By now you’ve heard the story of Dave Ayers, the 42-year-old Zamboni driver for the Toronto Maple Leafs farm team who got the call, put on the uniform, stepped into the crease, blew up Twitter, and made history as the only emergency backup goalie (EBUG) to record a win in an NHL game.
For his heroic efforts against a team I’m theoretically obliged to cheer for, Ayers earned $500 and the opportunity to become an honorary citizen of North Carolina. And his own merch, which you should absolutely buy.
I’m not a huge hockey fan, but I appreciate hustle and a good story.
I also appreciate help being available when I need it, which brings me to this short list:
Five times in the last week I could have used an emergency backup goalie
1. Monday, when I lost my phone somewhere in the house
2. Tuesday, when my sick kid was using me for target practice
3. Wednesday, when I had to unload the dishwasher twice in the same day
4. Friday, when a province-wide school strike reminded me that the people who know my children care a lot more about them than the people who don’t
5. Saturday, when the prospect of a stubbornly divided Democratic party made me worry (yet again) about neighbour, my friends, my planet, our shared future
Moral of the story: Dave Ayers had his Marlies mask (and he knew where his phone was). You have your vote. GAME ON.
Jeni Armstrong 