Lanny McDonald shares how strangers saved his life

PUBLICATION

Graham Montgomery
May 16, 2024 (12:06)

SHARE THIS STORY

NHL Hall of Fame forward Lanny McDonald shared a story with NHL insider Frank Serravalli about how a couple of complete strangers saved his life.

McDonald shared the story on Serravalli's talk show, Frankly Speaking. He describes how he found himself in distress at Calgary international airport when two off duty nurses came to help him. Eventually, a police officer named Jose joined them as they gave him the medical attention he needed. Funnily enough, none of them new who the Hall of Famer was!

Three complete strangers saved the life of hockey icon Lanny McDonald - and had zero clue who they were saving.

Eternally grateful, one of the #Flames greats wants to pay it forward.

Listen at link below or wherever you get pods.

McDonald shared an update on his Instagram page after he was released from the hospital in February, thanking the medical staff as well as those first responders that ultimately saved his life.

Ending my two-week visit with new and improved pipes, some fancy hardware and a figuratively full heart.

The bones of this building may be old, but the spirit and passion of every teammate here keeps it bustling and alive. I am humbled by the humanity pouring out of every talented surgeon, wonderful nurse, skilled doctor, motivational physio, eager nursing student and everyone in between.

McDonald had a long and storied career, putting up 500 goals and 1006 points in 1111 career games played. He is a legend in both the Calgary Flames and Toronto Maple Leafs fan bases as he played nearly 500 games for both clubs. The remainder of his career was spent with the Colorado Rockies, who have since become the New Jersey Devils. He is a two-time all-star, a King Clancy and Bill Masterson winner as well as a Stanley Cup champion.