Halifax clinic renamed to honour hockey player who died of inherited heart disease

A clinic at the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre in Halifax has been renamed to honour a teenage hockey player, from Bedford, N.S., who died more than a decade ago.

Jordan Boyd died as a result of inherited heart disease in August 2013. The 16-year-old collapsed on the ice during training camp with the Acadie–Bathurst Titan of the QMJHL.

It was later determined that Jordan had an undiagnosed heart condition called arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. 

The Jordan Boyd Inherited Heart Disease Clinic was unveiled on Thursday.  

"When we started on this journey 10 years ago, this was never the game plan," said Stephen Boyd, Jordan's father. "We just wanted to remember Jordan and knew that we needed to do something."

The ceremony was held on what would have been Boyd's 27th birthday.

In 2017, the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League apologized for Boyd's death, and said it was working to improve first-aid protocols. 

The family has also been dedicated to raising awareness around cardiac arrest. The Boyds have raised $1.2 million in partnership with the QEII Foundation. 

"Without a doubt, the Boyd family has moved the needle in inherited heart disease research," Dr. Martin Gardner, cardiologist and founder of the clinic, said in a statement.

The clinic provides care to families across the Maritimes affected by known or suspected inherited heart conditions.

"They're a family that is passionate and has so much community support around them," Susan Mullin, president and CEO of the QEII Foundation, said in an interview. "It's been quite remarkable."

Mullin said the family's fundraising has resulted in expanded hours, more research and genetic screening at the clinic.

"The Jordan Boyd Inherited Heart Disease Clinic allows us to continue a legacy for Jordan, carry on his compassion and caring for others and fulfil the promise that he won't be forgotten," Stephen Boyd said.