The Independent

The president of the Mt. Brydges Bulldogs is praising the people who came to help one of his injured players during Sunday’s playoff game in Petrolia.

Mt. Brydges President Andy Friyia was at the Greenwood Recreation Centre Sunday during game five between the Flyers and Bulldogs in the PJHL Yeck Division semi final. It was a day he says he will never forget. Two players battling for the puck behind the net fell to the ice. While getting up, the Flyer accidentally stepped on the Bulldogs’ player causing a serious injury to his arm.

“Without a doubt, it was the scariest moment I’ve ever witnessed live in a hockey game,” Friyia said in a social media post. “The looks on the fans faces made it clear the situation was critical.”

Friyia said the Bulldogs’ trainer rushed out to begin treatment and was joined by the Flyers’ trainer, Bob Bressette, “who sprinted across the ice to help.”

Friyia recounts two paramedics leapt over the stair rails to help and some nurses joined the effort on the ice.

The ambulance crew “arrived almost instantly” he added. He also praised members of the Flyers organization who showed a great deal of concern for the player.

Friyia offered his heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped on the ice, calling them heroes adding “my thoughts are with the family and (I) hope for a speedy recovery.”

The player, who has not been publicly identified, is being treated in London.