NHL Referee Chris Rooney Injured in High-Stick Incident During Game 7
A dramatic incident unfolded during Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Second Round between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers at Scotiabank Arena on Sunday, as NHL referee Chris Rooney was forced to leave the game due to an injury. According to reports from the National Hockey League, Rooney received medical attention for a cut above his eye and is currently doing well.
The incident occurred just 13 seconds into the second period, when Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola inadvertently high-stuck Rooney along the boards in the left corner of Florida’s defensive zone. As reported by the NHL, Mikkola’s stick came up and hit Rooney under his visor as he moved the puck and was bracing for a hit from Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner. The severity of the incident was such that Rooney, after remaining on the ice for several minutes, was forced to skate off with assistance from two trainers.
The game was subsequently paused for approximately five minutes to allow standby referee Garrett Rank to join the game, ensuring that the match could continue without further disruption. The NHL has confirmed that Rooney did not return to the game, but fortunately, he is reported to be in good condition following the medical attention he received.
The incident raises concerns about player and referee safety in the NHL, particularly with regards to high-stick incidents. While Mikkola’s actions were deemed inadvertent, the consequences for Rooney were severe enough to require medical attention. As noted by the NHL, Rooney’s well-being is the top priority, and it is reassuring to hear that he is doing well in the aftermath of the incident.
The high-stick incident has sparked debate about the need for increased vigilance and stricter penalties for such infractions. In recent years, the NHL has implemented various measures aimed at reducing the number of high-stick incidents and promoting player safety. However, incidents like the one involving Rooney serve as a reminder that more work needs to be done to ensure that players and referees are adequately protected.
As the NHL continues to investigate the incident, one thing is clear: the safety and well-being of all individuals involved in the game must be prioritised. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in professional hockey and the need for constant vigilance and improvement in promoting a safe and healthy environment for all participants. The NHL has confirmed that Rooney is receiving support and will be assessed further to determine the full extent of his injuries.
In a statement, the NHL confirmed that “Rooney took an inadvertent high stick 13 seconds into the second period from Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola along the boards in the left corner of Florida’s defensive zone.” The league also reported that “Rooney, who did not return, received medical attention for a cut above his eye and is doing well.” As the situation continues to unfold, our news provider will provide updates and further information as it becomes available.
The incident is currently under review, and it is expected that further action may be taken in the coming days. For now, the hockey community is breathing a collective sigh of relief that Rooney is doing well and that the game could continue without further incident. As reported by the NHL, “The game was paused for about five minutes to allow for standby referee Garrett Rank to join the game.” This allowed the match to resume with minimal disruption, ensuring that the fans and players could continue to enjoy the game.
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