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Bulldogs coach 'in good spirits' after collapsing behind the bench at BMC

Hamilton Bulldogs coach to undergo tests today at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie
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Dave Matsos is the head coach of the Hamilton Bulldogs. Village Media/File Photo

There was a scary moment in the waning seconds of Saturday night’s Ontario Hockey League game between Barrie and Hamilton when Bulldogs coach Dave Matsos collapsed behind the players' bench.

With just under 20 seconds left in the game at the Barrie Molson Centre, there was a frenzy of activity as players tossed equipment onto the ice to get the referees’ attention.

Within moments, Bulldogs players scurried to bring a stretcher over to the visitor’s bench.

The league said Saturday night that Matsos, a 44-year-old Burlington native, was immediately attended to by on-site paramedics “and was alert and responsive when taken to hospital for precautionary measures.”

The Bulldogs organization said Sunday afternoon that Matsos “is resting comfortably at Royal Victoria Hospital where he will be undergoing tests today. He is doing well and in good spirits.”

Bulldogs president and general manager Steve Staios also issued a statement Sunday. He thanked local paramedics, the OHL, the Barrie Colts and their medical staff, as well as the doctors and nurses at RVH.

“We also want to acknowledge the outstanding support of our head athletic trainer, JP Laciak, who was with Dave on the bench when he became ill,” said Staios, who also thanked everyone who reached out to Matsos and his family with well wishes.

The Colts organization also issued a message on Sunday morning.

“Waking up this morning after what happened last night really puts things into perspective,” the Barrie team tweeted. “Hockey is just a game, but life is a gift. Huge stick clap to everyone involved in last night’s efforts to help Bulldogs head coach Dave Matsos.”

Matsos is in his first year as head coach of the Bulldogs, after being an associate coach last season when Hamilton won the OHL championship. 

Saturday's game was called following the incident with 19.2 seconds left on the clock in a 4-2 Hamilton win.