jismjacket]

Fun fact: He also had a shot on goal against the Leafs

[@Roof_Pizza]

Yeah, took me a while to find it but he did.

[@tsgpk9184]

And got a shutout

[@ejavenger]

@Synful PK He did awesome but did not get a shutout. He had two goals against and went 8-10 on the night. Did play 28 mins which is a long time for an emergency goalie. Did very well

[@superkods]

Eric Ferro 8/10*

[@ejavenger]

@@superkods Disregard I looked at the EV not total. You are correct

[@2113rush]

Toronto fans in there reacted with total class and goodwill toward him and all involved.

[@2113rush]

And tomorrow is David Ayers day in Raleigh as he will sound the horn at PNC Arena for the Canes game tomorrow night!

[@terrybono5995]

aw man i started crying too when mom came on how can this sports story EVER b topped

[@docriley7837]

He will forever be a folk hero

[@onefatstratcat]

he will never have to buy himself a beer at the bar for the rest of his life :)

[@clumsiii]

working class heroes are something to be kzbin.info/www/bejne/n37IqKeiotCJbMU

[@offhandacoustic]

I. Cant. Stop. Smiling. This is so freaking awesome. Watching people get to live their dream is an amazing and powerful thing.

[@bangingslot9284]

not even a full game and seem like a entire hockey career and a legend. Lives your dream!

[@matthewmartin7639]

Oh Toronto. I love you so much. Just when we all thought you had to go and run out of Meme material, you go and do something like this...AND TOTALLY REDEEM YOURSELF MAN!

[@TehJew22]

You wanna go to Aspen?! :D

[@matthewmartin7639]

@@TehJew22 So you're saying there's a chance!?

[@TehJew22]

@@matthewmartin7639 A man or woman who has a dream has a chance!

[@matthewmartin7639]

@@TehJew22 What if it's a nightmare?

[@richernest3359]

Around every corner could be the next unexpected miracle!

[@salazarpayne3784]

Way to go Davey boy. You DID it man! Now go live an even more fulfilling life. Thanks for the memories.

[@gregbourbeau7248]

What a great dude! His mom calling in and him crying??!! Great piece.

[@ThePaulfullTruth]

You gotta love this guy. Great example of what we mean by the good-hearted people of North America...

[@carterperry291]

Amazing guy. Big heart. Brick wall.

[@lucasmaclean6498]

Brick wall? First 2 shots went in dummy

[@williamst.george6381]

@@lucasmaclean6498 he just got used to the speed of the game, those were the first 2 shots.

[@Alex-jg2bc]

His smile is just so infectious

[@pamelacassise9069]

This guy is great. To his wife, "You should be so proud."

[@butlerdawgs78]

This guy is so chill in a complete whirlwind of a few days! Happy for him!

[@Rich13canada]

What a great and genuine person. The world needs more David Ayres!

[@SuperCapsfan101]

He did an awesome job! Sounds like he's a real straight-up kind of guy.

[@tonywest1486]

I love this guy . He’s the best !

[@pilotguy1141]

Played Ice Hockey all my life this is why ice hockey and the NHL is the classiest sport of them all. Kudos to David on living every child's and beer league hockey players dream. And way to step up and donate all the proceeds from your T-shirt to the kidney foundation

[@UnexpectedAmy]

Wow, he is so full of life and heart, living a dream that doesn't seem possible!

[@Kuazzy]

Livin the dream. I can't even imagine the rush he's feeling right now. fckin awesome

[@Destiny-ps6cs]

He so humble so sweet. It couldn't happened to nicer guy so happy for him.

[@mattwelch2470]

I didn't even know it was that deep. As a redwings fan I needed this in 2020. Thank you David Ayres.

[@AlexanderKaramazov-t4c]

Stories like this put faith back in humanity. Well done, well done.

[@frolfenuugen4lyfe]

David Ayers mom gave him two lives and even has the hockey smile for him.

[@joeknudson1340]

His mom has the best smile, EVAR!!!!

[@seansartor]

WOW !!! What a Dude. And hats off to the NHL. It’s probably the only major, that would celebrate a “regular” dude in such a way !!!

[@cwhale06]

Easily one of my favorite hockey events that I've seen. Such a nice guy, too.

[@zakwilkerson1620]

Thank you Davey! You are an awesome person and as a Canes fan, we are so proud of you and appreciative. Welcome to North Carolina's newest citizen!

[@MorganKJohnston]

Zak Wilkerson I second that! Awesome!

[@foodforthoughtchef]

Renewed gratitude to miracles and big hearts...need more news like this....can't wait for the movie.

[@davidp719]

The best hockey story that I've ever seen...

[@christinesinclair4881]

Toronto Maple Leafs: "We can win this" Zamboni driver David: "Hold my beer"

[@murphyhampton7937]

love that goalie

[@dro7785]

Great story! Congrats Dave, have fun with it!

[@brostoevsky22]

As a Montreal Canadiens and Hurricanes fan this story is so fantastic! Good work brotha! Keep up the good fight!

[@00bikeboy]

Have you seen his family? Pretty wife, beautiful kids, this guy had it all, this was just the cherry on top!

[@mitchsawyer9868]

A true, genuine Canadian man. What a great story.

