TRAGIC: Hockey Goalie Passes Away During Pre-Game Warm-Up

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Tyler Ball
November 27, 2023 (4:43 PM)

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Another passing in the hockey world has left fans reeling. The preventable nature of the accident has some questioning hockey's safety protocols once again.

Hockey Player Tragically Passes During Warm Ups

Over the weekend tragedy struck in a Russian amateur hockey league when a goaltender passed out during warm-ups. The 62-year-old named Nikolai Kuznetsov would eventually go on to pass away due to this unfortunate medical event.

What is the cause of death? We don't yet have all the information ourselves. I personally wasn't here at the game. It happened late. Goalkeeper Nikolai Kuznetsov was 62 years old. We are in touch with the hockey player's relatives. We will help them in everything. Director of SHL (Russian amateur league) Sergei Stolyarov

According to reports Kuznetsov was attended to by the people on the ice but medical professionals did not show up in a timely manner. It turns out this is due to a league policy that backfired.

Amateur Hockey League Under Fire For Lack Of Medical Personnel

A statement from the Director of the SHL (Russian Amateur League) indicated that the league and its teams decided against having an ambulance and medical personnel on sight. This was a cost cutting measure put in place by the league.

"We talked with the teams before the season. They refused to take ambulances because it would make the championship more expensive. We will gather the division council. We are definitely in favor of ambulances being present at matches."

This is the second time a player has passed away in a Russian league this year without medical assistance due to similar rules. Hopefully, these leagues will reconsider their policies and begin to protect their players.

As Read On - Blade Of Steel - Goaltender Tragically Passes Away While Warming Up for Game