Mar 10, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; A view of the scoreboard after the game between the Dallas Stars and the Columbus Blue Jackets is postponed during the first period due to center Rich Peverley (not pictured) collapsing on the bench at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
It was a scary situation for both the Dallas Stars and the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight. Dallas Stars forward (and former Boston Bruin) Rich Peverley collapsed on the Dallas Stars bench. It was a chaotic scene as the Dallas bench and players did everything they could to get the referees attention to the fact that there was something desperately wrong. The refs blew their whistle, and play was halted 6:23 in the first period. Trainers quickly bundled up the unconscious Peverley and carried him from the bench. Here’s the whole thing from the perspective of the cameras of Fox Sports who was covering the game.
Peverley had been treated in September for an irregular heartbeat. It appeared this was either another occurrence of the problem that had sidelined him for several weeks earlier in the season. He was taken to a local area hospital in Dallas where a quick procedure restored Pevereley. ”We treated for a cardiac event successfully,” attending physician Dr. Gil Salazar said after the procedure. ”As soon as we treated him, he regained consciousness. He was able to tell me where he was.”
It was decided by both teams and the league to postpone the game until a later date. The NHL chose to suspend the game because “of the emotional state of the players on both teams caused by the medical emergency.” At the time, the Columbus Blue Jackets had a 1-0 lead. The NHL later released a statement on Peverley’s condition. ”Dallas player Rich Peverley is doing well and is in stable condition,” the NHL said in a statement. ”He has been transported to the hospital. As a result of the emotional state of the players on both teams caused by the medical emergency, the game is being postponed. We apologize for any inconvenience and we thank the fans.”
We’re glad to see that Peverley is doing fine, and we look forward to seeing him on the ice soon.