A frightening scene unfolded during a Western Hockey League game between the Tri-City Americans and the Seattle Thunderbirds on Tuesday when a player was rushed to hospital following an on-ice incident.
During the second period at the Toyota Center in Kennewick, Washington, Seattle’s Ashton Cumby and Tri-City’s Terrell Goldsmith engaged in a physical altercation at center ice. The exchange took a devastating turn when Goldsmith’s helmet came off, and Cumby delivered a powerful right hand that sent Goldsmith crumpling to the ice.
Officials immediately recognized the severity of the situation, with one doing a double-take before rushing to assist the fallen player. Two Tri-City teammates helped medical staff reach Goldsmith within seconds of his collapse.
According to spectators, a pool of blood formed on the ice, and Goldsmith reportedly showed signs of having a seizure. An ambulance was called to transport him to the hospital, and both teams were sent to their locker rooms. The WHL subsequently suspended the game, with plans to resume at a later date.
The Tri-City Americans released a statement the following afternoon: “Terrell Goldsmith remains in hospital this morning under observation. Upon arriving at the hospital last night, he was awake, responsive and in good spirits. The Tri-City Americans appreciate the words of concern and support for Goldsmith. We will continue to update his status.”
Goldsmith, a 19-year-old from British Columbia, was selected in the fourth round of the 2023 draft by the Utah Hockey Club (formerly known as the Arizona Coyotes).
