Miracle on ice: Doctor saves fellow hockey player's life during game

PINEVILLE, N.C. (FOX 46 CHARLOTTE) - Typically, in the world of sports, the word “hero” is nothing more than hyperbole, but that’s not the case here, where a true hero got results in a critical time.

Jib Street has been playing hockey his entire life-- it’s almost expected in his home country of Canada. But, his life nearly ended during a hockey game at the Pineville Ice House in January.

Street went into sudden cardiac arrest, and didn’t have a pulse for more than five minutes. The harrowing incident was all caught on the rink’s camera.

“When I did see the video a couple of days ago, it is difficult to watch yourself go down and lie motionless on the ice. The gratitude comes from how fast this guy responded-- that’s the miracle. I’m skating with an emergency room doctor,” Street told FOX 46.

Dr. Craig Bryant sprung into action and immediately started CPR to keep Street’s heart viable, and thankfully, the Pineville Ice Center had an AED unit on hand.

“It took a village. There were so many guys that were involved. Whether it was this gu, that guy, the guys did what they could do. Everyone has expressed their concern and excitement that you’re doing well,” Bryant said.

Street made a full recovery, and was incredibly grateful to Bryant for his quick action., and FOX 46 wanted to be there for the moment when Street expressed that gratitude to the man who helped keep him alive.

“It is the absolute definition of getting results like we do at FOX 46, so when you get back on the ice, we have to be here for you guys,” FOX 46 Sports Director Will Kunkel told Street.

Wayne Gretzky may be considered “The Great One” in the world of hockey, but not for Street. For him, Dr. Bryant is not only the greatest, but his guardian angel.

“I want to share my prized possession with you,” Street told Bryant in an emotional reunion, “to say thank you for saving my life.”

“Oh my gosh, look at this. That is amazing. Signed by Wayne Gretzky. I love you, man. Thank you so much,” Bryant said.

The two hugged, sharing an irrevocable bond, on the ice, and in life. 

They were recognized at a Carolina Hurricanes game on Tuesday, Feb. 19, able to share thier extraordinary experience with a whole rink of fans.