John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Hurricanes have big plans for viral star David Ayres

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated 2/23/20

The Carolina Hurricanes are riding a wave of popularity right now thanks to viral sensation David Ayres.

Ayres came into Saturday’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs as the emergency goalie, but was pressed into action after both of Carolina’s regular goalies got hurt. Ayers managed to get the win, and quickly became a sensation beyond the sports world.

The Hurricanes have wisely been taking full advantage. They’re already selling Ayres shirts, but in a cool twist, some of the proceeds will go toward an appropriate kidney foundation as a nod to Ayres’ status as a kidney transplant survivor.

Dave will be getting royalties, but we are also working with him to identify a kidney foundation that will receive a portion of the proceeds https://t.co/RwSNg12DA4

— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) February 23, 2020

That’s not all. Ayres will be at the Hurricanes’ next home game Tuesday to sound the traditional pregame siren.

See you Tuesday, Davey!

Ayres will be in the building on Tuesday and will be our @VectorSecurity Siren Sounder! pic.twitter.com/L4zH4Az0lj

— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) February 23, 2020

Ayres has gone from an AHL zamboni driver to something of a celebrity after his eventful Saturday night. Hurricanes fans will certainly never forget it, and Ayres is going to get some viral fame out of this. Both sides might as well make the most of it, and it sure seems like they’re intent to do just that.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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