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 31 July 1980) is a former professional ice hockey player from the Czech Republic. He played as a defenceman in the National Hockey League (NHL). Jiří spent his entire NHL career with the Detroit Red Wings. Today, he works for the Red Wings as their Director of Player Evaluation.
The Red Wings picked Jiří in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft. He was the 25th player chosen overall. He was part of the team that won the famous Stanley Cup in 2002.
Jiří's playing career ended early because of a serious health scare. In November 2005, he had a heart problem during a game. Doctors and arena staff quickly helped him, saving his life. He later retired from playing hockey due to these heart issues.
He also helped coach the Czech Republic's junior hockey team. This was during the 2012 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships.
A Scary Moment: Heart Problem During a Game
On 21 November 2005, something very serious happened. Jiří was playing against the Nashville Predators. He suddenly collapsed on the team bench. He had a problem with his heart.
Jiří was unconscious for six minutes. Doctors quickly used CPR and a special machine called an automated external defibrillator. These actions helped him recover. He was then taken to the hospital.
Because of this emergency, the game was stopped. It was played again on 23 January 2006. This was the first time in NHL history a game was stopped because of a player's injury. In the new game, the Predators kept their 1-0 lead. They eventually won the game 3-2.
Jiří left the hospital on 23 November 2005. Doctors were not sure exactly why his heart had problems. They thought it might have been a very fast or disorganized heartbeat. Jiří was told to rest and avoid all physical activity.
His heart problems continued even after this incident. A few days later, he had another brief heart issue at home. He was taken to the hospital again but was released quickly.
For over a year, it was unclear if Jiří could play hockey again. By the time his contract ended, it was clear he could not return. He had to retire from playing. The team's general manager, Ken Holland, wanted to keep Jiří with the team. He offered him a job helping young players. Jiří liked working with young athletes, so he accepted the new role.
Returning to the Ice for Fun
Even though he couldn't play professionally, Jiří did return to the ice later. He played for the Detroit Red Wings in a special game. This was one of the Alumni Showdown games. It was part of the 2013 Hockeytown Winter Festival. The game took place on 31 December 2013. Jiří even scored the first goal of that game!
About His Family
Jiří Fischer has a son named Lukas. Lukas is also an ice hockey player, following in his father's footsteps.
