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Detroit's Fischer hopes to play again after collapsing

The Detroit Red Wings' Jiri Fischer, of the Czech Republic, wipes away tears during a news conference in Detroit on Monday. Fischer made his first comments since collapsing in convulsions on the bench during an NHL game against Nashville last month. Fischer said he's happy to be alive, but doesn't know if he will play hockey again. PHOTO: AP

Jiri Fischer, the Detroit Red Wings defenseman who collapsed during a National Hockey League game last month, fought back tears Monday as he said he hoped to be able to play again.

Fischer, 25, collapsed on the bench during a Nov. 21 game against Nashville, and was revived by team doctors performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation with a defibrillator.

"Not too many people get a second chance at life like I did. I hope to return to the ice one day," Fischer said at a news conference on Monday.

Fischer spent two days at the hospital for tests before he was released. The following week, Fischer experienced a brief, abnormal cardiac rhythm and was again admitted to the hospital for further testing and observation before being released.

Fischer continues to be treated with medication and has not been cleared to play.

During training camp in 2002, Fischer was sent home after an EKG revealed an irregular heartbeat. Fischer passed a series of subsequent tests, however, and played the first 15 games of the ensuing season before tearing a knee ligament in a contest against Nashville on Nov. 12, 2002.

Fischer played in 23 games this season and compiled three goals, five assists and 33 penalty minutes.
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