Two Men Die After Playing Beer League Hockey

[chippa13 1844]

The feeling that I had was some pain in my chest and a feeling like a huge person was sitting on my chest. There was a tightness and a heaviness that reduced once I rested for a minute. I was diagnosed by an ECG that had an abnormality and an enzyme test.

All I can recommend to you is that you keep paying attention to your body and keep being proactive with your doctor. Other than that, if you feel something that is strange enough to make you worry then I would suggest a visit to the ER right away.

[.Ovech 0]

Man, horrible situation. My thoughts are out to the families.

[Guitarmy 0]

Speaking as someone who, had I not heeded my one warning, would have wound up like the guys at Sharks Ice (yes, the ICU nurses name for my blockage is "widowmaker"), you are woefully uninformed.

What was your one warning ?

I'm an adult and it's a bit of a running joke on my teams as to how short my shifts are. They're not short compared to NHL-standards - anywhere from 45-sec to, say, 90-sec, but when I come off I am *tired*. Sometimes I'm downright nauseous.

A few months ago I started worrying. I was on the bench and felt like throwing up. My chest was tight and I was bent over trying to catch my breath. I got into the change room after the game and I started feeling faintly dizzy. Later on, getting into the car, one of the fingers on my hands started spasming slightly. In the past I had episodes (working out in the gym, running to catch a train) where I got so dizzy and nauseous I felt like throwing up and could not stand up. I do lead a sedentary life outside of my one night of hockey, but so too do the rest of the players on my team, and no-one seems to come off the ice feeling the way I do.

At the advice of an ER doctor who plays on my team, I asked my doctor to send me for an echo stress test (where they inject you with radioactive tracers to monitor circulatory function while you are running on a treadmill). He refused, saying he didn't think it was necessary, so I asked for a second opinion. The second doctor did send me for a full battery of tests including echo stress test, MRIs of my heart, etc, and they came back negative. I felt better about that until last week, when I was back to feeling like my chest was on fire while watching my fingers spasm.

Any advice here as to what symptoms one might look for, what the "widowmaker" blockage might be and how it was diagnosed, and other syndromes to ask a physician about would be much appreciated. Stories like these do make me worry.

That sounds serious. :( I hope you're not planning on playing until you figure out exactly what is wrong.

[NuggyBuggy 0]

That sounds serious. :( I hope you're not planning on playing until you figure out exactly what is wrong.

Truth is, I'm not really sure what more I can do. I've already consulted two doctors, been sent for blood work, EKGs, ultrasounds, echo stress test, etc.

[RecLeagueHero 0]

Speaking as someone who, had I not heeded my one warning, would have wound up like the guys at Sharks Ice (yes, the ICU nurses name for my blockage is "widowmaker"), you are woefully uninformed.

What was your one warning ?

I'm an adult and it's a bit of a running joke on my teams as to how short my shifts are. They're not short compared to NHL-standards - anywhere from 45-sec to, say, 90-sec, but when I come off I am *tired*. Sometimes I'm downright nauseous.

A few months ago I started worrying. I was on the bench and felt like throwing up. My chest was tight and I was bent over trying to catch my breath. I got into the change room after the game and I started feeling faintly dizzy. Later on, getting into the car, one of the fingers on my hands started spasming slightly. In the past I had episodes (working out in the gym, running to catch a train) where I got so dizzy and nauseous I felt like throwing up and could not stand up. I do lead a sedentary life outside of my one night of hockey, but so too do the rest of the players on my team, and no-one seems to come off the ice feeling the way I do.

At the advice of an ER doctor who plays on my team, I asked my doctor to send me for an echo stress test (where they inject you with radioactive tracers to monitor circulatory function while you are running on a treadmill). He refused, saying he didn't think it was necessary, so I asked for a second opinion. The second doctor did send me for a full battery of tests including echo stress test, MRIs of my heart, etc, and they came back negative. I felt better about that until last week, when I was back to feeling like my chest was on fire while watching my fingers spasm.

Any advice here as to what symptoms one might look for, what the "widowmaker" blockage might be and how it was diagnosed, and other syndromes to ask a physician about would be much appreciated. Stories like these do make me worry.

Assuming, as you've said, the doctors can't find anything wrong it just sounds like you're out of shape. Burning lungs, a little tightness in the chest, and throwing up are all pretty normal signs of someone that's out of shape be subjected to intense exercise. Go watch some some of the two a day practices at your local high school, you'll probably see a lot of players tossing their lunch during wind sprints. The reason it stops for them is because the exercise continues and they build endurance. You're not improving your fitness playing hockey a single night a week and that's probably why you continue to experience this. If the doctors think you're fine, you should improve your overall fitness and see what happens at that point. I'd wager significant amounts of money that if you spent six months where you raised your heart rate into the training zone for 30 or more minutes at least 4 nights a week everything you're experencing would go away.

[biff44 0]

Did somebody bother to check the air quality in the rink for carbon monoxide? That is the FIRST thing I would demand if I skated in that rink. Could come from either from the zamboni or a bad gas heater somewhere.

