Fischer develops Wings' players, perspective

George Malik | Contributor By George Malik | Contributor
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on October 07, 2008 at 5:58 AM, updated October 07, 2008 at 10:37 AM

The Red Wings' coaching staff, front office, and, most importantly, the organization's prospects have raved about the contributions of director of player development Jiri Fischer, who has become as much mentor and on-call one-on-one coach to the Red Wings' draft picks, regardless of where they may ply their pro hockey trade. In a conversation with the Detroit News's Dave Dye, Fischer touches upon embracing his role in the same manner that he's embraced his post-tachycardia life:

October 7, Detroit News: During the playoffs last season, he skated after the Wings' regular practices with the "Black Aces," the players who weren't playing in the games. It was another significant step in his recovery, both mentally and physically, and showed the progress he has made since he had to fear every accelerated heartbeat not too long ago.

"That was a really good, refreshing feeling," Fischer said. "It's nothing close to the competitive level it used to be, but I enjoy my time on the ice. My life has been so unpredictable. I can't really guess what's going to happen tomorrow. I would love to compete one day if the risk is going to be minimal. Obviously, still now, the risk is probably greater than we would like to see."

Fischer doesn't know why his heart stopped during that game on Nov. 21, 2005. He continues to be tested regularly to "check the electricity inside of the heart, see how it's coming."

"It's improving, I feel better, but on paper, there hasn't been that much change," Fischer said. "I'm just glad I feel a lot better. I can go work out, I can go on the ice with the guys. Recreationally, I don't think I'm limited at all. It's just that competitive level. And it's not just hockey, it's the travel, it's eating at 3 a.m. after the games, not getting enough sleep, flying across three time zones and, of course, there's the emotional pressure each of us puts on ourselves."

Fischer tells Dye that he's got three big reasons to not attempt a comeback at 28 (not yet, anyway) in his wife and two sons:

"There's my family that I appreciate very, very much," he said. "The way I view things certainly has changed the past three years. Happiness, enjoying every day is just something I had to work on quite a bit (after the incident). There was a time when I played, really, my career was the main thing in my life. Certainly priorities I have now are different. Career is important, but it's not as high on the scale. It's feeling good about life, enjoying life every day, being healthy, enjoying my family."