Former Sabres Defenseman Van Boxmeer Recovering After Heart Attack

Bern, Switzerland (AHN) - Former Buffalo Sabres defenseman John Van Boxmeer is recovering well since a heart attack on Friday, the Swiss club SC Bern said Monday.

The 55-year-old former first-round pick is expected to take the month off to rest before returning to coaching Bern in September.

The team will play the New York Rangers in the Victoria Cup tournament to be played in the Swiss capital on Sept. 30.

Aside from Buffalo, where Van Boxmeer once scored 18 goals and 69 points, he also played for the Montreal Canadiens, the Quebec Nordiques and the Colorado Rockies.

After retiring from the NHL, Van Boxmeer went into coaching and mentored the Rochester Americans and the Long Beach Ice Hogs.

Before arriving in Switzerland, the Ontario native also served as assistant coach with the Los Angeles Kings.