NHL referee Mitch Dunning found himself in a scary situation during Monday night’s game in Philadelphia. After a violent collision with Colorado defenseman Josh Manson, Dunning was taken to the hospital for precautionary measures. The good news is that he is fully communicative and has movement in all his extremities. The NHL reported that all neurological signs are normal, which is a relief considering the severity of the impact.
The incident occurred early in the first period when Manson crashed into Dunning near the blue line. Dunning fell to the ice and remained there for a few minutes while medical personnel attended to him. Fortunately, Dunning was able to move his feet and even his right hand when Manson approached him. It was a scary moment for everyone involved, especially his colleagues on the ice.
Colorado defenseman Cale Makar expressed his concern, stating, “You never want to see that happen, especially on an accident like that. Very tough. Hopefully he’s OK.” Despite the unsettling incident, Makar managed to score two goals in Colorado’s 3-2 victory over the Flyers that night.
Dunning, a former professional hockey defenseman, transitioned to officiating after his playing days. He worked his way up to full-time NHL status in 2022, showcasing his dedication and passion for the sport. His colleagues and fans are relieved to hear that he is doing well after the collision.
The game had to go on with only one referee and two linespersons after the incident. The safety and well-being of the officials and players are always a top priority in the NHL, and the league takes every precaution necessary to ensure the health of its members.
It’s moments like these that remind us of the physical demands and risks associated with the game of hockey. Despite the speed and intensity of the sport, it’s comforting to know that referees like Mitch Dunning are well taken care of in case of emergencies. We wish Dunning a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on the ice in no time.
