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# From the Branches: The Ballad of David Ayres
- URL: https://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/from-the-branches-the-ballad-of-david-ayres/
- Published: 2015-12-05T12:00:02.000Z
- Updated: 2015-12-05T12:00:02.000Z
- Description: The unsung hero of last night's 4-0 Marlies shutout was the 38-year-old Zamboni driver.
- Author: Achariya
- Tags: From The Branches, #chorus, #Import 2023-04-05 11:01

[Jonathan Bernier](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54581/jonathan-bernier?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) was perfect in net last night for the Marlies, a 4-0 decision played in Rochester against the Amerks. He had a lot of goal support (which many of you pointed out must've been an odd feeling for him), with two goals scored by [William Nylander](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/246220/william-nylander?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com), and two by Nikita Soshnikov. The Amerks struggled to find Bernier's side of the ice, frankly, with shots tilted 38 - 21 toward the Marlies. But still, a shutout is a shutout, and Bernier had to actually work during the final minutes of the third, when the Amerks got a power play.

> [#MarliesLive](https://twitter.com/hashtag/MarliesLive?src=hash&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) News (contd): The [#Marlies](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Marlies?src=hash&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) have also signed Dave Ayres to an Amateur Tryout for this evening's game. [pic.twitter.com/G2citncvOf](https://t.co/G2citncvOf?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)
> 
> — Toronto Marlies (@TorontoMarlies) [December 4, 2015](https://twitter.com/TorontoMarlies/status/672917333548093443?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) 

Bernier's solidness in net and excellent health was probably a relief to everyone in the Leafs organization, because there was a scramble for a Marlies emergency backup when Ryan Massa (Orlando's backup goaltender) got sent back a day too early, and [Antoine Bibeau](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/198383/antoine-bibeau?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) got sent up to the Leafs right before the game.

Enter a 38-year-old Zamboni driver, [David Ayres](http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=400710&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com). Welcome to the Leafs organization, Ayres!

> With Bibeau gone, the Marlies were forced to sign David Ayres, the building operations manager at Mattamy Athletic Centre, to an amateur tryout contract to serve as Bernier's backup. Ayres, a 38-year-old who occasionally works for the ice crew and drives the Zamboni during Marlies games, made it to Rochester just over an hour before puck drop.
> 
> Ayres sat on the bench but only observed as Bernier played his first AHL game since May 22, 2010, when he was a 21-year-old [Los Angeles Kings](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/los-angeles-kings?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) prospect playing for the Manchester Monarchs. ([source](http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/bernier-gets-shutout-in-marlies-debut/?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com))

Signing a random guy as Emergency Backup is a common occurrence in Orlando, because poop generally rolls downhill. Our Emergency Backup is [Bobby Fowler](http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?statsleague=WC&player=225560&team=&year=&status=&leagueid=&season=&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com), who got the call to back up Ryan Massa for tonight's game (which I will be attending), since [Rob Madore](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/224383/rob-madore?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) is up with the Marlies.

All of this got me thinking, though:

Tonight's game is going to feature the exciting young goaltending duo of [Garret Sparks](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/132408/garret-sparks?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) and Bibeau in net for the Leafs. The Marlies, well. Rob Madore (Orlando's starting goaltender) is on a plane even as we speak, and he'll be backing up Bernier shortly.

Wait, what?

That's right. An ECHL goaltender will be backing up an NHL goaltender in an AHL game. I hear this is not all that uncommon, even though it kinda sounds cool. Anyway I sincerely doubt Madore started his season thinking, "I bet I'll be backing up Bernier by December."

Oh. For people who like history, I was hopping around on r/hockey's thread about this, and someone posted video from 2012, when the Niagara IceDogs and Erie Otters [played a game with a skater dressed as a goaltender](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLPV7RU9jf0&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com).

Fun!

#### Leafs News

> This Mitch Marner kid is pretty good... [https://t.co/Ww6Wi0a9Bn](https://t.co/Ww6Wi0a9Bn?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)
> 
> — Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) [December 5, 2015](https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/672953980566110208?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) 

> Here's Nylander's first goal from tonight. His wrist shot is absurd. [pic.twitter.com/cqU0esvBD1](https://t.co/cqU0esvBD1?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)
> 
> — J\*ff V\*\*ll\*tt\* (@JeffVeillette) [December 5, 2015](https://twitter.com/JeffVeillette/status/672974134226325504?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) 

[Home cooking: Toronto Maple Leafs prospect William Nylander eating up AHL, looking ahead to NHL | Eh Game](https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/eh-game/home-cooking--toronto-maple-leafs-prospect-william-nylander-eating-up-ahl--looking-ahead-to-nhl-155506921-nhl.html?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)

[Maple Leafs jigsaw puzzle finally comes together | Toronto Sun](http://www.torontosun.com/2015/12/04/maple-leafs-jigsaw-puzzle-finally-comes-together?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)  
Not a metaphorical puzzle, an actual one.

