Hockey players save teammate’s life

BY HAYDEN SADLER News Editor

Sept. 24 was a regular day for Jenna Fireovid, an undeclared first-year from South Carolina. Fireovid has played hockey since 2019 and joined the Hockey Club at SUNY Plattsburgh to play at a non-competitive level while at school. During a scrimmage, Fireovid found herself shorter of breath than normal.

“I figured it was just my asthma acting up,” Fireovid said in a text message. She had gone to rest on the bench, and despite her not remembering much of what occurred, she mentioned that fellow players saw her throw her stick and collapse.

Zach Coventry is a first-year criminal justice major and Fireovid’s friend. They are in a class together and both play hockey. He has played hockey for about 14 years, since he was 4 years old. Coventry was one of the first to rush over when she collapsed and placed his glove under her head to help.

Luke Zarko, a last-semester senior majoring in computer security, also came to the aid of his teammate. At first, Zarko thought the practice had simply exhausted Fireovid and she was laying down at the end of practice, he said. However, he soon found himself rushing to help Fireovid. Coventry turned Fireovid onto her side, to ensure nothing got stuck in her throat and stopped her breathing, and Zarko quickly removed her helmet.

Coventry mentioned that when he checked for a pulse, there was none.