NHL Releases Statement on Official Who Got Knocked Out

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Graham Montgomery
April 6, 2024 (5:37 PM)

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NHL referee Steve Kozari was stretched off the ice earlier today after he collided with Lightning defenseman Hayden Fleury. The League has since given us an update on his condition and it appears to be a good thing.

The play initially looked very scary as Kozari was completely blindsided by the collision. He appeared to be out cold after he hit the ice. Eventually, the trainers for both teams were called to assist him and he was eventually transported off the ice on a stretcher. As a result many fans feared the worst.

Scary moment as referee Steve Kozari collided with Hayden Fleury and was stretchered off the ice

Luckily, the NHL just released a statement through their PR account on X, providing an update on Kozari's condition. They confirmed that he is conscious, has use of his extremities and is expected to make a full recovery. They also confirmed that he was stretchered off the ice for precautionary reasons only.

"Referee Steve Kozari was transported to UPMC Mercy hospital for precautionary reasons after a collision with Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Hayden Fleury in the third period of the Penguins-Lighting game this afternoon. Kozari is conscious and alert, has the use of all his extremities and is expected to make a full recovery"

It appears as though the ref came out of this close call just fine. Hopefully this means we will see him back on the ice officiating NHL games again as early as this season.