David Ayres
CaniBrands’ Ambassador
Former NHL Goalie and 2020’s Sports Hero of the Year
David Ayres is a professional ice hockey goaltender. Dave grew up playing ice hockey 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, his hockey stick was added to the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Ayres was invited to sound the siren at the start of the Carolina Hurricanes home game on February 25, 2020. 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 produce a movie about Dave’s life story and the dramatic win that captivated the sports world.
David Ayres and CaniBrands
Today, David Ayres is a CaniBrands Ambassador and a huge advocate of CaniBrands products.
“I started using the Cani-Mend™ topical cream on my knees and joints after learning that these products are used widely across the NHL. It’s been a lifesaver for me and thousands of customers. I think athletes and all consumers are re-examining CBD and people who may have stayed away from CBD are thinking, ‘I don’t want to miss out on this.’ I’m proud to be a CaniBrands ambassador and advocate. With the launch of the new Cani-Wellness oral spray supplements, now consumers across North America can access solutions to help them live their best life possible.”
Link: CaniWellness