[@thejovihead]

Good job using the 'Canes broadcast call... John & Tripp are top tier.

[@Drockaggie25]

This dude is a living legend

[@Evantures]

Im ordering an Ayres jersey

[@TheBluRayCritic]

Miracle on ice indeed.

[@ItzOver9k]

Such an incredible story and to happen to a basically unknown person who is now thrust into the limelight and he turns out to be one of the most genuine humans on the planet too. Perfect story. Will probably be up in Hollywood in no time!

[@freddyw3675]

Home boi made us look good!.. Even though he played for the opposing team, he showed y'all heart! 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@shymikey1987]

Congrats Mr.Ayers I don't think that could have happen to a more humble and deserving man. Glad you were able to live out a dream brother! God bless ya budd

[@andreys.105]

i love this story! i live in Russia and i want to say that in my country its impossible. NHL the best league in the world! i love you canadians! you are awesome! but i still fan the Russia team)))

[@fiveandadime]

Mary the Mom everyone deserves

[@reflirt]

this feels good as a fan of hockey. as a native michigander living in the carolinas, this absolutely will be my first canes merch purchase

[@MrJameslupien]

Not a red wings fan this season eh? Understandable.

[@432b86ed]

The most contagious of smiles... and such a heartwarming story.

[@timdasilva2806]

Brought me to tears! What a great story. I hope they make a movie out of it!!

[@davidhersh1304]

One of the nicest stories I’ve ever heard. Congrats David!

[@AngTheCanadianPilot]

I’m a Canadian living in Raleigh NC this makes me feel so proud being Canadian. But better Carolina for accepting me.

[@tepeassydac]

What a man. Such a great story crowned by sharing the spotlight with his Mom and National Kidney Foundation's Carolinas Division. You are a good man David Ayres!

[@adamg7984]

Wow what a story. They really did a good job here. I wish more news stories were like this. What a special person and his mom seems like a saint.

[@thomaschu4812]

Living the dream of any old hockey player who dreamed of playing in the NHL...

[@josephcudini88]

Amazing, this guy's got one of those contagious smiles!

[@mobiz711]

What a great story. I had a goofy smile on my face the whole time I was watching it.

[@ebonypamt]

This story needs to be a movie. What an incredible story.

[@freckleheckler6311]

No That’s a stretch no thanks

[@unndunn1]

He’s such a good man, you can tell from his interviews. I’m so happy he had thus experience

[@chaseman12]

The Canes' players turned it up a notch when he came in. They played like it was the playoffs. Leafs couldn't cope with that.

[@selms22]

"..another kidney save for Ayres!" Mom gets the win*

[@jamiemartinez8674]

Class act Mr Ayers.

[@tmiranda1379]

Nice to hear that he is another transplant recipient. Donate Life

[@sfmedic0941]

Who gives this beautiful story a thumbs down?! As a hockey player and coach, this story will stay with me in a positive way forever.

[@danielwholen3911]

I'd never be upset again if I was this guy. What a memory, this is the stuff of legends.

[@joshatkinson1945]

That was so sweet

[@override83]

Dude, soon as he seen his mom, you see him tearing up, that hit home. Always great seeing people appreciate their parents. They're huge gems in many parts of our lives. The dude seems awesome and humble, and very well deserving of this awesome little spot of fame. I really wish him nothing but the best, and extremely happy for him.

[@dcall2533]

Great interview. Please everyone consider organ donation. Sign your organ donor card or whatever you need to do. Currently, there are over 93,000 people on the kidney transplant waiting list in the US and over 3000 in Canada. The wait for a deceased donor could be 5 years, and in some states, it is closer to 10 years.

[@PLA5207]

An outstanding, real, story. Blessings to you all.

[@viralone3373]

I'm from the Toronto area and this is one of those times I set aside my bias for the leafs. Dave helped them win and I['m happy for him.

[@RiotnRespect]

Pure greatness. Love this sport!

[@kburdy]

True Canadian - salut 🍁

[@innnernetz]

From a Blues fan - great job! Love this story.

[@davidrichter9164]

I'm a Leafs fan forever and this loss sucks but I offer kudos to this man. All the best sir.

[@keithstarke242]

That has got to be the greatest feel good story. I'm not a canes fan, but a Justin Williams fan, but I'm proud of the back-up the back-up goalie and happy for him. I'm glad the canes won. I'd even would have been glad for them if they were playing my team the Capitals. The back-up the back-up goalie deserved it. Good for him.

[@jobelles87]

Uhhh. I got teary eyes too. 😭🥰

[@keldonlemon]

what a story. Couldnt have happened to a better guy by the looks of it too.

[@brooke-3615]

You can tell this guy is genuine. Good for him.

[@CHUGS64]

As soon as they interviewed him and he said "go oot there," u knew he was a natural born hockey player

[@seanpm75]

This guys the real deal. Humble and proud.

[@TiMOThy931GBO]

That’s freaking awesome.Make the most of every moment.

[@olivierbeaulieu87]

can't get enough of this guy!

[@Thejessicagladys]

He's so precious! What an unbelievable experience

[@Belrene1225]

Thank you NBC and The Today Show for featuring Canada’s newest hero and inspiration. We’re all still very happy for Dave!