‘Medical emergency’ benches Berehowsky
Coach Drake Berehowsky was not on the bench during the Orlando Solar Bears’ 4-0 ECHL victory against the Atlanta Gladiators on Wednesday night at Amway Center after sustaining “a medical emergency’’ Tuesday night.
A statement released by the team said Berehowsky, 45, is receiving treatment at Florida Hospital.
“I have spoken with Drake, and he is in good spirits and eager to get back behind the bench as soon as he receives medical clearance to do so,’’ Solar Bears chairman and CEO Joe Haleski said in the statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Drake and his family."
The Solar Bears’ management said it would have no further comment.
Assistant coach John Snowden coached the Solar Bears (27-18-6-3, 63 points) to victory in Berehowsky’s absence. Snowden said he spoke with Berehowsky on Wednesday and was reassured he was fine.
“I took it as another game day,” Snowden said. “It’s all we could do. We didn’t have to really change anything. Drake and me think the game alike, and I just followed suit of what he would want.”
Forward Chad LaRose, who had an assist against the Gladiators (20-25-6-1, 47 points), said Berehowsky’s health scare provided perspective.
“We’re all behind him, no matter what,” LaRose said. “Hockey is just a game. Life’s a little more important than that.
“He’s in our prayers, we’re here for him and we’ll be behind him.”
It is not certain when Berehowsky will return.
“He’s one of us,” LaRose said. “It’s like losing a family member for a day. It hurt in the morning when they told us. We want nothing but everyone to be healthy and happy. Hockey is far away from your mind when something like this happens.”
Joe Perry, Darik Angeli, Alex Gacek and Eric Faille scored in the Solar Bears’ victory. The game drew an announced crowd of 4,023.