“Every amateur league should have a medical commission. Ambulances must be on duty during matches” – Shchitov on the death of an amateur hockey player

Former player of several KHL clubs Nikita Shchitov told that every amateur hockey league should have a medical commission and ambulances should be on duty during matches.

On Saturday, 61-year-old hockey player Mikhail Yanchishin died during an amateur match in Moscow.

— I play hockey myself with my guys of the same age, we are 40 years old. At the amateur level, it’s normal when 50-year-olds play against 40-year-olds, 60-year-olds also go to the ice rink. I keep myself in shape, just like my amateur teammates. And there are guys who think that two ice workouts per week are a good alternative to fitness.

But even at this level there are very decent speeds, you can suffocate. The pulse increases, the heart could easily fail. Even former professionals who have finished their careers find it very difficult for amateurs. During the game there is a rush of adrenaline, you don’t want to give in to anyone. In such situations, cardiac arrest and a loose blood clot are not uncommon. Unfortunately, in our arenas at the amateur level, it is extremely rare that there are doctors on call.

I believe that each amateur league must have a medical commission which will control the players. This must be taken very seriously! Moreover, as we see, people of different ages play. There should be a medical examination two or three times per season. The ambulance should also be on duty. Fans pay money for participation, for the ice cream.

But it must be said that some players at this level do not prepare properly for matches, some drink alcohol and then go to matches, others drink after matches. All this is a very serious blow to the body. This should not be taken lightly. Playing sports involves self-discipline,” Shchitov told .