We all know that rinks are horrible for CO, but some are much worse than others. Maybe it was a big factor in starving some non-athletic players of oxygen?

2 players is tooo much coincidence!

[Tailboard Jockey 25]

Did somebody bother to check the air quality in the rink for carbon monoxide? That is the FIRST thing I would demand if I skated in that rink. Could come from either from the zamboni or a bad gas heater somewhere.

We all know that rinks are horrible for CO, but some are much worse than others. Maybe it was a big factor in starving some non-athletic players of oxygen?

2 players is tooo much coincidence!

I doubt it. It's a pretty big complex, really open and airy, with four rinks. They only have 2 Zambonis, and I've never seen them both used at the same time. You still may be onto something, though. It might be worth looking into.

[chk hrd 164]

has anyone heard any updates on the causes. CO could be a factor and I had heard that energy suppliments may have been involved.

[Guitarmy 0]

Did somebody bother to check the air quality in the rink for carbon monoxide? That is the FIRST thing I would demand if I skated in that rink. Could come from either from the zamboni or a bad gas heater somewhere.

We all know that rinks are horrible for CO, but some are much worse than others. Maybe it was a big factor in starving some non-athletic players of oxygen?

2 players is tooo much coincidence!

You might be onto something here. I've never experienced it at the San Jose facility, but I used to get a little light-headed and nauseated every time I skated at the Fremont rink nearby (Also owned by the Sharks). A few people I've talked to have experienced the same problem, some even said they could smell propane while on the ice. I think they fixed it recently, because I don't feel like vomiting when I skate there anymore.

[Vulcan7905 88]

I know this is an old thread but reading this scares me to play honestly as I'm 380. I just get scared reading this as it could happen to anyody. This sorta puts me off to hockey honestly in a way. I just don't know what to think really now.

[flaming_june 2]

I like how some of us are sport doctor with such strong opinions. Sad news and hope their families recover.

[sitzlejd 0]

I know this is an old thread but reading this scares me to play honestly as I'm 380. I just get scared reading this as it could happen to anyody. This sorta puts me off to hockey honestly in a way. I just don't know what to think really now.

You can't worry about it man. If you do the right things to stay in good shape, such as eating right, getting regular exercise, regular doctor visits with good results, etc. then you've done all you can. I'm sure statistics would tell you that you're much more likely to die in a crash on the way to the rink than in the game itself.

Relax and have fun out there.

[hockeyherb 1]

I know this is an old thread but reading this scares me to play honestly as I'm 380. I just get scared reading this as it could happen to anyody. This sorta puts me off to hockey honestly in a way. I just don't know what to think really now.

You're 380 lbs?? You are at risk just from walking up a flight of stairs man! I'd forget about hockey and work with your doctor on losing weight in a safe manner.

[sitzlejd 0]

You're 380 lbs?? You are at risk just from walking up a flight of stairs man! I'd forget about hockey and work with your doctor on losing weight in a safe manner.

Oh, whoa. I read that as a typo and he was saying he was 38 years old. If you're 380lbs then definitely forget about hockey for a while.

[goblue9280 33]

Oh, whoa. I read that as a typo and he was saying he was 38 years old. If you're 380lbs then definitely forget about hockey for a while.

Lets take a step back here... none of us are his doctor. You have to look at long term consequences along with short term. Sure, in the short term he probably has a higher risk of a heart attack playing hockey than if he were to sit at home watching tv. But in the long term, playing hockey once a week may outweigh the short term risk. It may keep him under 400lbs... it may be the only exercise his heart gets... it may reduce his stress levels (thus decreasing his cardiovascular risks)... it may keep him from developing depression.

No doubt, losing weight will lead him to a better, longer life. But there's no reason why hockey can't be a part of those healthy lifesytle changes. Bottom line, he should talk to his doctor about his concerns and get recommendations from him/her.

[sickwilly 37]

Lets take a step back here... none of us are his doctor. You have to look at long term consequences along with short term. Sure, in the short term he probably has a higher risk of a heart attack playing hockey than if he were to sit at home watching tv. But in the long term, playing hockey once a week may outweigh the short term risk. It may keep him under 400lbs... it may be the only exercise his heart gets... it may reduce his stress levels (thus decreasing his cardiovascular risks)... it may keep him from developing depression.

No doubt, losing weight will lead him to a better, longer life. But there's no reason why hockey can't be a part of those healthy lifesytle changes. Bottom line, he should talk to his doctor about his concerns and get recommendations from him/her.

Good points. Nothing says that your Doc can't do/order a cardiac workup to assess your cardiac risk if you continue to play hockey (or excercise strenuously). Depending on the results, it might help put your mind at ease about playing.

[Machinehead2k5 32]

One of the refs that ref my league and plays in, he was roughly that big and now is a healthy weight about 180. He got on skates and learned to ref hockey games to lose the weight along with eating better and hitting the bike and walking more.

