A conversation with Hockey Star David Ayres

Dr. Ramesh Prasad

David Ayres is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender, the oldest to win in his regular season debut. He became the Carolina Hurricanes’ emergency goaltender during a 2020 National Hockey League (NHL) game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Despite having never played in the NHL before and being 42 years of age, he and Carolina won the game. David received his living related kidney transplant at St. Michael Hospital in 2004. David recently conversed with Dr. Prasad about how his hockey career fit with his kidney transplant.

Dr. Prasad: Thank you for sharing aspects of your life with a kidney transplant. When you first came to us for an assessment, you were on dialysis. How was life on dialysis?

David: Having played hockey my whole life, I was still very committed to playing. I just wanted to play. I even played with a dialysis line in my neck! Staying hydrated just enough was challenging, because I didn’t sweat. I was on dialysis for 8 months before the transplant.

Dr. Prasad: I remember you were very determined to play hockey after the transplant.

David: Yes, we discussed how best to protect the kidney afterwards. I consulted with a few experts to make sure the kidney was very well-protected during practice and games.

Dr. Prasad: The transplant operation went well. What did it feel like afterwards?

David: I felt great! I was back in the gym in 3 months, and was back on the ice in 5 months.

Dr. Prasad: What was it like to be playing hockey again?

David: I did take a few shots to the stomach, but felt fine. I was back to 100%. I also played baseball to stay fit. I missed some time due to an ankle injury, but I never called in sick in 8 years! I was mentally always there. Of course, I had great transplant doctors and nurses to help me along the way.

Dr. Prasad: That’s very kind. Did your teammates know you had a kidney transplant?

David: Some knew about it and some didn’t. They had no idea about transplants or how they work. They did appreciate my need to take medication. I didn’t feel different from anybody else.

Dr. Prasad: What special precautions do you have to take in order to play?

David: Staying hydrated is very important. I have to drink a lot of fluids, otherwise I could get cramps. I also have to consume enough calories to stay healthy. No alcohol. The fistula and the kidney are shielded with lots of padding.

Dr. Prasad: What is your advice to transplant patients who want to play high-level sports as you do?

David: Go for it! Do not doubt the process. Trust the experts, because they know what they are doing.

Edited

for clarity of content.