Former Maple Leaf, Calgary Flame and current Hockey Hall of Fame chairman Lanny McDonald is recovering in hospital from “a cardiac event” after returning to his Calgary home from the NHL all-star game in Toronto.

McDonald, who turns 71 this month, posted a message of thanks on the Flames’ Alumni site to two nurses who were passing him at Calgary’s airport on Sunday and recognized he was in distress.

 

“In the rush of the moment (his wife) Ardell wasn’t able to get their names,” McDonald said. “But we are extremely grateful for their care and action. I owe them my life.”

McDonald also credited Calgary paramedics, its fire department and WestJet Airlines for assistance.

 

“While I hang out here as the professionals figure out the next steps for the ol’ ticker, I’ll try to convince the (medical) team here to bet on the Chiefs next Sunday and never stop cheering for our Flames,” McDonald added.

The mustachioed McDonald was one of the most popular Leafs in the 1970s before winning a Stanley Cup in Calgary.

During all-star weekend, he was circulating with fellow Hall of Famers and had his picture taken with giant former Bruin Zdeno Chara, jokingly asking for a box to stand on.

By admin

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *