Rich Peverley spoke to the media for the first time after the scary situation that occured in Monday’s game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Dallas Stars. Late in the first period, Peverley collapsed on the Stars bench and was treated by team doctors and then rushed to hospital. He suffered some type of cardiac episode. The game was eventually postponed.
Peverley, looking excellent given what he went through a couple of days ago, had a lot of thank yous to share in a prepared statement to the media.
“On behalf of my wife, all of my family and myself I’d like to thank the number of people who saved my life,” Peverley said. “They all attended to me once I passed out and they saved my life and I will forever be grateful.”
Dallas Stars team doctors also confirmed that Rich Peverley is Out for the rest of the NHL Season.
The doctor explained everything that happened with Peverley and how it was believed he played for the Bruins in the Stanley Cup Final last season with atrial fibrillation. He went on to say that Peverley will be heading to see a specialist in Cleveland and will undergo surgery to try and fix the issue.
All told, the doctors said that it was only a mere 14 seconds that elapsed from the time Peverley collapsed until the time he was down the tunnel and receiving treatment. This terrific response time was a key factor in the healthy prognosis Peverley receives today. Head coach Lindy Ruff said that he was amazed by the doctors work, but hopes he is never in such a position to see a similar incident again.
Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill thanked the doctors involved, the hospital and ambulance staff, the arena crew, the Columbus Blue Jackets, and the NHL referees, linesmen, and league office for the way the incident was handled on Monday.
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