David Ayers, 42 y.o. first time goalie recorded the win for the Charlotte Hornets over the Toronto Maple Leafs. He was in the stands as the E-BUG, the emergency back up goalie. Simply the home team has a goalie in the stands should one of the teams need a back-up goalie if their roster has none left. Charlotte had that happen and in the 2nd period he cam out of the stands to play goal for Charlotte. Charlotte won the game. Most importantly to me is what he said after the game:
"“People like underdog stories,” he said. “Coming basically from sitting in the stands, watching the game, to having to go in there—it’s not something you see every day. Fans think it’s a cool thing: a guy gets a chance to go in there and live his dream.” Ayres is also a kidney transplant recipient—he had the procedure done 15 years ago; his donor was his mother, Mary—and that was meaningful, too. (wsj.com 2/24/2020 Jason Gay)
“I’m trying to get the word out that if you have a transplant or such, then it’s not the end of the world for you. Just keep pushing, and you can make it happen.”
We need a feel good story and this is it.
Last edit: 24 Feb 2020 12:58 by ramage. Reason: forgot to credit source of the quote
I loved this story when I saw it. I knew the NHL did this back in the 1950's, but didn't know they were still doing it. Awesome for him! He can say proudly he played in the NHL and was unbeaten as a goaltender.
Thomas Sowell: There are no solutions, just trade-offs.
