David Ayres, Who Famously Beat Maple Leafs as EBUG for Hurricanes, Officially Signs Contract at 47
David Ayres, who is famously remembered as the EBUG that defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs, signed a contract in the OSHL to continue his playing career.
During a game between the Maple Leafs and the Carolina Hurricanes back in 2020, Ayres, who was a zamboni driver and building operator for the Toronto Marlies, was asked to do the unthinkable - become an emergency backup goaltender and finish off the rest of the game for the opposing team.
Both James Reimer and Petr Mrazek were injured during the tilt, which then forced the Hurricanes to bring Ayres into the game. He entered with a 3-1 lead before giving up goals on his first two shots. However, he stopped the next 8 fired his way en route to the unexpected victory.
He took up coaching after his one NHL appearance but it appears that the now 47-year-old veteran is signing a one-year contract with the Richmond Hill Coyotes of the OSHL as he looks to continue his playing career.
According to their website the OSHL - the Ontario Supreme Hockey League - is a competitive league that offers a "unique new level of hockey that will enable players over 20 years of age the opportunity to continue their competitive hockey playing and continue to develop."
While Ayres never got another opportunity in the NHL, he'll be forever enshrined in the minds of hockey fans as the emergency backup goaltender - and zamboni driver - that defeated the vaunted Toronto Maple Leafs on home ice.
Due to the circumstances that took place that night, the NHL designated emergency backups to be present at every home arena in case they are needed so that something like this wouldn't happen again.
