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Philadelphia Flyers: Goaltender Michal Neuvirth Collapses on Ice

By Matt Duscharme |
Mar 21, 2017; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Philadelphia Flyers goalie Michal Neuvirth (30) stretches prior to the game between the Winnipeg Jets and the Philadelphia Flyers at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 21, 2017; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Philadelphia Flyers goalie Michal Neuvirth (30) stretches prior to the game between the Winnipeg Jets and the Philadelphia Flyers at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports

In November of 2005, Detroit Forward Jiri Fischer Collapsed on the Bench, on April First Philadelphia Flyers Netminder Michal Neuvirth Collapses on the Ice.

It’s always a scary incident when a professional athlete is hurt when the injury didn’t involve any play. This happened with Jiri Fischer of Detroit in 2005 when he suddenly collapsed on the bench due to cardiac arrest and unfortunately he was forced to retire, and tonight Philadelphia Flyers goalie Michal Neuvirth collapsed on the ice.

Mar 25, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goalie Michal Neuvirth (30) splashes his face with water during a stop in play in the second period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goalie Michal Neuvirth (30) splashes his face with water during a stop in play in the second period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

On October eighth, 2010, goaltender Ondrej Pavelec collapsed on the ice just three minutes into the game, thankfully it wasn’t serious. During the 1998 playoffs, Chris Pronger was another player to fall victim to this when he played for St. Louis. And most recently Craig Cunningham who played for Tucson in the AHL was yet another player who collapsed on the ice.

It’s not uncommon when it happens since there are so many leagues around the world that play at such a high level, but when it does, it feels like it was the very first time. Michal Neuvirth has been a very solid NHL goalie and has played extremely well for the Philadelphia Flyers. But on Saturday night in the first period against the New Jersey Devils, he collapsed on the ice and was attended to immediately and taken to the hospital.

Let’s all hope it’s not serious and he’s able to return to play as it always comes down to how serious it is. Some think since the game is played at such a high speed every night and players rarely get a night off it puts a massive strain on the heart and brain causing heart attacks (for instance Kris Letang), cardiac arrests (Jiri Fischer) or just fatigue and passing out. Either way, you look it’s a very scary moment no one ever wants to see, or even as a writer, wants to write about. But we do to let you kids know, you don’t always have to go crazy out there! You have to focus on your health as well, or else you can’t play at all.

Next: NHL Entry Draft: Second Round Mock Draft.

Always be safe! Here is the video of Jiri Fischer to remind you how scary it is.

Play smart and play safe guys!

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