Медсестра из Уильямс-Лейк награждена за спасение жизни хоккеиста во время плей-офф

Williams Lake nurse recognized for life-saving action at Mustangs, River Rush playoff game Published 6:00 pm Wednesday, August 12, 2026 A Williams Lake nurse was recently recognized for her calm, quick-thinking response during a KIJHL playoff game earlier this year between the Williams Lake Mustangs and Quesnel River Rush. Kayla Lucas was presented a Certificate of Appreciation during a regular city council meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 11, that was attended by family and friends, in addition to Williams Lake Mustangs staff and players including Dawson Knackstedt. Knackstedt sustained a severe and life-threatening injury during the first period of the March 10, 2026 playoff game at the West Fraser Centre in Quesnel following a collision with an opposing player. Physiotherapist and Williams Lake Mustangs support staff Tyler Judd nominated Lucas for the certificate. At the time of the game he was supporting the team from the bench while Lucas was also in attendance supporting off the bench. “In the critical moments that followed, Kayla stepped forward and provided lifesaving care to the injured player,” Judd wrote. “Her calm demeanour, quick thinking, and willingness to act under immense pressure played a vital role in stabilizing the player until additional medical assistance could be provided.” Judd further stated Lucas’s actions exemplify the values of compassion, leadership and community spirit that make Williams Lake a special place to live. “In a moment where every second mattered, she demonstrated exceptional professionalism and care, helping to save a young person’s life.” Two days following the game, which was suspended and rescheduled to March 12, the Williams Lake Mustangs posted on Facebook saying they were grateful and relieved to share Knackstedt had been discharged from the hospital and was heading back to be with the team and begin his recovery. The post that was shy of 1,000 likes also thanked Quesnel River Rush training staff, Dr. Jawanda, Quesnel Ambulance Service and staff with the GR Baker Memorial Hospital Emergency Department, critical air transport and University Hospital of Northern British Columbia. In the post, the Williams Lake Mustangs also extended an “extreme” thank you to Lucas and Judd. Knackstedt said he only took one week of recovery following the incident before returning to the ice. He’s expecting to play again this season for the Williams Lake Mustangs that, according to the British Columbia Hockey Conference, will hold their first 2026-27 regular season home opener against the Nelson Leafs on Friday, Sept. 25. An exhibition game against the Quesnel River Rush is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 4 at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex, followed by further exhibition games on Sept. 9 against the Merritt Centennials and Sept. 12 against the Revelstoke Grizzlies. “It should be a great season,” said Knackstedt, calling Lucas’s Certificate of Appreciation well deserved. After receiving the certificate signed by Williams Lake mayor and council, and posing for a photo with city council, Lucas said she was grateful for the recognition. “I certainly could not have acted the way I did without a lot of assistance and support,” Lucas said, adding she was thankful for everyone that day, including Judd who further helped her remain calm in a situation she would not like to repeat. “The only thanks I needed was that Dawson is here with us tonight, and I’d just like to acknowledge how grateful I am that was the outcome, so no recognition really necessary but I’m very grateful for it,” Lucas added, drawing a round of applause. Mayor Surinderpal Rathor described Lucas’s actions as a great lesson for everyone to learn from and said in situations requiring immediate help, we should step up and not think twice.