Courtesy LHJAAAQ
MONTREAL — Known to everyone simply as Bob, Montreal Rangers’ equipment manager, Bob has been with the team for several years. In late September, he had a near-death experience. Without the timely intervention of the arena staff and his equipment colleagues, Bob likely wouldn’t have survived.
On Friday, September 27, the Rangers faced the Laval Junior AAA Hockey Club at Colisée de Laval. After the team returned to Montreal, Bob, the equipment manager, was finishing up his work late at night alongside François Lebrun, who also handles equipment.
It was late, and the two equipment managers were preparing the Rangers’ locker room for the next day, cleaning the players’ gear. At about 11:45 p.m., Lebrun was cleaning the dressing room and the locker room when he saw Bob lying on the floor, unresponsive. Without wasting any time, Lebrun called 911 and rushed upstairs to get help so the arena staff could intervene quickly.
Patrick Champigny and Samuel Julien, two employees from the Montreal arena, arrived running with a defibrillator in hand. Without hesitation, they used it to revive Bob, and soon after, emergency services arrived to transport him to the hospital.
“Patrick and Samuel literally saved Bob’s life, there’s no other way to put it,” said Rangers owner Patrick MacDonald, visibly emotional. “These two employees acted swiftly following François Lebrun’s call, which greatly contributed to this rescue operation.”
As of the latest updates, Bob is doing well and resting. In a show of class from the Rangers and their owner, Patrick and Samuel were honored last Saturday night (Oct. 12) before the game. Bob couldn’t be on hand, but he was certainly touched to learn that his “saviors” had been recognized.
For the occasion, the Rangers had jerseys made with the inscription “27-9” (for September 27) which they distributed for this special evening.
“The important thing is that Bob is doing well. Right now, he needs to rest, and the guys will give their all on the ice for him,” MacDonald continued.
On Saturday, the Rangers won 5-0 over Laval. There is no doubt that coach Michael Stinziani’s team stepped up their game… for Bob.