This is another reason why hockey is cooler than other sports! David Ayres is the Zamboni guy and practice goalie for the Marlies (my team plays them!). When he attended the Leafs v. Hurricane game last night, he got the call to suit up and play for the Hurricanes!
Now why does this happen in hockey and not say, the NBA or NFL? Those sports have enough players on the bench to fill in the gaps since the former involves both offense/defense and the latter, players from special teams can carry out the main roles. Hockey on the other hand…all teams usually have two goalies dressed, ready to play. Goalie is also a very specialized gig. I’m confident that if push came to shove, somebody could change positions yet it’s doubtful due to how customized the gear is and how long it would take someone to get ready.
Thanks to very old rules and traditions, the home team is obligated to provide a backup if the visitors run out. I think, and I’m confident Jeremy can and should correct me if I’m wrong, this goes back to the days when teams only had one goalie. These days it’s very rare to have the misfortune of losing two in one game plus the NHL parent often can call up someone from their AHL affiliate when they’re definitely down to one well before a game. There was a guy who got the nod some years ago for Phoenix because they couldn’t get their backup from San Antonio before face off. I think he sat on the bench as insurance.
As for David? I am giving him a standing ovation down here in Austin since he got to live his dream. I do hope this game was feature on Hockey Night in Canada, it’s that country’s institutional, cultural brass ring for most Canadians.