2024-01-19 03:18:00
GRAND FORKS — According to a report by TMZ Sports, former UND star Tony Hrkac saved the life of an NHL employee who was choking on a pretzel in an NHL press box earlier this month.
The report says the incident happened on Jan. 4, during a Los Angeles Kings-Detroit Red Wings game.
Hrkac is a scout for the Tampa Bay Lightning.
“It was an incredibly dire situation,” TMZ Sports wrote. “We’re told Hrkac sprung into action, administering the Heimlich maneuver on the choking person, who then ejected a piece of pretzel. The employee then began to breathe normally.”
Hrkac won the Hobey Baker Award as college hockey’s top player in 1986-87, setting an NCAA record by tallying 116 points. That record still stands today. He also helped UND to the NCAA national championship that season.
Hrkac went on to play 758 NHL regular-season games for the St. Louis Blues, Quebec Nordiques, Chicago Blackhawks, Dallas Stars, Edmonton Oilers, New York Islanders, Anaheim Ducks and Atlanta Thrashers. He won a Stanley Cup with Dallas in 1999.
Earlier this season, Hrkac was recognized before a UND-Minnesota game, skating ‘One More Shift’ before pregame introductions.
“It brought back a lot of memories, especially with the fans here,” Hrkac said following skating his shift. “They were so loud and so enthusiastic. The smile hasn’t left my face yet.”
By
Brad Elliott Schlossman
Schlossman has covered college hockey for the Grand Forks Herald since 2005. He has been recognized by the Associated Press Sports Editors as the top beat writer for the Herald’s circulation division four times and the North Dakota sportswriter of the year once. He resides in Grand Forks. Reach him at [email protected].
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