SAN JOSE -- Martin Moody wasn’t watching hockey on Feb. 22, until his cell phone demanded it.
Texts from friends and family and acquaintances throughout the Bay Area hockey community flooded his device, all demanding he turn on the Carolina Hurricanes game, like, stat. Both goalies got hurt against the host Toronto Maple Leafs and the emergency backup goalkeeper had taken the ice.
Moody’s heart rate quickened. His focus locked on David Ayers, the 42-year old part-time Zamboni driver now charged with preserving Carolina’s lead in a playoff chase.
Novelty didn’t draw him in. This was a personal investment.