Adam Proteau says the hockey world should let Lanny McDonald and first responders know how much they're appreciated as the Cup champion recovers in hospital.

There’s a reason why Lanny McDonald has been the chair of the board of the Hockey Hall of Fame since 2015 – everyone loves the man. 

Whether it’s fans old enough to remember McDonald’s young days as a Toronto Maple Leafs star or anyone who runs into him in his retirement, we all love Lanny. He’s done it all on the ice, winning a Stanley Cup for Calgary in 1989 and earning induction into the HHOF in 1992. But he’s just as much of a first-rate guy in his off-ice dealings, and he’s been recognized for his hard work, earning the Order of Canada in 2022 and being named a trustee of the Stanley Cup since last August.

By any metric, McDonald has been a smashing success in life so far. That’s why you won’t find hockey icons more beloved than him. Some star NHL players let fame get to their heads, but people like McDonald are salt-of-the-earth, low-key forces who quietly lead by example. 

So when McDonald, 70, announced he suffered a “cardiac event” Sunday heading home to Calgary after the 2024 NHL all-star festivities in Toronto, he and the hockey world are fortunate that he received immediate, lifesaving care from two nurses who just happened to be at the airport. He said he remains in hospital while "the professionals figure out the next steps for the ol' ticker."

It’s another reason why we should all be thanking first responders in our lives for always being prepared to help when help is needed the most. Hockey does a good job at saluting first responder heroes for the many sacrifices they make and the stress they take on every day in their line of work, but there’s no harm in reminding them how much they’re appreciated. The same goes for pro hockey players, whom we should continually thank for entertaining us as much as they do.

If you’re in and around Calgary and you see McDonald, take a minute to tell him how thankful you are for the amazing memories he’s provided so far as an elite athlete and great Canadian. Tell him that you’re grateful for his work making the Hall of Fame such a hallowed place. Tell him he’s one of a precious few public figures who’s never let us down.

We’re very happy McDonald got the help he needed Sunday. But the aging process should include much more honest talk about the high regard with which we hold those close to us. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Tell everyone who’s important to you why they’re important to you. Even the best of us – the Lanny McDonalds of the world – are mortal beings, and we need to celebrate and cherish them as the gems they are.