A recreational hockey game in Jacksonville, Florida, turned tragic when a 64-year-old goaltender collapsed and died after a puck struck him in the chest. The incident happened Tuesday night at the Community First Igloo, where the Kraken Bears played against the Fireballs in an adult league matchup.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office reported that the goaltender, whose identity remains undisclosed, took a hit during play but managed to leave the ice on his own. Witnesses said he complained of feeling unwell before heading to the stands, where he collapsed.
Bystanders immediately performed CPR until paramedics arrived, but they could not revive him. He was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital at 11:20 p.m.
Hockey Community In Shock
The sudden loss shook players and attendees. Family members at the scene told authorities the man had no known preexisting medical conditions, making his death even more unexpected.
Community First Igloo, home to Northeast Florida’s only NHL-sized rink, has not publicly addressed the tragedy on its social media channels and continues to promote scheduled events. However, the loss has deeply impacted the local hockey community, which includes the Jacksonville Icemen, the East Coast Hockey League affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres.
Police found no signs of foul play and have not yet confirmed the official cause of death. Authorities are still determining whether the puck’s impact directly caused his collapse or if an underlying issue contributed to the fatal outcome.
As the community mourns, this tragedy highlights the game’s risks, even at the amateur level. Fellow players and fans will remember the fallen goaltender for his passion for the sport, ultimately defining his final moments on the ice.
