Opening Remarks 

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Tom Izzo

Tom Izzo, Head Men's Basketball Coach, Michigan State University, is one of the most celebrated coaches in college basketball history. Enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016 Michigan State University Athletics, Izzo has spent more than three decades building the Spartan program into a national powerhouse — winning the 2000 NCAA National Championship, earning eight Final Four appearances, and leading Michigan State to 27 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, the longest active streak in the nation. 

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Keynote Speakers

On November 21, 2005, Jiri Fischer, a Red Wings Defenseman, went into cardiac arrest while on the bench during a game against the Nashville Predators. He was unconscious for six minutes until Dr. Tony Colucci, Red Wings physician, and arena medical deployed CPR and an AED to save his life. Fischer was resuscitated then transported to Detroit Receiving Hospital. He was released several days later. The game during which Fischer collapsed was postponed, making it the first time in NHL history that a game was rescheduled due to a player’s injury. The duo will make the keynote address at this year’s Champions Gala on June 9 at the Breslin Center. They will give a first-hand account of Fischer’s cardiac arrest event, recovery and how life has evolved since that fateful incident on the ice. 

Jiris Fischer

Jiri Fischer played six seasons as a defenseman for the Detroit Red Wings before his cardiac arrest in November 2005. Following his recovery, he transitioned to a front office role with the organization, where he has served for nearly two decades. He is a survivor, a leader, and a living testament to the power of bystander CPR and rapid AED deployment. 

Dr. Tony Colucci

Dr. Tony Colucci serves as the head team physician for the Detroit Red Wings and the cochair for the Medical Standards Committee for the NHL.

Dr. Colucci was the first physician to reach Jiri Fischer on the bench on November 21, 2005. His quick response — CPR and rapid AED deployment — is the reason Fischer is alive today. Dr. Colucci will share a physician's perspective on cardiac arrest response, and what it means to be prepared in the moment when it matters most.