Former Bruin Rich Peverley Released From Hospital

Jan 27, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars center Rich Peverley (17) skates against the Colorado Avalanche during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Avalanche defeated the Stars 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Former Boston Bruin Rich Peverley was one of those players (along with Brad Marchand and Tyler Seguin) who appeared from under the radar to give the Boston Bruins the Stanley Cup in 2011. When Nathan Horton was blindsided by Aaron Rome and left insensate on the ice with a serious concussion in game three of the Stanley Cup Final, Peverley was promoted to the first line alongside David Krejci and Milan Lucic. He was one of those players in Boston that wasn’t a prolific scorer but a fantastic teammate and a player with a solid work ethic.

By now, all serious hockey fans have heard about or seen the incident in where Peverley collapsed (essentially dying)on the Dallas Stars bench during their March 10th game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, (That game was suspended and will be re-played April 9th.)Stars general manager Jim Nill released a press release concerning Peverley’s condition as Peverley was released from the Cleveland Clinic where he underwent a procedure to correct his heart problem.

“Rich Peverley underwent successful surgery to correct an abnormal heart rhythm at the Cleveland Clinic on Tuesday, March 18. He is currently in normal sinus rhythm. He was released from the Cleveland Clinic today and is expected to return to Dallas tomorrow. He will be monitored closely and may require further treatment. There is no decision being made at this time on his ability to return to hockey participation.”

His heart issue, atrial fibrillation, is a form of cardiac arrhythmia. The procedure he underwent goal was attempted in order to regulate his heart rate. The 31-year-old Peverley was diagnosed with the heart condition last September befored the start of training camp. At the time, Peverley chose a less invasive treatment and medication so he could be playing with the Stars at the start of the season. He was ready by the second game of the season.

Peverley is out for the season, and while his timetable for a full recovery is a few months, it is not entirely clear if he will be able to return to playing professional hockey.