An ice hockey referee was taken off the ice on a stretcher after colliding with a player during a National Hockey League game in Pittsburgh.
Whistleblower Steve Kozari collided with Tampa Bay defenceman Haydn Fleury during the third period of the Pittsburgh Penguins’ 5-4 win over the Lightning on Sunday morning (AEST).
Kozari and Fleury clashed at center ice as the Penguins began to move the puck out of their defensive zone.
Kozari hit his head on the ice and remained on the ground for several minutes while medical personnel attended to him before he was removed from the ice.
He was able to move his arms and hands.
The NHL said Kozari was taken to hospital as a precaution and was “conscious and alert with use of all extremities and is expected to make a full recovery.”
Fleury also remained on the ice for several minutes.
He did not return to the game.
“It was tough to watch,” Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper said.
“I came into the locker room during that break. Naturally, (Fleury) was a little shaken up. It was just one of those plays that was kind of a freak accident. But hopefully both guys come out OK.”
AP