[Bernier shuts out Amerks in first game with Marlies | Jeffler](http://theleafsnation.com/2015/12/4/jonathan-bernier-gets-shutout-in-first-game-with-marlies?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)

#### Other Hockey News

[Lightning sign Cooper to multiyear contract extension | NHL](http://lightning.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=791016&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)

[Buffalo Sabres to host '18 World Junior Championship | NHL](https://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/nhl-twt/)

[NHL must scrap this inane rule to get the fights it needs | New York Post](http://nypost.com/2015/12/04/nhl-must-scrap-this-inane-rule-to-get-the-fights-it-needs/?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)  
 "The instigator penalty is a utter detriment to the league." I'll probably regret linking to this opinion piece.

[Hickey on Hockey: NHL All-Star Game voting devolves into hacking contest | Montreal Gazette](http://montrealgazette.com/sports/hockey/hickey-on-hockey-nhl-all-star-game-voting-devolves-into-hacking-contest?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)  
If we break the system well enough, will they let us handle the US Presidential election?!

[How an NHL team’s system affects a player’s performance | SI](http://www.si.com/nhl/2015/12/04/how-teams-system-affects-player-offense-defense-hockey-analytics?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)

[New Monsters center Manny Malhotra has unique NHL story | Cleveland.com](http://www.cleveland.com/monsters/index.ssf/2015/12/new%5Fmonsters%5Fcenter%5Fmanny%5Fmalh.html?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)

#### Last Night's Games by Species

Presented without comment.

> this guy in Edmonton [pic.twitter.com/DzhatJL2fZ](https://t.co/DzhatJL2fZ?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)
> 
> — Stephanie (@myregularface) [December 5, 2015](https://twitter.com/myregularface/status/672982074467475456?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) 

Maybe they were exchanging pasta casserole recipes?

> Marchand and a 15 year old yapping at each other [pic.twitter.com/YD0hnGT2fw](https://t.co/YD0hnGT2fw?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)
> 
> — Stephanie (@myregularface) [December 5, 2015](https://twitter.com/myregularface/status/672971257290297344?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) 

Edmonton vs. Dallas , first goal from Taylor Hall. Dallas will still win, of course.

> Watch this. Repeatedly. You're welcome. [#DALvsEDM](https://twitter.com/hashtag/DALvsEDM?src=hash&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) [https://t.co/7f0hhXR7GH](https://t.co/7f0hhXR7GH?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)
> 
> — [Edmonton Oilers](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/edmonton-oilers?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) (@EdmontonOilers) [December 5, 2015](https://twitter.com/EdmontonOilers/status/672971187513745408?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) 

The [Flames](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/calgary-flames?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) had a lovely tribute for Gail Miller, [who passed away suddenly last week](http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/calgaryherald/obituary.aspx?pid=176648587&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com). Miller had been a concession worker, and then concessions manager at the Saddledome for over 30 years. They invited her son to attend the game and he was thrilled.

> [@NHLFlames](https://twitter.com/NHLFlames?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) This was the highlight of my night! [pic.twitter.com/7gcF2dDefl](https://t.co/7gcF2dDefl?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)
> 
> — Bill Miller (@millergolf99) [December 5, 2015](https://twitter.com/millergolf99/status/673029370521387008?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) 

Then they went out and kicked some [Bruins](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/boston-bruins?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) arse!>>>>> IT WAS 4-4!!!!!!!

> in the most Bruins turn of events ever, the Flames tie it with 1 second left [pic.twitter.com/ndktsmfG78](https://t.co/ndktsmfG78?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)
> 
> — Stephanie (@myregularface) [December 5, 2015](https://twitter.com/myregularface/status/672999145616113664?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) 

[Johnny Gaudreau](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/143696/john-gaudreau?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) got a hat trick.

> Hats everywhere. [pic.twitter.com/IOJubugmX1](https://t.co/IOJubugmX1?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)
> 
> — Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) [December 5, 2015](https://twitter.com/NHLFlames/status/673056787378122752?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) 

Then he did an interview in a Fireman's hat. Also worth a listen as he talks about the incident with Marchand.

> Johnny Gaudreau talks about his 4-point night and downing the [#Bruins](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bruins?src=hash&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) 5-4 in OT! [https://t.co/93VaQ7wnBm](https://t.co/93VaQ7wnBm?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)
> 
> — Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) [December 5, 2015](https://twitter.com/NHLFlames/status/673023734043664384?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) 

Guess which ex-Leaf got the game winning goal for the [Ducks](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/anaheim-ducks?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)!

