Lumberjacks name famous emergency goalie Dave Ayres as head coach

DAN CEARNS, The Standard

SCUGOG: The Port Perry Lumberjacks have hired their first head coach since the name and sponsor change.

On Thursday, May 12th, the local PJHL team announced Dave Ayres had joined the team to serve as their head coach.

Dave Ayres may be familiar to Toronto Maple Leaf’s fans, as he was the emergency goaltender in Toronto. He had to suit up for the Carolina Hurricanes when both of their goalies were injured, in a game in February of 2020. Mr. Ayres most recently coached the Whitby Wildcats Under 16 AAA team and the Vermilion County Bobcats of the SPHL.

“During the coaching interview process, Dave immediately stood out among the group. The executive and myself were extremely impressed by his hockey knowledge and positive energy,” Lumberjacks general manager Tom Parish told The Standard. “We feel like he is the perfect combination of teacher and leader who will benefit our young core. We are beyond thrilled, to have Dave as the first-ever Port Perry Lumberjacks Head Coach.”

On Tuesday, May 10th, the team had announced they and coach Kyle Adams had parted ways.

“We would like to thank 2021-2022 Head Coach Kyle Adams for his hard work and dedication to our hockey club over the past season,” a Twitter post from the team read. “We wish Kyle the best of luck in his future endeavours!”

The LumberJacks were formerly known as the Port Perry MoJacks. The name was changed following Scugog Lumber becoming the team’s new corporate sponsor.

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