Tragic reports: the Spokane chief team broke down in tears after revealing that their coach and players had collapsed.

Tragic reports: the Spokane chief team broke down in tears after revealing that their coach and players had collapsed.

*Spokane, WA — October 26, 2024* — In a heartbreaking series of events that has left the Spokane Chiefs’ hockey community reeling, the team’s coach and several players collapsed during a critical practice session, leading to an outpouring of support and concern across the city. The emotional toll of the incident became even more evident as the team broke down in tears while addressing the media and their fans later that day.

### The Incident Unfolds

It was a typical Thursday morning practice for the Spokane Chiefs, the Western Hockey League (WHL) team known for its competitive spirit and dedication to the sport. The players, already gearing up for an intense weekend matchup, were on the ice at the Spokane Arena, working through their drills under the watchful eye of head coach Derek Tait.

Around 10:45 AM, during a routine exercise, both Tait and two key players, defenseman Alex Ruiz and forward Max Holloway, suddenly collapsed to the ice. The situation was initially described as a “medical emergency,” with emergency personnel quickly rushing to the scene. The ice rink was immediately cleared, and medical teams were seen performing CPR on the coach, while Ruiz and Holloway were stabilized before being transported to nearby Sacred Heart Medical Center.

The chaotic scene unfolded in front of a few onlookers, including a handful of other team members who were scheduled for later practice sessions. Many of those present during the incident were left stunned and in disbelief.

**“It was like something out of a nightmare,”** said team captain Ethan Clark, visibly shaken during an impromptu interview after the events. **“We’ve always considered ourselves a close-knit group, like a family. To see Coach go down like that, and then two of our brothers in arms… I’m not sure how to put it into words. I’ve never felt that level of fear before.”**

### The Team’s Reaction

As news of the collapse spread, the city of Spokane was plunged into uncertainty and concern. The Spokane Chiefs are more than just a hockey team; they are a central part of the community. Fans, local businesses, and residents gathered outside the arena, waiting for news as the hours ticked by. Tait, Ruiz, and Holloway were in critical but stable condition after undergoing extensive medical treatment.

Later that day, the team held a press conference at the arena, where the players, visibly distressed, attempted to address the tragedy. The atmosphere was somber, and there were moments of heavy emotion as the players struggled to hold it together. Several of them fought back tears while explaining the gravity of the situation.

**“We’re a team, and when one of us hurts, we all hurt,”** said forward Zach Fisher, his voice cracking. **“Today was one of the hardest days of our lives. I don’t know what else to say… Coach Tait has been a guiding force for all of us, and to see him on the ground like that, unconscious, I didn’t know if he was going to make it.”**

For most of the players, Coach Derek Tait was not just a mentor but a father figure. Tait, who has been with the team for five years, has led the Chiefs through countless highs and lows, building a bond that extended beyond the ice. His sudden collapse left a deep emotional scar on a team already known for its tight camaraderie.

**“We’ve been through a lot together, and Coach has always been there for us,”** said goaltender Chris Madison, struggling to maintain composure. **“This is more than just a coach-player relationship. It’s family. And today, we feared we might lose him.”**

### The Medical Response

Sacred Heart Medical Center confirmed that all three individuals — Tait, Ruiz, and Holloway — were stabilized and receiving care in the intensive care unit. According to Dr. Linda Harris, the chief cardiologist at the hospital, initial reports suggested that the collapses were due to what appeared to be sudden medical conditions, though the exact causes were still under investigation.

**“It was a very alarming scene,”** Dr. Harris stated in a press release. **“We were able to act quickly, and all three individuals are receiving top-notch care. At this moment, the situation is still evolving, but we are cautiously optimistic for their recovery. We’re doing everything we can to ensure they receive the best possible treatment.”**

Doctors have ruled out any connection to performance-enhancing substances but have indicated that further tests, including heart screenings and neurological assessments, will be conducted to determine the precise cause.

There have been no official statements yet from the hospital regarding the specific health issues faced by the coach and players, but both the community and the team are anxiously awaiting updates.

### The Community’s Response

The shock of the incident rippled through Spokane, a city that has always rallied around its sports teams. As word spread, hundreds of fans, parents, and local residents gathered outside the Spokane Arena to show their support. A vigil was held in the evening, where fans lit candles and offered prayers for the health and recovery of Coach Tait and the injured players.

Spokane’s mayor, Rachel Allen, also expressed her condolences and concern, assuring the community that the city was doing everything it could to support the affected individuals.

**“Our thoughts and prayers are with Coach Tait, Alex Ruiz, Max Holloway, and their families,”** Mayor Allen said in a statement. **“Spokane is a tight-knit community, and we stand together in times like these. We are all hoping for the best possible outcome for these individuals who have given so much to this city and to the game of hockey.”**

### A Dark Day for Hockey

Hockey fans around the world were quick to send their messages of support to the Spokane Chiefs and to the affected individuals. Fans from rival teams, including the Portland Winterhawks and Seattle Thunderbirds, posted messages on social media offering their prayers and thoughts. The response has underscored the solidarity in the hockey community, which transcends team rivalries.

NHL teams, including the Seattle Kraken, sent messages of support to the Chiefs, and several players from the league have expressed their solidarity, including players who previously worked with Coach Tait or have connections to the Spokane area.

**“Our thoughts are with Coach Tait and the players in Spokane,”** said Kraken captain Adam Larsson. **“Hockey is a family, and we’re all pulling for a speedy recovery. Stay strong, Spokane.”**

### Looking Ahead

As of now, the team’s upcoming schedule remains uncertain. The Chiefs’ next game, scheduled for this weekend against the Portland Winterhawks, has been postponed, and it remains unclear when the team will return to play. The focus is now firmly on the health and recovery of Coach Tait, Ruiz, and Holloway.

A spokesman for the team said the Chiefs would not make any further public statements about the players’ conditions until more details could be shared.

For the Spokane Chiefs, this tragic event is a reminder of the fragility of life. The team’s focus, for now, is not on hockey, but on supporting their coach and teammates in their journey toward recovery. The hope is that this close-knit group can rally together, not just for the upcoming season, but for each other, in the face of a crisis that no one could have foreseen.