It was a scary incident for the Dallas Stars and forward Rich Peverley when he went into cardiac arrest during the first period of their game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on March 10. Now word comes that Peverley has undergone a successful procedure to help correct an abnormal heart rhythm.
“Rich Peverley underwent successful surgery to correct an abnormal heart rhythm at the Cleveland Clinic on Tuesday, March 18,” said Stars general manager Jim Nill in a statement. “He is currently in normal sinus rhythm. He was released from the Cleveland Clinic today and is expected to return to Dallas tomorrow. He will be monitored closely and may require further treatment.”
Peverley collapsed during the game against the Blue Jackets as he skated to the bench early in the first period. He was taken from the bench where nearby medical personnel administered CPR, and a defibrillator was used to treat a cardiac event. Peverley was talking before he was transported to a nearby hospital, where he remained for 48 hours undergoing tests.
The 31-year-old Peverley missed the final three weeks of training camp and the team’s exhibition schedule after undergoing treatment for an abnormal heart beat. This current procedure is one that doctors had talked to Peverley and the team about doing earlier in the season, but it was delayed and Peverley was cleared to play. In 62 games this season, Peverley has seven goals and 23 assists.
The statement also mentioned that no decision has been made yet regarding Peverley’s future in hockey.