My Story
A Game I Will Never Forget!
My name is John and until March 7th, 2024, I was an old-timer hockey player. I am 66 years old and have played hockey my entire life. I have a love for the game. Generally, I played two to three times per week and have done so for decades.
Loosely called the Noon Hour Specials, we play at lunchtime. We are competitive and friendly. Will, our team captain, has a list of around 40 guys. He makes sure we have 20 skaters per game and basically looks after all regarding organization.
March 7th was a Thursday, just a regular Thursday like all others. I had played the day before and was planning on playing Friday as well. Like usual, I had my normal warm up and the game started. I felt fine. No issues. On the third shift, I skated toward the puck beside our net. Then everything went black. There was no warning, no pain, no shortness of breath. Just sudden black.
My momentum carried me around the net. I collapsed cage first at the hash marks. My arms did not come up to protect my fall and I was blue when I hit the ice. I was dead.
Will was on the bench with the other team. He noticed a player going down and recognized the severity of the fall instantly. Then, he initiated the plan he designed.
Immediately he reached for his cellphone and dialled 911. He stayed with the 911 operator to keep them appraised. He then yelled to Greg, the designated AED man. Greg immediately bolted off the bench to retrieve the AED.
In the interim, my defense partner Nigel immediately began CPR compressions. He continued compressions until Greg arrived with the AED. By now, minutes had passed, and they were racing against the clock. Greg and Nigel applied the AED quickly, following the instructions. The AED advised ‘shock’. Everybody stepped back as the AED shock was applied. After the shock, Nigel immediately went back to CPR compressions.
A few minutes later, my eyes fluttered and I regained consciousness. I remember coming to and EHS paramedic Ray was asking me questions as they readied me for transport to our local hospital.
EHS had arrived quickly, and I was in hospital for 9 days. As I left the hospital, I was sporting a new ICD/pacemaker combination. An ICD is an Internal Cardiac Defibrillator.
It has been 10 months since my on ice sudden cardiac arrest. It was a humbling event. I realize how fortunate I am as survivability of an SCA is infrequent. I count my blessings everyday.
Not surprisingly, my hockey career is over. It has been a great run playing as long as I have.
Not long ago, I ‘laced them up’ for the first time since my sudden cardiac arrest. I spent the day skating on a frozen lake with my son. It was heavenly. I am truly blessed.
I tell my story freely with the hope that others will benefit from my experience.
Adopt the ‘Three Pass Play’ every time you play.
It works.
I am living proof.
Thanks.