Hundreds of Youth Receive Life-Saving Heart Screenings at Kraken Community Iceplex

Oct. 1, 2025

On the last Saturday of September, the Kraken Community Iceplex was bustling. While many families enjoyed the usual ice rink activities, like hockey and figure skating, many others came with a much bigger purpose in mind: participating in life-saving heart screenings.

The leading cause of death in young athletes on the playing field is an undetected heart condition. To improve early detection and promote life-saving screenings, the Seattle Kraken, Nick of Time Foundation, and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health teamed up to provide free heart screenings to hundreds of area youth. Each registered participant underwent a comprehensive exam, including an Electrocardiogram (EKG), heart sounds check, and family history review to start. Following the screenings, participants also received "hands-only" CPR instruction and guidance on how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).

The Fermin family attended the event with their two sons, Leo and Max.

“My boys are starting to get into sports and heart health is something that I’ve always been interested in as they grow and develop,” Melissa Fermin shared.

Reyma Krishnan, who volunteered that day, also ensured her own son received a screening and participated in CPR training.

“It is amazing to see the curiosity in the kids about what CPR is,” shared Krishnan. “Most know it from the movies, but until they actually perform the compressions, they don’t realize the effort required. I’m proud to be part of an event that’s increasing awareness about CPR and its critical importance in our community.”

More than 200 people received a screening with one abnormal result detected. Individuals with abnormal results received further testing and evaluation with a specialist on-site so appropriate referrals could be made.

“Families have expressed immense gratitude for this event,” shared Henry Pelto, MD, a primary care sports medicine physician at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Medical Pavilion - Kraken Community Iceplex at Northgate. “These free youth heart screenings allow us to catch potential issues early and provide timely support for managing any identified conditions. Screenings really do save lives.“