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NEWSDate: Apr 02, 2010 Quick Response Saves Surge's Weidlich After Skate Cuts His Neck
By Kathy Gierer, Columbus Ledger-Enquirer Mississippi Surge defenseman Steve Weidlich will make an emotional return to the Columbus Civic Center on Saturday night for Game 2 of the SPHL playoff series against the Columbus Cottonmouths. Nine days earlier, Weidlich, bleeding profusely from a neck injury, left the building in an ambulance. Only a few minutes remained in the March 25 regular-season finale between the two playoff opponents. Until this point, it was a meaningless game, with both teams looking ahead to their first-round matchup.
"I went to dive and knock the puck away from (Snakes forward Dan) Leslie," Weidlich said. "Our goalie (Dan Earles) went to poke check it away and there was a massive collision with all three of us. I looked up and there was a large amount of blood coming out of my neck. I knew I had to get off the ice. Our trainer, Eric (Hufnagel) was quick to respond." Hufnagel's rapid response and cool head launched an intricate team effort to treat the 29-year-old Weidlich. Joining Hufnagel were Snakes trainer Hannah Peterson, Columbus Fire/EMS paramedics Lt. Larry Keaton, Rodney Boles and Todd Smith and Snakes team doctor, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Fred Flandry. Keaton was on hand that night for fire protection and Boles and Smith were the paramedics assigned to what is usually routine duty. A bonus for Weidlich, the SPHL's defenseman of the year, was that Keaton has 29 years of experience as a paramedic. From their position across the ice, Boles and Smith saw Weidlich go down and Hufnagel sprint on to the ice. They had immediate access to both an elevator and stairs. The stairs were the quicker option. Boles, with 11 years of experience, was the man in charge. His first task was to assess Weidlich's condition. |
