A National Hockey League contest between the Detroit Red Wings and the Nashville Predators was terminated in the first period Monday after Detroit defenseman Jiri Fischer collapsed on the bench with heart failure.
Detroit head coach Mike Babcock says Fischer's heart had stopped beating and he had no pulse. Team doctors rushed to resuscitate the 25-year-old Czech, using CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) and a heart defibrillator, before he was taken by ambulance to the hospital. Fischer is reported to be in stable condition, conscious and breathing on his own.
Both teams agreed to call off the rest of the game with the Predators leading 1-0.
Fischer was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat in 2002, but passed a battery of medical tests and was cleared to play. He had played in 23 games this season, with three goals and five assists.
The two other NHL games Monday ended in post overtime shootouts, with the Calgary Flames edging the Colorado Avalanche 3-2, and the Edmonton Oilers topping the San Jose Sharks 2-1.