Tragedy struck the Alberta 55 Plus Winter Games Saturday morning after a goaltender died of what organizers are calling a heart attack after collapsing on the ice during play.
According to director of promotions Tracy Annicchiarico, Marvin Klein, the 68-year-old goaltender for the zone 4 65-plus team, suddenly fell to the ice while the play was at the other end of the rink during this morning's game
“He was in goal and he just dropped,” Annicchiarico said.
According to Annicchiarico, Klein's roommate's wife, a registered nurse, rushed to the his aid, as did games' volunteers and Servus Credit Union Place employees. CPR was administered. Annicchiarico confirmed Servus Place does have an automated external defibrillator, which was used.
“I'm not sure whether it was our responders or the ER responders or the lifeguards at the facility, but it was used before he was transported.”
An ambulance arrived approximately 10 minutes after Klein collapsed. He was rushed to hospital but died a couple of hours later.
“His wife was picked up and brought to the hospital,” Annicchiarico said.
“It is a tragedy for the games. It's something you never anticipate and certainly hope that never happens,” she added. “We would like to extend our extreme deep-felt sympathies to this family.”
Annicchiarico said this is not the first time a competitor has died during the Alberta 55 Plus Winter Games. During the 2009 games in Lethbridge, a table tennis player passed away.
