The stands at Ristuccia Arena were packed with fans planning on watching Boston Bruins practice on Thursday morning. But instead it was fans and players alike who were spectators as Wilmington firefighters and Bruins trainers saved the life of a man who had a seizure in the bleachers.

Wilmington Fire Lieutenant John Brown was among those on scene. He said when crews arrived, police had revived the man using the Automated Emergency Defibrillator that hangs on the wall outside the Bruins locker room.

Players, who had just taken the ice for the start of practice, remained on one knee on the ice along the far boards as first responders made their way towards the back of the bleachers and loaded the man onto a stretcher.

Brown said the man, who was transported by ambulance, is expected to survive thanks to the quick movement of the Bruins and police and firefighters on scene.

“The fast action of police and Bruins trainers aided the situation,” said Brown. “I give praise to everyone who was here. Thanks to their efforts we were able to have what appears will be a positive outcome.”

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