Jiří Fischer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jiří Fischer |
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| Born | 31 July 1980 Hořovice, Czechoslovakia |
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| Height | 6 ft 5 in (196 cm) | ||
| Weight | 225 lb (102 kg; 16 st 1 lb) | ||
| Position | Defence | ||
| Shot | Left | ||
| Played for | Detroit Red Wings HC Bílí Tygři Liberec |
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| National team |  Czech Republic |
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| NHL Draft | 25th overall, 1998 Detroit Red Wings |
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| Playing career | 1999–2005 | ||
Jiří Fischer (born July 31, 1980) is a former professional ice hockey player from the Czech Republic. He played as a defenceman for the Detroit Red Wings in the National Hockey League (NHL). Jiří was chosen by the Red Wings in the 1998 NHL Draft. He was a key part of the team that won the famous Stanley Cup in 2002.
Sadly, Jiří's playing career ended early because of a serious heart problem. He had a medical emergency during a game in 2005. Thanks to quick help from doctors, he recovered. After this, he had to retire from playing hockey. Today, he still works for the Detroit Red Wings as their Director of Player Evaluation. This means he helps decide which players are good for the team. He also helped coach the Czech Republic's junior hockey team in 2012.
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A Scary Moment on the Ice
On November 21, 2005, during a game against the Nashville Predators, something very serious happened. Jiří Fischer suddenly collapsed on the team bench. He had a cardiac arrest, which means his heart stopped beating properly.
For six minutes, Jiří was unconscious. Doctors and medical staff at the arena quickly used CPR and a special machine called an automated external defibrillator (AED) to help him. Their fast actions saved his life. He was then taken to the hospital.
This incident was so serious that the game was stopped and played again later. It was the first time in NHL history that a game was postponed because a player got hurt.
What Happened Next?
Jiří was released from the hospital a few days later. Doctors weren't sure exactly why his heart stopped. They thought it might have been a very fast or disorganized heartbeat. They told him to rest and avoid all physical activity for several weeks.
Even after leaving the hospital, Jiří had more heart problems. He had another brief heart issue at home. Because of these health concerns, it became clear that he could not safely play hockey again. He officially retired from playing at the end of the 2006-07 season.
The Red Wings' general manager, Ken Holland, wanted to keep Jiří with the team. He offered Jiří a job helping to develop young players. Jiří liked working with younger players, so he accepted the new role.
Returning to the Ice for Fun
Even though he couldn't play professionally, Jiří Fischer did get back on the ice for a special event. On December 31, 2013, he played in an "Alumni Showdown" game. This was part of the 2013 Hockeytown Winter Festival, leading up to the 2014 NHL Winter Classic. It was a fun game for former players, and Jiří even scored the first goal!
About Jiří's Family
Jiří Fischer has a son named Lukas. Lukas also plays ice hockey, following in his dad's footsteps!
