Sea Dogs coach released from hospital after collapsing during game

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Saint John Sea Dogs head coach Travis Crickard was released from the Cape Breton Regional Hospital early Sunday after he collapsed Saturday during a QMJHL game against the Cape Breton Eagles.

The news followed a frightening situation 54 seconds into the third period of the contest when officials and medical personnel were summoned to the Saint John bench for a medical emergency.

The Sea Dogs players immediately left the area to clear space as Crickard was treated by a team of medical professionals, including Dr. RJ MacKenzie of the Eagles, behind the bench for approximately 15 minutes.

Crickard was taken to the Cape Breton Regional Hospital shortly after that and team officials confirmed that he was conscious when he was transported and alert and talking after he arrived. His vital signs were good.

The team issued the following statement on Sunday.

“In the third period of last night’s game at Sydney Sea Dogs head coach Travis Crickard experienced a medical emergency and was transported to the Cape Breton Regional Hospital for further evaluation,” said the news release.

“Travis was released from hospital this morning and is on his way home to his family in Saint John. What happened last night was scary and the outpouring of support and concern for Travis has meant a lot to him and the team. He and the team would like to thank those at Center 200 who responded so quickly, and the emergency medical professionals led by doctor RJ MacKenzie who tended to him.”

The Eagles led the game 6-0 at the time of the incident and the contest was called and considered a final at that point.

Crickard, the 37-year-old native of St. John’s, NL, is nearing the end of his second season as head coach with the Sea Dogs after serving as an assistant coach during the 2021-22 QMJHL season, which culminated with the 2022 Memorial Cup title.

Crickard and former Sea Dogs coach Gordie Dwyer were members of the coaching staff for the Canadian Under 18 national team that won the world championship in 2021.

Earlier this year, Crickard was an assistant coach for Team Canada at the World Youth Olympics in South Korea.

The Sea Dogs were playing the second of two games in Sydney on the weekend and will play five of their final six games at home, beginning Thursday against Acadie-Bathurst at TD Station.