Hockey Hall of Famer Lanny McDonald in hospital after cardiac episode
In a statement on his Instagram account on Monday, NHL legend Lanny McDonald said he is currently in the hospital after suffering a cardiac event at the Calgary International Airport on Sunday.
McDonald was heading home from Toronto for the 2024 NHL All-Star Game Weekend.
A message from Lanny through his Instagram ❤️
Our gratitude and love goes out to all of the medical professionals who helped Lanny and continue to provide care for our friend! pic.twitter.com/iHfykUM46W
“It’s true that even old tough guys need some help sometimes; today, I want to extend my overwhelming gratitude to many members of our community,” McDonald said. “After spending a weekend wowed by hockey’s best at the All-Star game in Toronto, I had a cardiac event after arriving back at the Calgary Airport yesterday.”
McDonald went on to thank members of the Calgary airport police, local paramedics, firefighters and WestJet for helping him out during the situation.
“I wish I could thank you all personally, as I know there were so many involved,” McDonald continued. “They provided the highest degree of support, kindness and professionalism, and I am humbled to have been the recipient of their speed and expertise. Now here at the hospital, the amazing care continues, every nurse and doctor better than the next.
“While I hang out here as the professionals figure out next steps for the ol’ ticker, I’ll try to convince the team here to bet on the Chiefs next Sunday, and never stop cheering for our Flames.”
McDonald, 70, was inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame in 1992 after scoring 500 goals and 1,006 points in 1,111 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Rockies and Calgary Flames. McDonald won the Stanley Cup with the Flames in 1989, as well as the Bill Masteron Memorial Trophy in 1983 and King Clancy Trophy in 1988.
Known for his trademark mustache, McDonald was named to the Order of Hockey in Canada in 2022 and has served as a Stanley Cup trustee since the summer of 2023. He was also the first player in Flames franchise history to have their number retired after they raised his No. 9 to the rafters in 1990.