Kevin Mitchell
Special to The Morning Star
The Vernon Piranha Hockey Club can’t wait for Ray Preikschas to return to action.
He can play in goal, patrol right or left wing and even play some defence.
In the meantime, the popular arborist is recovering from a life-theatening heart attack he suffered seven days before Christmas.
Preikschas had a Type A Aortic Dissection, a severe condition where his aorta ruptured from his heart down into his left leg. Urgently rushed to Kelowna General Hospital, Preikschas underwent a six-hour open heart surgery and a vascular bypass surgery, bravely fought by a team of dedicated doctors.
“We miss him,” said Piranha forward Eli Johnson. “It’s pretty shocking and surprising what he went through. He’s been playing with us for about 15 years and everybody likes him. He’s a funny guy and he’s totally a utility player who can play every position. Pre-COVID, he went in net and we won the 3-on-3 league.”
The six-foot-four-inches tall Preikschas, who is affectionately known as The Viking and Big Red Machine, has been on the mend at home with his wife Victoria.
“I’m doing OK,” he said. “I’ve maybe done too much at times. They say there is a 12-week recovery time, but my right hand was hurt during surgery and I’m arborist, so I may need more time.”
Preikschas was working with two employees and near the home owner when he suffered the heart attack. The home owner called 9-1-1.
“I’m not sure how I got through it all,” said Preikschas, who was born in Kitchener, Ont. and began his arborist career in North Vancouver.
He calls his teammates “all great guys” and isn’t surprised they have organized a benefit dinner and dance for Friday, March 22 at the Elks Lodge Hall.
“I miss them all and I can’t wait to see them at the benefit.”
As for choosing his favourite hockey position, he paused and then said with a laugh: “I really like scoring highlight-reel goals but I also like flashing the leather.”
Being self-employed, Preikschas has no insurance so will be without a paycheque for a few months.
“Let’s come together to show Ray our love and support during this challenging time,” reads the benefit poster.
The Sunday Night Chiefs, who play in the slot before the Piranha, got involved in the benefit by purchasing a Connor McDavid jersey for the silent auction.
“Gary Woitzik owns the Beyond Belief escape rooms in Vernon and he used to have axe throwing,” said Chiefs’ defenceman Greg Thalheimer. “Ray would give him stumps for his axe throwing and they became friends. A few of the guys, including Gary, play with Ray on Friday nights at (Priest Valley Arena).”
Winger Kevin Mitchell, who skates with the early-shift FT Academy Sunday night, contacted former Little League teammate Ken Holland and the Edmonton Oiler GM helped out by getting McDavid to autograph the jersey for the silent auction.
‘I’ve got a friend who is making stools for the silent auction,” said Preikschas.
“He’s made stools with a seat, three legs and a Piranha logo. I think he ended up with three but he was shooting for four.”
All proceeds will go directly to Preikschas to assist with his recovery and expenses. Preikschas, who has no previous heart issues, said he did fairly well on GoFundMe. Moving forward, donations will be accepted via etransfer to r.preikschas@icloud.com.
There will be loads of music at the benefit featuring Gonzalez and The Gringo, and Groovealicious, both of Kelowna. The final act will be The Bone of Vernon.
Tickets, at $30 each, will be available online at www.piranhahockey.ca with a limited number available at the door.
A buffet dinner begins at 5:30 with entertainment following at 6:30.