'Get well soon': Cape Breton community rallies around Zamboni driver
People in one Cape Breton community are rallying to help their Zamboni driver as he recovers from a life-threatening health scare.
Resident Mickey McNeil and many in Dominion, N.S. are thinking about their friend and colleague John Jerrott.
“On Friday afternoon he took a really bad heart attack. They were able to do some CPR on him until the ambulance arrived. As far as I know he flat-lined a couple of times,” said McNeil.
Jerrott is known to many around Dominion as the Zamboni Driver, and is as much a part of the local arena as the hockey itself.
“Zambonis’ and the drivers are just as much as a part of the hockey world as anything. We can’t operate unless the players are here to play hockey and they can’t play hockey unless we clean the ice,” added McNeil.
Jerrott is currently in a Halifax hospital with multiple blockages, and is currently awaiting a triple by-pass.
“First of all John is family. He is family to Dominion Arena. We have a small little group here,” said arena manager John Wadden.
Wadden says the support for Jerrott and his family has been overwhelming.
“My heart is just full with joy right now,” he added.
Jerrott is not only known in the community, but has built a relationship with players and parents over the years.
“He treats everybody, whether you’re playing tots, novice or a beer leaguer with respect,” said Glace Bay Minor Hockey President James Edwards.
Glace Bay Minor Hockey players are fundraising for the family and the association plans to make a donation of their own.
“Just to show John and his family how much we appreciate and respect him,” said Edwards.
Jerrott is an avid Toronto Maple Leafs fan, but no matter who you cheer for, people are encouraged to drop off donations at the rink or online.
“John we miss you. We love you and we are here for you and the community is here for you. Get well soon,” said Wadden
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Five areas Canada's foreign interference commissioner says needs more investigation
Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue released her interim report examining foreign election interference on Friday. Here are five elements of the issue that Hogue says she needs to further probe before she can make conclusions or recommendations.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
New weight-loss drug Wegovy not a 'magic bullet,' doctor warns
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Manitoba man sentenced to house arrest for keeping fishing tournament funds meant for Children's Hospital Foundation
A Manitoba man who pleaded guilty to keeping the funds raised from an ice-fishing fundraiser for the Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba has been handed a sentence of 18 months house arrest.
Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.