The adored Toronto Maple Leafs captain, John Tavares, awoke to an ordinary morning prepared to take on the obstacles of the day on and off the rink. However, when he suddenly experienced a terrible chest ache in the early morning hours, what had started out as an ordinary day swiftly turned into a nightmare.
With a sickening sense, Tavares grasped his chest and gasped for air, knowing that something was seriously wrong. He was extremely active and appeared to be in excellent health, yet he was unable to get rid of the acute agony shooting down his left arm or the crushing weight pressing against his chest.
Tavares reached for his phone in a hurry and dialed 911, but his fingers trembled as he tried to explain his situation to the emergency operator. He was waiting for aid to arrive, and the minutes seemed to go on forever. He was terrified and apprehensive with every second that passed.
The early morning silence was broken by the hurried footsteps of paramedics who raced to Tavares’ rescue. They examined him with well-honed efficiency and soon discovered that he was having a heart attack, which came as a shock to the youthful and in shape athlete.
Tavares’s mind was racing with a flurry of feelings and ideas as he was hurried to the hospital. With so much still to do in the peak of his career, how could this be happening to him? Would he ever take the ice again and use the same strength and resolve to lead his team to victory?The hockey community was rocked by the news of Tavares’ medical emergency, which also sparked an outpouring of sympathy and well wishes from rivals, teammates, and fans alike.
Tavares would face numerous obstacles during the long and difficult road to rehabilitation. But with the steadfast love and support of his family and the perseverance that made him an athlete, he was resolved to battle with all of his might in order to get back on the ice and take his proper place as a champion and leader.