Before another guy in this town drops from a heart attack playing hockey, something should be done about this problem.
Four times in the last week, amateur players have had to be brought back to life with defibrillators.
Often times, the players aren't that lucky.
Just last year, the news business lost CP photographer Tom Hanson to this senseless activity.
He was only 41.
A lot of members of the defib club are guys with young families who leave them in the lurch in a vain attempt to relive their youths.
Every amateur team -- even pick up teams -- should insist the guys get their hearts checked out, along with a full physical, before they step on the ice.
This is always what the management at gyms tell you to do and most people don't do it. But working on your pilates or walking on a treadmill doesn't come close to hockey in terms of the physical demands placed on the heart.
Hockey is all about going from stop to sprint, a very dangerous activity even for the pros. That's why guys like Daniel Alfredsson are closely monitored and work on their conditioning 365 days a year.
Recreational hockey players are often fairly sedentary. Their midnight games may be the only exercise they get all week.
Other than hoisting a few after the game.
Oddly enough, the news media treats stories of players brought back to life like a weird kind of personal achievement, as if they've overcome adversity.
Hey, look! Joe is dead. Now he's up.
Thanks defibrillator guy!
Dudes!
Get your hearts checked out before you get on the ice.
Your families will thank you for it.
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