NHL HOF Lanny McDonald expresses gratitude to first responders after scary cardiac event following All-Star game

NHL Hall of Famer Lanny McDonald suffered a life-threatening situation at the Calgary International Airport after the All-Star game on Saturday.

NHL HOF Lanny McDonald expresses gratitude to first responders after scary cardiac event following All-Star game

Lanny McDonald (Image via Sportsnet)

As the NHL world came together for the 2024 All-Star game in Toronto, several stars lined up for the show. The list of big names included Hall of Famer Lanny McDonald who would go on to enjoy the festivities. However, the evening turned out to be one to forget for him as he suffered a cardiac event after the game.

The 70-year-old ice hockey legend suffered an health scary at the Calgary International Airport. Fortunately for him, two nurses going for their flights were present there. They would soon rush towards him and help him during this distress.

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McDonald would later express his gratitude towards them. While he did knew the names of those who saved his life, he would still thank them and wrote, he owed them his life.

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It's true that even tough old guys need help sometimes... We are eternally grateful for their care and action ... I owe them my life.
Lanny McDonald expressing his gratitude through a statement released on X to the nurses who helped him.

This update from McDonald was shared on the social media accounts belonging to the Calgary Flames alumni association. He would later thank the first responders as well for their quick response in this situation.

Lanny McDonald hospitalized after health scare

Following this health scare, Lanny McDonald has been hospitalized. The 1989 Stanley Cup winner suffered a life-threatening situation but was fortune to receive quick assistance. As per reports he is now recovering from this in a hospital.

Lanny McDonald during his time with the Flames (Image via Sportsnet)

Despite facing this horrific situation, the NHL legend still has the energy to make some jokes. In his statement released, he urged the professionals present there to put their ‘bets‘ on Chiefs this Sunday.

While I hang out here as the professionals figure out next steps for the ol’ ticker, I’ll try to convince the team here to bet on the Chiefs next Sunday
Lanny McDonald in this statement.

This words from him hint out who he will be supporting at the upcoming Super Bowl XVIII. This Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs would be aiming to repeat as Super Bowl champions as they face the San Francisco 49ers in Las Vegas.

In his 16-year career, McDonald established himself as one of the top wingers of the game. He would appear for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Calgary Flames and the Colorado Rockies (not to be confused with the MLB team). He would end up playing more than 1,100 games while scoring more than 500 goals and picking up over 1,000 points.

At the moment, McDonald serves as the Chairman of the Hockey Hall of Fame board. Prior to this, he played the role as one of the selection committee for the Hall for over nine years. The hockey community are now sending their well wishes and hoping for his speedy recovery.

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