Hockey stars live and die by the sword inside the skating rink for our entertainment. So much so that sometimes, they tend to forget that they live inside a bubble that is far removed from the realities of the world. And yet, real-life experiences find a way to remind the athletes that they’re still human after all. For some, these reminders can be a harrowing experience, as was the case with the Buffalo Sabres’ blueline star.

The official Buffalo Sabres X handle shared on September 19 how their defenseman and his girlfriend had a chilling experience while vacationing in France. Following the whole fiasco, Dahlin and his bae, Carolina Matovac, issued an open statement to the hockey community, which was shared via social media, captioned, “A letter from Rasmus and Carolina.”

“I want to share with you a traumatic experience that my fiancée, Carolina, and our families experienced this offseason,” wrote Dahlin, “While on vacation in France early this summer, Carolina began to feel sick for a few days, which quickly turned into her experiencing major heart failure. Fortunately, she received CPR on multiple occasions, and up to a couple of hours at a time to keep her alive, which ultimately saved her life.” The Sabres’ hockey star underscored how things could have easily turned bleak if Carolina hadn’t received swift treatment.

“Carolina and I would both like to extend our heartfelt thank you to the tremendous nurses, doctors, and rehabilitation staff at the Hospital Centre of Antibes Juan– Les– Pins, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Marseille, the Sahlgrenska Hospital in Gothenburg and the Hogsbo Rehabilitation Center. Without the incredible commitment, expertise, care, and sensitivity of all the people who treated Carolina, we would not be in the position that we are in today, with Carolina recovering well and on the path to a full recovery,” Dahlin wrote further, while also thanking the National Hockey League and the Sabres for extending every form of support.

With the training camp and the preseason games just around the corner, the upcoming days will be crucial for the NHL teams to test the waters. It isn’t any different for the Sabres. Under such circumstances, to ensure the players can give their best on the ice, it’s of paramount importance to have the athletes in their best mental state. However, Rasmus Dahlin might need a few deep breaths before lacing up for the upcoming training sessions. Thankfully, he’s getting all the motivation to get back into action from his beau.

“While Carolina is still working through her rehab to return to be with me in Buffalo, she has demonstrated an incredible determination, spirit, positivity, and resilience that I am in awe of,” Rasmus wrote in his social media post. The Sabres have missed all playoffs since 2012, and obviously, the fans would want the team to be in perfect condition, both physically and mentally, ahead of the 2025-26 season. However, given the circumstances, hockey fans were ready to cut Dahlin some slack.

Hockey fans assure Dahlin they stand by him

The Sabres’ misery has been dragging on for more than a decade. Their absence from the NHL playoffs for 14 consecutive seasons matches the embarrassing record of the New York Jets of the NFL, and a change cannot come sooner. And yet, given how Rasmus and Carolina had to suffer a tremendous ordeal, the hockey loyalists aren’t hesitant to give them a break. “Heartbreaking hoping for the best for Rasmus and Carolina. May she have a full recovery, and a long and happy life,” wrote one fan, while another sent similar positive vibes Dahlin and Matovac’s way, commenting, “That’s scary. Happy she is recovering.” 

Moreover, the Sabres’ foes also stepped up to the occasion and drifted away from the preseason heat to stand by their hockey brethren. “We’re thinking of Carolina and Rasmus and wishing them the best,” commented the official Colorado Avalanche’s X handle. The Nashville Predators joined in on sending good wishes, writing, “Our thoughts and prayers are with Carolina and Rasmus.”

While the Sabres’ fortune has been less than generous of late, seasoned NHL journalist Greg Wyshynski believes the incredible show the Bills put out in Week 1 of the NFL should be enough to inspire their in-city comrades to make ripples in the hockey league this season. However, right now, fans just want Dahlin and his family to recuperate from their recent troubles.

“From this flyers fan to you, God bless you Rasmus, Carolina and the Buffalo Sabres organization. My thoughts are with you all as you continue to recover from this,” wrote a hockey fan from a different camp. Do you have any messages for the couple? Share them with us below!