Atlanta Thrashers Goalie Ondrej Pavelec Collapses in First Minutes of Season Opener

ATLANTA — Atlanta Thrashers goalie Ondrej Pavelec collapsed to the ice in the early minutes of the season-opening game against the Washington Capitals on Friday night.

The team said the 23-year-old Pavelec lost consciousness and was taken to a hospital for further evaluation. Thrashers officials released no other information on his condition.

There was a whistle at the opposite end of the ice when Pavelec suddenly fell over backward with no one around just 2:25 into the game. His teammates rushed to his aid and immediately called for doctors and a stretcher to be brought to the ice.

Medical personnel worked over him for about 10 minutes before he was wheeled off the ice.

The game resumed after a delay of about 20 minutes. Chris Mason took over in goal for the Thrashers and gave up a goal less than a minute later.

Even though they signed Mason over the summer, the Thrashers believed Pavelec had the potential to develop into the sort of top-flight goalie the team has lacked for its entire NHL history.

He signed a two-year deal in the offseason after going 14-18-7 with a 3.29 goals-against average and two shutouts in 42 games. It was his first full season in the NHL.

Pavelec also was a member of the Czech Republic’s team at this year’s Vancouver Olympics.

The native of Kladno made his league debut Oct 20, 2007, allowing a goal on six shots in one period. He was taken 41st overall by the Thrashers in the 2005 draft. For his career, he is 20-28-7 with two shutouts in 61 games.