Today’s game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Tampa Bay Lightning was an unfortunate reminder of the dangers that come with being an NHL referee.
Early in the third period, referee Steve Kozali collided with Lightning defenseman Haydn Fleury, knocking him unconscious. The 50-year-old remained on the ice for quite some time before eventually being carried off on a stretcher. ESPN’s Leah Hextall said Kozali briefly lost consciousness.
“We saw a moment where both teams came off the bench for Steve Kozali,” Hextall said. “What I can tell you from what I’ve heard from on-ice officials is that Steve lost consciousness momentarily when he collided with Fleury.”
NHL referee Steve Kozali collided with Haydn Fleury and had to be carried off the ice on a stretcher. pic.twitter.com/YfSVRlSSfJ
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 6, 2024
Video of Steve Kozali and Haydn Fleury clash
— Nasty Knuckles (@NastyKnuckles) April 6, 2024
While this is certainly a frightening incident, there was some good news as Kozali was said to have movement in his limbs.
As the video shows, Fleury himself was quite shaken by the collision, and after getting to his feet, he headed straight down the Lightning Tunnel. The 27-year-old defenseman has played in 23 games this season, scoring one goal and five points.
Kozali, who wears the number 40 on his jersey, has been a referee in the NHL since the 2003-04 season. He has been chosen to officiate the Stanley Cup Final twice, in 2014 and in 2019.
Despite Kozali’s absence, the game continued, with the Pittsburgh Penguins winning 5-4. It’s a big win for the Pens as they look to make the playoffs, but it feels less important considering what happened. Let’s hope both Kozali and Fleury are safe and come back soon.
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