A former Windsor Spitfires assistant coach has been hospitalized after a scary moment Saturday night.
Dave Matsos, currently the head coach of the OHL Hamilton Bulldogs, was rushed to a Barrie hospital after he collapsed on the bench during the final moments of the Bulldogs' game against the Barrie Colts. The Bulldogs' trainer was first to try to assist the stricken coach, and he was later joined by the Colts' medical staff in tending to Matsos until paramedics arrived.
The 44-year-old Matsos is resting comfortably in hospital and is due to have some more tests, according to a statement released by Bulldogs president and general manager Steve Staios.
"He is doing well and in good spirits," said Staios. "We want to thank Barrie EMS, the Barrie Colts and their medical staff, the OHL and the hospital’s doctors and nurses. We also want to acknowledge the outstanding support of our head athletic trainer, J.P. Laciak, who was with Dave on the bench when he became ill. We thank everyone who has reached out in support of Dave and his family with thoughts and well wishes."
Matsos was an associate coach for the Spitfires from 2010 to 2013, first under Bob Jones, then Bob Boughner. He went on to the Sudbury Wolves as an associate coach in 2014 before being promoted to head coach later that season. He joined the Hamilton coaching staff before the 2017-2018 season and was made head coach before this season.