NHL releases update on referee Steve Kozari's injury
It was a somber moment during the Penguins and Lightning hockey game yesterday afternoon when NHL referee Steve Kozari collided Lightning defenseman Haydn Fleury.
The NHL has since released an update on his condition after he was carted off the ice on stretcher.
After several tense minutes, Kozari showed movement in his hands and other extremities which led him to being stretchered off the ice and sent to a local hospital to be examined.
According to league officials, Kozari is now conscious and alert and has full use of his extremities and should make a full recovery.
It was a great sight to see that both teams came off their benches while encircling Kozari and tapping on their stick as he was being removed from the game.
Fans were applauding and having a few emotional moments.
With the injury happening so quickly, head coach Mike Sullivan of the Penguins made a statement after the game that he felt that both Fleury and Kozari collided helmet on helmet. After the collision it appeared that Kozari was unable to break his fall which led him to hitting the ice hard with his head.
We all wish Mr. Kozari a fast and safe recovery and look forward to him returning to the NHL for the playoffs.
| POLL | ||
Did you see the injury to Steve Kozari ? | ||
| Yes | 19 | 26.4 % |
| No | 53 | 73.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
