What’s It Like to Be an Emergency Goalie in an N.H.L. Game?

So this was your first game situation in many years?

Probably four or five. I played some Senior A hockey. But practicing with Toronto was way more fun.

Where were you when you heard about the first injury, to Reimer?

I was standing in my section, and I saw him go down. Then I got the call: Come on down, bring your gear, get dressed. When Mrazek was hurt, I was in the media room.

Had you ever gotten to that first stage before, when there’s one injury and you get dressed?

That was the fourth time.

Was it awkward to compete against the Leafs when you work with them and you’re a fan?

It’s a little different. At first you kind of try to figure where guys are going to shoot, you’re worried about where each shot’s going to go instead of just playing your game. If I didn’t know the guys on the other team I wouldn’t worry about where they’re potentially going to shoot, I’d just worry about playing my game. It runs through your mind, but you’ve got to block it out and try to make a save.

What was it like when you got that second call and you went on the ice to play?

The guys were waiting for me and cheering me on. Everyone starts to scream and it starts to hit you. You’ve got to try to focus after that. That’s the tough part.

What’s the biggest crowd you had played in front of before?

Not a very big one. Probably a few hundred.

So what was different from what you expected?

I always thought if I went out there, I’d be perfectly calm, no problem. I play with these guys all the time, I’m used to the shots, I’m used to the speed, no problem, this is easy.

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/24/sports/hockey/david-ayres-carolina-emergency-goalie.html