Has anyone ever died playing hockey (in the NHL)?

Question

Don Cherry commented that nobody has ever died in a hockey fight, but that people have died blocking shots. Did he mean in the NHL or including kid's teams, school teams, etc..

Has ANYONE ever died while playing hockey in the NHL? I hope not...

Answer 1

Yes:

Bill Masterton - hockey player for Minnesota North Stars
1968 --- head injury. He fell over backwards and hit his head on the ice after being checked during a game against the Oakland Seals. His is the only death in pro-hockey during the modern era.

Numerous other deaths have occurred in minor leagues, house leagues, etc. In fact, last year, a player in one of the lower divisions in my house league died on the ice.

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Has anyone ever died playing hockey (in the NHL)?
Don Cherry commented that nobody has ever died in a hockey fight, but that people have died blocking shots. Did he mean in the NHL or including kid's teams, school teams, etc..

Has ANYONE ever died while playing hockey in the NHL? I hope not...

Answer 3

In January 1968, Minnesota North Star Bill Masterton died from serious injuries sustained after taking a heavy check from a couple of players in a game against the Oakland Seals. This so far has been the only fatal incident in the NHL. All these years later, the sad irony of this is that the league now seems to have the worst of all worlds; what with all the players now covered up and looking like faceless robots with the headgear and there are now far more head and neck related injuries caused by carelessness and a sense of invincibility.

Answer 4

Deaths In Hockey

Answer 5

I also don't think anyone has dies playing in the NHL, at least a player. I remember the little girl getting killed after being hit by a puck at a Columbus Blue Jackets game (resulting in the nets being put up behind the nets.)

I think the closest things were:
- Clint Malarchuk's slit throat
- Jiri Fischer on the Red Wings bench last year

Answer 6

as far as i know, masterton is the only one. the masterton trophy is for dedication to the game, not gentlemanly play. that'd be the lady byng.

howie morenz didn't die during a game. his leg was shattered, and while in hospital, he got gangrene and died.

other than malarchuk and fischer, the most famous near-death in a game was probably ace bailey of the leafs. in the early 30s, the leafs were playing the bruins when bailey got checked by eddie shore, was knocked unconscious and nearly died. the first all-star game was a benefit for ace bailey.

Answer 7

YES....Bill Masterson is right ...good answer....also and i suppose this doesn't really count, but HOWIE MORENZ "the Babe Ruth of Hockey" had his leg smashed to bits in january 1937 versus the BlackHawks...two months later he died in the hospital from a coronary embolism. (clots in his leg)

Answer 8

Here's one to add. Jiri Fischer for the Red Wings. Technically he was dead over at the bench area. It was due to a heart situation, not the game and he was revived. So, I think that should count as dying to play hockey!!

Answer 9

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Answer 10

to answer your question,bill masterson of the minnesota north stars died instantly as he fell backwards hitting his head after losing his balance on the ice in the middle of a game,i it was in 1968 in a game against the california golden seals ,there is a trophy named after him and is presented each year at the nhl awards ceremonyfor the player who exudes the most dedication to the league on and off the ice.

i hope this answers your question.

hersch