CFL: Veteran official Proulx suffered mild heart attack during game

EDMONTON – Veteran referee Andre Proulx suffered a mild heart attack during the Edmonton Eskimos’ 19-15 win over the Toronto Argonauts on Saturday night.

Tom Higgins, director of officiating for the CFL, confirmed the news Sunday and said Proulx remains in an Edmonton hospital but is scheduled to be released Monday before flying home to Montreal on Friday.

“He looks as good as he’s ever looked,” said Higgins.

Proulx, 48, is in his 14th CFL season. He was taken to hospital in the second half after it was reported he had been overcome by the 26 C heat.

Head linesman Michel Pinsonneault took over as the game’s referee.

Higgins said Proulx has to be re-examined in Montreal before he can return to officiating. His next scheduled game was to be Friday with the B.C. Lions hosting the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, which he will now miss.

Higgins said Proulx doesn’t hope to be gone long.

“In Andre’s mind, he’s no different than any of the athletes I’ve ever coached. He’s thinking, ‘Yeah you give me a couple weeks and I’ll be ready to go, coach,’” said Higgins.