Watch for profiles of some of these first responders and of their actions in upcoming issues of “Between the Lines” and on ohahockey.ca
By – David McPherson
Cambridge, ON – Despite living only 100 kilometres west of Toronto and growing up in Waterloo, I was a New York Islanders fan. As a right-winger on my AA minor hockey team, Mike Bossy was my hero. I admired the way he scored with ease and also appreciated how the three-time Lady Byng Trophy winner played the game with sportsmanship. Unfortunately, a back injury ended Bossy’s career, the result of the punishment he received from opponents during his 10 seasons in the National Hockey League.
From the minor leagues to the big leagues, one certainty about hockey is that no matter the level, it’s a physical sport. Injuries are part of the game. Less than 24 hours after Halloween — that night of frights — the Toronto Maple Leafs experienced a scare of their own. In the middle of the third period, Chris Tanev collided shoulder-to-shoulder with Philadelphia’s Matveil Michkov and fell to the ice. Tanev lay motionless. Trainers and medical personnel from both teams hurried to the ice to attend to the fallen player. These first responders worked together to stabilise his neck before lifting him onto a stretcher.
Watching a player being taken off the ice on a stretcher is something no one wants to see. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a hero is “a person admired for achievements and noble qualities.” What this frightening incident on the ice Saturday night in Philadelphia made me realize is who the true hockey heroes are. It’s not my childhood idol Bossy. Nor is it Gretzky, Lemieux, Crosby, Ovechkin, or McDavid. The real heroes are the ones whose names are unknown, but whose actions are just as noble and inspiring: first responders.
In every arena, on any given night — whether at an OHA game from Tavistock to Timmins and all the communities in between — first responders are present, ready to react with poise when an on-ice or off-ice incident occurs. Unlike many of the hockey heroes mentioned earlier, who enjoy the spotlight, first responders are content to remain anonymous.
Off the ice, the first on the scene of an accident or emergency are usually firefighters, police, or paramedics. It’s no surprise that many of these same individuals volunteer as first responders in their community. While these leaders avoid the spotlight, their actions are heroic. And, just like the players and coaches who make up a team, these trainers, physicians, and other first responders work together to ensure the safety of those playing and watching the great game we all love.
Since 2013, May 1 has been celebrated as First Responders Day in Ontario. On this day, communities across the province honour these heroes for their bravery and the essential role they play in keeping us safe. The OHA appreciates our first responders not only on this official day but every day. These are the true hockey heroes.
About the Ontario Hockey Association
The Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) was founded on November 27, 1890, and is the governing body for the majority of Junior and Senior hockey in the Province of Ontario. It is comprised of three Junior hockey leagues and two Senior hockey leagues: Junior A – Ontario Junior Hockey League; Junior B – Greater Ontario Hockey League; Junior C – Provincial Junior Hockey League, Senior –Allan Cup Hockey (AAA) and Ontario Elite Hockey League (AA). For the 2025-2026 season, these five leagues encompass 123 teams. 3100 players, and about 6,000 games each hockey season. The majority of our players are 16 to 21 years of age.
The objectives of the OHA are to foster and encourage the sport of amateur hockey, to conduct competition in the various categories established, to determine teams for entry into the inter-branch competitions that may be provided by Hockey Canada, and to provide for the affiliation of other hockey organizations.
The OHA provides administrative resources, coordinates programs, services and events for hockey participants and provides support to various Development Programs for coaches, officials, trainers and players, Safety and Risk Management Issues and offers resources for Harassment and Abuse education.
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For more information or to set up an interview, please contact:
Chris McCleary
General Manager, Operations & Marketing
Ontario Hockey Association
