Former Calgary Flames captain Lanny McDonald and a few of his former teammates made a heartwarming surprise visit to the man who saved his life, bringing along the iconic Stanley Cup.
McDonald, who led the Flames to their first and only Stanley Cup victory in 1989, was reunited with Dr. Ian MacDonald, the neurosurgeon who performed a life-saving surgery on him in 1986.
The surprise visit took place at the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary, where Dr. MacDonald still works as a neurosurgeon. McDonald and his former teammates, including Colin Patterson, Jamie Macoun, and Joel Otto, arrived with the Stanley Cup in tow, much to the delight of Dr. MacDonald and the hospital staff.
The reunion was a touching moment for McDonald and Dr. MacDonald, who had not seen each other in over 30 years. McDonald expressed his gratitude to the doctor, saying, “I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for you.”
Dr. MacDonald, who was instrumental in saving McDonald’s life after he suffered a serious head injury during a game, was equally emotional. “It’s just wonderful to see him again,” he said.
The surprise visit was organized by the Flames Alumni Association, who wanted to honor Dr. MacDonald for his life-saving efforts and to thank him for his contributions to the community.
The Stanley Cup, which is awarded to the winning team of the National Hockey League (NHL) each year, holds a special significance for McDonald and the Flames. It was the first and only time the Flames have won the coveted trophy, and it remains a cherished memory for the team and their fans.
The surprise visit was a reminder of the strong bond between the Flames and the Calgary community, and the impact that sports can have on people’s lives. It was a heartwarming moment that brought together two individuals whose lives were forever changed by a game of hockey.
As the Flames Alumni Association continues to honor and celebrate the team’s history, this surprise visit serves as a reminder of the power of sports to bring people together and create lasting connections.
