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// By Jason Kates COMMUNITY S A VOLUNTEER EMT, Anthony Spina is trained to spring into action whenever a medical emer- gency arises. Even in the middle of a hockey game. Spina's training was put to the test during a Sept. 29 game between his team, the N.J. Colonials White, and the Jaguars 18AA Black when Jaguars goalie Luke Martini collapsed on the ice with 5:14 left in the game. After noticing what was trans- piring, Spina knew he had to act quickly. "To be completely honest, I was actually a little confused because the goalie was up and fine and all of a sudden the next moment we look back down the ice and he was just lying on the ice," Spina recalled. Colonials coach James McKnight quickly encouraged Spina to offer assistance. "I went over there immediately and asked how the kid was," Spina said. "He came to at that point, he apparently blacked out. I took the basic vitals, asked him some ques- tions and made sure he was alright until the ambulance arrived." Given the nature of how the game was going before the incident, Spina described the situation as "interesting," but knew he needed to render aid. "It was a tie game so there was a little tension between us," he said. "Still, I instinctively went over and offered my assistance to the kid with whatever he needed." Spina's father Anthony Sr. was on a flight when the incident occurred. He only heard about what hap- pened later from another parent. "It seemed natural to me that READ, REACT, RESCUE that'd be something he'd do," Spina Sr. said. "He worked really hard. He was there two-three nights a week for months and months training to be an EMT. This is just his training kicking in." Mike Shingle, the president of the Colonials organization, also com- mended Spina for his actions. "The whole Colonial family was proud of him for stepping up and supporting another player during an emergency situation," Shindle said. "He showed excellent sportsmanship that we want all Colonials to have." As news of Spina's actions continued to spread through the hockey world, he received praise from all around the country, including a letter from USA Hockey President Jim Smith and being honored with the Walmart Community Playmaker Award at a New Jersey Devils home game. "To say the least, it's been quite interesting. I didn't expect to get so much praise for such a little action," said Spina regarding the attention. "It's truly an honor, but I'm just glad I was able to help the kid." P Anthony Spina is honored with the Walmart Community Playmaker Award at a New Jersey Devils game. Quick-Acting EMT Comes To The Aid Of Opposing Goalie DECEMBER 2017 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM // 13 A