DETROIT, Michigan -- At a press conference from Joe Louis Arena on Tuesday, Detroit Red Wings general manager Ken Holland was able to make a positive announcement:
"Jiri Fischer is doing very, very well."
After twelve hours of speculation and uncertainty, Holland and team doctor Tony Colucci spoke to the media to provide what information they could.
"Obviously it's been a tough 12 hours for our organization," Holland explained.
Holland thanked the Nashville Predators for "their understanding," in agreeing to cancel Monday night's game after Fischer's collapse. Holland had met with Detroit coach Mike Babcock and captain Steve Yzerman before asking the team if they wanted to continue playing.
The players were in no shape to continue but after visiting Fischer in "little groups," they're feeling better today.
"I think that's going to get guys ready for tomorrow night," Holland said. "I think we've gotta play the games and see how it goes."
To fill Fischer's roster spot, Holland speculated, "possibly we will do something, maybe call somebody up from Grand Rapids."
Colucci spoke about the medical side of Fischer's situation.
"Everything appears to be well right now, all his tests are coming back within normal limits."
He explained that when he arrived on the scene - summoned quickly by trainer Piet Van Zant - Fischer was having a convulsion. Colucci worked to maintain an airway when he discovered that he couldn't feel a pulse. He began chest compressions while Van Zant set up an automated external defibrillator and shocked Fischer. Colucci continued chest compressions.
Fischer was moved when he had a good pulse and was breathing on his own. He was stable upon arrival at Detroit Receiving Hospital and had an unventful evening.
"There's no way to speculate what triggered it," Colucci announced. "He's going through further testing over the next few days."
He described it as a "rare situation" and would not speculate on when - or whether - Fischer's career will continue.
Fischer does not remember the incident, only his first shift of the game. The next things he remembers are being in the ambulance and being brought into the hospital.
Holy sh*t, this is the scariest thing I've seen in years. Looks like either Lebda or Fischer is down at the bench. I swear they we doing compressions. This is not good.
They finally confirmed that it was Fischer, possibly down after taking a puck to the neck. CPR was performed but John Keating is reporting that Fischer was breathing on his own as of the last report from a witness. Fischer was not taken out of the building.
Reminds me of Pronger in the 1998 playoffs.
My wife and I were amazed and scared s***less when we saw that. There was no doubt they were doing CPR. And yes, it does bring back frightning memories of Pronger.
They're reporting now that he's breathing on his own but unconscious and has been taken to the hospital. Looks like he took a stick to the neck on the bench.
Waiting for another ambulance, they need one on hand in case of another incident, then it looks like the game will resume.
Wings are reporting that he suffered a seizure. Now in stable condition. The teams and the league are determining how the rest of the night will proceed.
It's good to hear that he is in stable condition.
The game has been cancelled.
And the right decision in my opinion.
Just an update - WXYT will be broadcasting and webcasting the Red Wings press conference at 1:00 PM today.
I was at the game that night and boy let me tell you, it was eerie. No one had any idea what was going on. There were no announcements until they let us know Jiri was at the hospital, conscious and breathing on his own. Two of my friens kept calling me on my cell phone with updates on what was being said on TV. I'm glad Jiri is ok now. Let's hope the cause is something that can be corrected and not a career ending consition.
As bad as this is, it could turn out to be a very postive motivator to winning the cup. We all remember what happened in the summer of 97 that lead to back to back in 98. I just hope he is able to make a quick return.
Two news updates in relation to this...
The Wings doctor is now saying that he recommends Fischer not return to the ice because they can't find out what caused convulsions.
The game has been rescheduled for April 16th. I can't believe they couldn't find a better day, as this now gives the Wings four games in four days to close out the season.
Ken Daniels announced that the game will not be replayed on April 16th, but NHL.com still says it will be.
that was freeky
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