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NHL Referee Chris Rooney Recovering After Facial Injury in Game 7

Veteran referee sustained a cut from an errant stick but is expected to return to officiating later in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

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Apr 30, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; NHL referee Chris Rooney (5) calls a reversal of a goal by Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) (not pictured) in the third period against the Seattle Kraken in game seven of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
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Overview

  • Chris Rooney was struck in the face by Niko Mikkola's stick during the second period of Game 7 between the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs.
  • The injury caused a serious cut above Rooney’s eye, but medical staff confirmed no lasting eye damage.
  • Rooney skated off the ice under his own power after receiving immediate medical assistance and was replaced by standby referee Garrett Rank.
  • He received stitches for the cut and is now recovering, with a black eye but no permanent harm.
  • Rooney, one of the NHL’s most experienced referees, hopes to resume officiating later in the ongoing Stanley Cup playoffs.