NHL ref stretchered off ice after scary collision with player

Steve Kozari. Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

NHL referee stretchered off ice after scary collision with player

By Adam Gretz | Last updated 4/6/24

The Pittsburgh Penguins picked up a huge 5-4 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday afternoon to continue their improbable playoff push. But there was a scary moment in the third period that briefly brought the game to a halt.

Referee Steve Kozari had to be stretchered off the ice after he was involved in an accidental collision with Lightning defenseman Hadyn Fleury.

It happened as Fleury and the Lightning were going through a line change behind the play, and as Fleury tried to skate into the play he accidentally ran into Kozari who was skating backwards through the neutral zone.

Referee Steve Kozari was taken off on a stretcher following a collision with Hayden Fleury pic.twitter.com/zimtfWvgLk
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 6, 2024

Kozari hit the ice hard and appeared to be briefly knocked unconscious.

Fleury was also injured on the play and exited the game without returning.

Kozari appeared to be alert and moving his hands as he was being taken off the ice.

Kozari has been an NHL official since the 2003-04 season and has worked multiple Stanley Cup Finals during his career.

It is remarkable how few collisions actually happen between players and officials given how fast the game moves and how limited space can be. It is a testament to the skill of everybody out there. Sometimes, however, the game is a little too fast and things like this can happen.

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