National Hockey League icon Lanny McDonald owes his life to three quick-thinking bystanders after going into cardiac arrest at Calgary International Airport in February 2024.

One of those honoured for saving McDonald was Davidson nurse Sheri Warkentin. Warkentin, Rajdeep Cheemaand Denise Geck, were in the right place at the right time for the former Calgary Flame and Toronto Maple Leaf winger. The three were honoured by the Calgary Police Service (CPS) on Sept. 13 in Calgary.

When recalling the incident, Warkentin told the Calgary Herald she was with her husband when they came around a corner in the airport and “things just looked weird.” They kept walking before noticing a man on the ground who appeared to be receiving CPR. She remembers handing her bag to her husband and rushing to help. “My brain was going so fast,” she said when recalling the events of the day. Warkentin didn’t know who the man she helped was until a police officer approached her later in the airport and let her know it was McDonald.

“I would have helped anyone,” she said. Warkentin and the officer exchanged information, and he later nominated her, along with the two other civilians, for the award. On the CPS Facebook page, the department shared the story of their actions on that night.

On Feb. 4, 2024, Rajdeep Cheema noticed a man experiencing a medical emergency at the Calgary International Airport, and immediately began performing CPR. Two off-duty nurses, Sheri Warkentin and Denise Geck, had just gotten off an incoming flight and were walking to their connecting flight, when they recognized the medical event in progress. Sheri and Denise quickly took over performing CPR, allowing Rajdeep to find a nearby AED. A CPS member (Jose Cives) quickly rushed over, and together, the four of them tirelessly worked to re-establish the man’s heart rhythm, alternating between CPR and using the AED, ultimately saving his life. (McDonald) was stabilized and transported to hospital where he recovered.

We are honouring Rajdeep Cheema, Sheri Warkentin and Denise Geck with the Award of Exceptional Recognition for Lifesaving,” the post said without mentioning McDonald or Cives by name. McDonald was happy to be at the ceremony with those who saved his life.

“It was an honour for Ardell and I to attend the event last night, and with pride watched my life savers Jose, Denise, Sheri, and Rajdeep receive their awards,” McDonald said. “As the recipient of not only their excellent training, but of their selflessness and care, I cannot explain my gratitude for their brave actions. 

“We were humbled to sit in a room full of heroes, surrounded by first responders and citizens alike who have made a difference in so many lives.“ I have four new lifelong friends,” he added, “and I could not be prouder to know these amazing individuals.”

(Information from the Calgary Herald and CTV Calgary.)