David Ayres
David Ayres is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender. Dave grew up playing ice hockey in his hometown of Whitby, Ontario alongside his father and brother, who were also goaltenders. He achieved fame as the first emergency backup goaltender to record a National Hockey League win and the oldest NHL goalie recording a win.
Dave worked as a building operator and zamboni driver at the Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto (formerly the Ricoh Coliseum), which is the home arena of the Toronto Marlies and where the Toronto Maple Leafs practice. The Toronto Marlies recognized Dave’s talent as a goaltender, and they, as well as the Toronto Maple Leafs began to use him as an extra goaltender at practices.
Dave’s NHL Appearance
On February 22, 2020, both of the Carolina Hurricanes’ goaltenders were injured in Toronto during a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Dave entered the game during the second period as the emergency backup goaltender.
He allowed goals on the first two shots that he faced before stopping the next eight shots on goal by Toronto. His performance and Cinderella story was watched by millions live across North America while social media was buzzing and the impossible was happening.
While TV broadcasters continuously commented that an emergency backup goalie was going to be an “embarrassment for hockey,” David Ayres and the entire Carolina Hurricanes team, rallied to execute a dramatic and unprecedented performance that a movie director could not have envisioned.
Dave certainly was feeling amazing that night. He and the Hurricanes sealed a magical 6–3 win with Dave recording the win as well as recording a shot on goal!
Dave was named the first star of the game and kept his game-worn jersey and the game puck. Dave became the oldest goaltender to win his NHL regular-season debut, and for this accomplishment, the Hockey Hall of Fame has his game-used stick.
Ayres was invited to sound the siren at the start of the Carolina Hurricanes home game on February 25. While in North Carolina, Governor Roy Cooper declared Ayres, a Canadian citizen, an honorary citizen of the state of North Carolina.
On February 22, 2021, it was announced that Disney would be producing a movie about Dave.
David Ayres and Can-i Wellness
Today, David Ayres is a Can-i Wellness Ambassador and a huge advocate of the Oral Spray Supplement products. He supports the Kidney Foundation among other charities and community groups
“These products have been a lifesaver for me, they are very effective and so easy to use while on the go. We are all getting older and I am always looking for ways to stay active and ready for the call to perform, when the opportunity arises”.
“I was thrilled to learn that the new Can-i Wellness Oral Spray Supplements are now available across North America. They are perfect for me as I am always on the go and don’t have time to make a shake. I really don’t like drinking beverages with ingredients I try to avoid like sugar and artificial sweeteners. Now when I need a boost of energy or a little more focus, I just apply a few sprays throughout the day. After a workout the Can-i Fresh spray helps me calm down while the Can-i Sleep spray is perfect to help me get a good night’s rest.”
“I’m proud to be a Can-i Wellness ambassador and advocate. “I was thrilled to find out my wife was using them for anxiety and sleep.” With the launch of the new Can-i Wellness oral spray supplements, now consumers across North America can access solutions to help them live their best life possible.”