11/06/2025
On Sunday night, two officials stepped up to the plate in a big way while working an adult ice hockey game. They didn’t call a penalty that had a huge impact on the game, nor did they award a close overtime goal. They literally saved a life. During the game, official was positioned as the back referee in a two-man system, standing in front of the players’ bench. With approximately four minutes remaining in the game, he heard a noise behind him that sounded like a player had fallen. He turned around and observed a player face down, pinned between the boards and the bench.
He immediately blew his whistle to stop play, jumped the boards, and began to assess the player’s condition. The player exhibited agonal respirations and was pulseless upon assessment. Nathan called for assistance from nearby players to help roll him onto his back. At that time, his partner skated quickly off the ice to retrieve the AED.
They began removing the player’s equipment to prepare for resuscitation. Once the AED arrived at the bench, Nathan applied the pads to the player’s chest. The first AED analysis advised a shock, which was delivered, and they immediately initiated CPR. They continued removing the remaining equipment, including socks and skates, to allow for full access during resuscitation efforts.
CPR was continued, and Nathan was eventually relieved by another player who was trained in CPR. When Anaheim Ambulance personnel arrived, they assisted in the transition of care by helping connect the player to their cardiac monitor while they established an airway. They continued resuscitation efforts until Anaheim Fire medics arrived on scene and assumed full patient care. The player was then loaded into the ambulance for transport to the local emergency department. The quick thinking and medical training by a First Responder (Nathan Vincent) and Military Veteran (Ken Roach), both LAHOA officials, saved this life. The player’s doctor stated that the condition has an 88% mortality rate and if it wasn’t for the actions of these to courageous officials the player would not be with us today. Great job
