Results: 'The Time Of My Life'

Whitby, Ontario native David Ayes just had the unthinkable happen -- he not only got to play goal keeper in an NHL hockey game, he actually helped bring his "team for the day" to victory. Ayres, a 42-year-old Zamboni driver for the American Hockey League's Toronto Marlies, was forced to be the Carolina Hurricaine's emergency goalie for its road game Saturday night against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Ayers stopped eight of 10 shots he faced in his NHL debut, helping the Hurricanes capture a 6-3 victory. And it didn't matter what side you were on -- the entire stadium erupted in cheers for him as he was named the game's first star. Did you hear about this story?

During an NHL game, the home team is required to have an emergency goalie in the building in case either team loses their goalies during the game for whatever reason. And on Saturday, for this game in Toronto, it was Ayres. Ayres, who had been watching the game in Scotiabank Arena with his wife, quickly began donning equipment when Carolina Hurricanes goalie James Reimer went down with an injury. And once Carolina backup Petr Mrazek went down, Ayres was told "Get going. Get ready" because he was going in net. Were you aware that there was such a rule in the NHL?

He received a standing ovation from the 19,414 fans in the arena and once the emergency goalie walked into the visitors' dressing room, he was doused in celebratory beers from players on the Hurricanes. He was also given the team puck, which he intends to frame along with the jersey he wore that night, to cherish always. What's more, the stick Ayres used in the game is going to the Hockey Hall of Fame. Do you find it refreshing to hear a sports story that is such a "feel good" story?

This is only the second time in NHL history that the emergency goalie has been asked to step in. Scott Foster was the first, in 2018 when he came on in emergency relief for the Chicago Blackhawks and stopped all seven shots he faced. Foster, then a 36-year-old accountant and beer league hockey player, delivered a memorable performance against the high-powered Winnipeg Jets. If you play hockey (or did) would this be a "dream come true" for you -- to play in a real NHL game?