[SouthpawTRK 1]

I know this is an old thread but reading this scares me to play honestly as I'm 380. I just get scared reading this as it could happen to anyody. This sorta puts me off to hockey honestly in a way. I just don't know what to think really now.

My brother was one of the two players that passed away at the rink more than two years ago. A few months after his passing I decided that I would honor his memory by finally learning to how to skate and to eventually play hockey.

I was concerned that perhaps I could suffer a stroke; especially since I am no where in the same shape as my brother (he was in way better shape). I saw my doctor to get a physical and to they also ran test on my carotic artery to make sure that there was no build up. When the results came back, the doctor cleared me to play hockey. However, the doctor said that a person could have a heart attack whether they are at work, at the gym, in their sleep and even while playing hockey like my brother.

I would make sure that you see your doctor to see what's best for you. I don't want to take any unnecessary risks in life; but I do want to live life to the fullest; but it's too damn short. Best of luck with everything!

[chippa13 1844]

I know this is an old thread but reading this scares me to play honestly as I'm 380. I just get scared reading this as it could happen to anyody. This sorta puts me off to hockey honestly in a way. I just don't know what to think really now.

Before you hit the panic button and quit the game, take stock of your overall health. Yes, being overweight is a risk factor, no doubt about it but that doesn't necessarily mean that what happened to these guys will happen to you on the ice. If you have had any symptoms of heart related trouble, discuss those with your doctor. The odds are pretty good that the two guys who dropped had minor symptoms in their past that they brushed off as other issues. Things to pay attention to are trouble breathing after light exercise, unexplained pain on the left side of your abdomen, squeezing sensation in the middle of your chest, pain in your left pectoral and shoulder that radiates down your left arm, unexplained tightness in your neck and jaw, pain in your back between your shoulder blades, and on and on. You can check for other symptoms on the web. If you've had any of these then your doctor may recommend a stress test to see what is going on with your ticker under stress.

My recommendation, talk to your doctor and change to a healthier diet. Don't go on a diet because those are temporary fixes and people almost always regain the weight they lost and more. Speak to a registered dietician to help put you on the right path. Then get on your way toward a healthier weight. Set simple, safe goals for your weight loss. When you first make the changes to your diet and start the exercise regimen then you will see quick significant drops. This will not last nor should you expect it to. You may see 20-30 pounds drop in the first month if the changes to your diet are drastic. I'm not saying you will stop eating but you will stop eating as badly as you may have been. Something like dropping soda can give you a quick loss. A realistic and safe drop is between 1/2 to 1 pound per week.

I don't mean to sound overly preachy and hope I'm not coming across that way but I had a cardiac event almost 2 and 1/2 years ago and the last thing I want to see is the same happen to anyone else. I was 37 and stood at 5'10", 218. Turned out I had a 99% blocked artery. If you do a search there was a thread I created titled something like "Let this be a lesson" or something like that when it happened to me.

[frankie56 0]

I know this is an old thread but reading this scares me to play honestly as I'm 380. I just get scared reading this as it could happen to anyody. This sorta puts me off to hockey honestly in a way. I just don't know what to think really now.

Driving to the rink is probably a lot more dangerous.

[sickwilly 37]

SouthpawTRK, I'm sorry to hear of you and your family's loss. I think that it kicks ass that you decided to take up the game in his honor. How's your game coming along?

[JTully317 11]

Condolences to the families and all involved. A terrible tragedy, they died doing what we all love to do, play hockey.

[SouthpawTRK 1]

SouthpawTRK, I'm sorry to hear of you and your family's loss. I think that it kicks ass that you decided to take up the game in his honor. How's your game coming along?

sickwilly,

Thanks for the kind words; my family and I really appreciate it. I'm having fun playing in the same beer league that my brother played in; although I'll never be as good as my brother at hockey. Ironically, my first game that I ever played in was on the same rink that he passed away on and I was extremely nervous to say the least.

Currently I'm on injured reserve; torn ligament in my ankle; missed more than 2 months of playing time and have another two months of physical therapy (thank god the playoffs are here

Hope all is well with you and your hockey!

[shoeshine boy 242]

One of the refs that ref my league and plays in, he was roughly that big and now is a healthy weight about 180. He got on skates and learned to ref hockey games to lose the weight along with eating better and hitting the bike and walking more.

he was also on a 600 calorie a day diet which was NOT healthy for him at the time. fortunately he came through it ok. I remember when he started, he couldn't even fit into ref pants. he's come a long way. :)

[Vulcan7905 88]

I'm sorry to hear about your brother Slickwilly. I'm happy to hear that your playing in his honor. That is amazing. The past games that I have played, of course I have shortness of breathe because of my weight and how hard I push my self but that's normal. Nothing besides that as for side effects. I'm 27 so I'm just hoping that I can get my weight down playing hockey and exercising so that I won't worry as much. I have such bad anxiety when it comes to Heart Attacks on and off the ice really.

I'm also sorry for bringing back an old thread and trying to make it about me. Recently I have been going through the General Discussion area and reading threads and just trying to get informed for when I start my Beginner league May 1st