> Santorelli goal, 1-0 Ducks in the 3rd period [pic.twitter.com/D0nX4Z6Rp7](https://t.co/D0nX4Z6Rp7?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)
> 
> — Stephanie (@myregularface) [December 5, 2015](https://twitter.com/myregularface/status/673005728597151744?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) 

Do they not have a budget to feed the players in Anaheim?

> Bieksa making sure his stick tastes good for dinner later, presumably cc [@aionVlad](https://twitter.com/aionVlad?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) [pic.twitter.com/HsvLUQaUag](https://t.co/HsvLUQaUag?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)
> 
> — Stephanie (@myregularface) [December 5, 2015](https://twitter.com/myregularface/status/672978991255523328?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) 

Remember when we bought out this guy's contract?

> Grabovski game-tying goal [pic.twitter.com/Bnm44Kgx8y](https://t.co/Bnm44Kgx8y?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)
> 
> — Stephanie (@myregularface) [December 5, 2015](https://twitter.com/myregularface/status/672969068312416256?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) 

> [@KeithLHHockey](https://twitter.com/KeithLHHockey?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) [@MichaelStallone](https://twitter.com/MichaelStallone?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) [pic.twitter.com/mp0KX0mjKa](https://t.co/mp0KX0mjKa?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)
> 
> — John Zanussi (@johnzanussi) [December 5, 2015](https://twitter.com/johnzanussi/status/672988523117592577?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) 

Just when you finally think he's not going to actually shoot, he does. (SLMLD)

> Read game-winner in OT [pic.twitter.com/5fbzjwKtj5](https://t.co/5fbzjwKtj5?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)
> 
> — Stephanie (@myregularface) [December 5, 2015](https://twitter.com/myregularface/status/672969793000120320?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) 

I love it when guys are dumped into the bench, but why is this a "Million Dollar Replay"?

> Farnham misses his target and goes into the bench, then gets a cross check to the back [pic.twitter.com/gcbCDVHS1w](https://t.co/gcbCDVHS1w?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)
> 
> — Stephanie (@myregularface) [December 5, 2015](https://twitter.com/myregularface/status/672960882234761216?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) 

Suspension hearing coming?

> another angle, slowed down [pic.twitter.com/IopmrU4KCw](https://t.co/IopmrU4KCw?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)
> 
> — Stephanie (@myregularface) [December 5, 2015](https://twitter.com/myregularface/status/672940481475670016?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) 

[Canada's Minister of Fisheries and Oceans](http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/about-notre-sujet/minister-ministre-eng.htm?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) will not like this.

> Simmonds hit on Tootoo [pic.twitter.com/Axej33L97n](https://t.co/Axej33L97n?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)
> 
> — Stephanie (@myregularface) [December 5, 2015](https://twitter.com/myregularface/status/672931703359426560?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) 

[BC Alum Johnny Gaudreau Spoils the Bruins Trip to Calgary - Matchsticks and Gasoline](http://www.matchsticksandgasoline.com/2015/12/4/9852994/bc-alum-johnny-gaudreau-spoils-the-bruins-trip-to-calgary?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)  
Gaudreau gets a hat trick giving the Flames an OT win against Boston

[Points Stollen - The Copper & Blue](http://www.coppernblue.com/2015/12/4/9853060/points-stollen?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)  
[Anders Nilsson](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/131849/anders-nilsson?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) steals two points for the Oilers in a 2-1 OT win over Dallas

[Kane's shorty breaks game open, Sabres win 5-2 - Die By The Blade](http://www.diebytheblade.com/2015/12/4/9852482/sabres-vs-coyotes-recap-kanes-shorty-breaks-game-open-sabres-win-5-2?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)  
A complete team effort led by [Evander Kane](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/71959/evander-kane?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) gave the [Sabres](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/buffalo-sabres?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) a 5-2 win over Arizona.

[Four wins! In a row! - Broad Street Hockey](http://www.broadstreethockey.com/2015/12/4/9852130/flyers-at-devils-recap?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)  
The [Flyers](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/philadelphia-flyers?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) put forth a strong defensive effort, but needed their power play and 3-on-3 to get a win against their long-lasting thorn-in-the-side divisional rivals.

[Panthers nip Blue Jackets 2-1 in shootout to sew up fifth straight win - Litter Box Cats](http://www.litterboxcats.com/2015/12/5/9853354/recap-florida-panthers-2-columbus-blue-jackets-1-so-nhl?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)  
Huberdeau and Barkov score in the skills competition to keep the Cats rolling.

[Ducks Shut Down Sharks 1-0 - Anaheim Calling](http://www.anaheimcalling.com/2015/12/4/9852798/gamer-anaheim-ducks-shut-down-san-jose-sharks-1-0?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)  
The Ducks and [Sharks](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/san-jose-sharks?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) have now played three games against each other this season, and in each of those games a different goaltender has posted a shutout.