Renaud Lavoie suffers two strokes at Bell Centre, credits quick action for survival

Key facts

• Renaud Lavoie suffered two strokes on Friday at the Bell Centre.
• He felt a 'pop' on the right side of his head after 30 minutes of exercise.
• He took an aspirin immediately, which likely saved his life.
• A tear in the right carotid artery was discovered.
• He was transferred to the Montreal Neurological Institute for intensive care.
• An MRI on Saturday confirmed two strokes.
• He has no physical sequelae but symptoms resemble a concussion.
• His return date is unknown.

A sudden collapse during routine training

Renaud Lavoie, a veteran hockey journalist for TVA Sports, was going through his usual pre-game routine last Friday at the Bell Centre in Montreal. After covering the morning practices of both teams, he began his physical training session. About thirty minutes into the workout, he felt a sudden 'pop' on the right side of his head, followed quickly by dizziness. Lavoie immediately recognized the severity of the situation. His first instinct was to take an aspirin as fast as possible—a decision that doctors later told him was crucial. He contacted Chantal Machabée, who instructed him to meet her in the locker room, where therapists Maxime Gauthier and Daniel Chammas, along with a trainee named Maelle, took charge of his care.

Symptoms escalate, leading to emergency hospital transfer

As time passed, Lavoie's condition worsened. He experienced pain in his left hand and began having trouble speaking. It became clear that he needed to get to a hospital immediately. His friend and colleague Patrick Lalime drove him to the Montreal General Hospital, where Dr. Jeremy Grushka was waiting. Within minutes, a CT scan of his head was performed. The scan revealed a tear in his right carotid artery, which explained some of his symptoms. The headaches were severe, and Lavoie was unable to watch the hockey game that night. Doctors decided to transfer him to the intensive care unit at the Montreal Neurological Institute, where Dr. Aimen Moussaddy took over his care.

MRI confirms two strokes, but quick response limits damage

An MRI conducted on Saturday confirmed that Lavoie had suffered two strokes the previous day. In an open letter posted on social media, Lavoie expressed his gratitude for being alert and acting quickly. 'I was very lucky in my misfortune, and I know it,' he wrote. 'If the blood clots that ended up in my brain had been even slightly larger, I wouldn't be able to write to you right now.' Medical staff at the neurological institute told him that during Canadiens playoff games, an average of three people are transferred to intensive care for strokes. These are fans watching the games who suddenly feel unwell. Lavoie emphasized the importance of calling for help immediately, as faster hospital arrival increases the chances of limiting aftereffects.

Support from family, colleagues, and the hockey community

Lavoie thanked his family for their love and praised TVA Sports as a 'superb family' with caring people who are helping him through this ordeal. He also acknowledged colleagues from other media outlets for their support. The Montreal Canadiens organization, he said, has an incredible family that supported him in every way. He specifically thanked Dr. Thierry Pauyo, the Canadiens' chief orthopedic surgeon, who called to reassure him just before Friday's game. Lavoie also expressed gratitude to NHL executives and several teams who reached out with positive messages during his difficult time.

Uncertain recovery and a message of vigilance

he has no physical sequelae from the strokes, but Dr. Moussaddy noted that his symptoms resemble those of a concussion. The timeline for his return to work remains uncertain. 'Time will dictate the rest,' Lavoie wrote, signing off with a hopeful 'Go Habs Go!' for the Canadiens' second-round playoff series starting Wednesday. His message to the public is clear: stay alert to stroke symptoms. 'I am proof that acting quickly saves lives,' he said. The hockey community, meanwhile, is rallying around one of its most recognizable media figures, wishing him a full recovery.

The bottom line

• Renaud Lavoie suffered two strokes on Friday, May 10, 2024, at the Bell Centre.
• Immediate aspirin intake and rapid medical response were critical to his survival.
• A tear in the right carotid artery caused blood clots that led to the strokes.
• Lavoie has no physical sequelae but faces concussion-like symptoms; return date unknown.
• He urges the public to recognize stroke signs and seek help without delay.
• The hockey community, including the Canadiens and NHL, has offered extensive support.