During Game 7 of the second-round playoff series between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Florida Panthers, an alarming incident occurred early in the second period. Referee Chris Rooney was struck in the face by a stray stick and had to leave the game to receive medical attention.
Just after the second period started, Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola was attempting to advance the puck along the boards. His stick unfortunately came up high, making contact with Rooney`s face. The referee instantly fell to the ice, clearly in significant pain, and players promptly motioned for medical staff as blood flowed freely from the injury.
Rooney remained on the ice receiving aid from the trainers for a few moments. When he eventually left, covering his face with a towel, visible amounts of blood were left on the ice and surrounding boards near where the veteran official had been hit.
Fortunately, Rooney was able to skate off the ice on his own power. The TNT broadcast reported that he received stitches for a cut above his eye. Following his departure, substitute referee Garrett Rank stepped in to officiate the rest of the game.
Rinkside commentator Brian Boucher mentioned that Mikkola was reportedly `surprised` to discover that his stick had been the one responsible for the injury. After Rooney exited, the ice crew took a brief pause to clean the blood from the playing surface before the game continued.
Elton Marrow