In a concerning turn of events, Jared Bednar, head coach of the Colorado Avalanche, suffered facial fractures and a corneal abrasion after being hit by a puck during a recent game against the Vegas Golden Knights. This incident occurred when a deflected puck struck Bednar in the right cheek, prompting immediate medical attention.
Following the injury, Bednar was escorted down the tunnel and did not return for the remainder of the game, which the Avalanche narrowly won with a score of 3-2. He was subsequently taken to a local hospital for evaluation, where it was confirmed that he would not require surgery and is expected to make a full recovery.
As a result of his injury, Bednar will miss the Avalanche’s upcoming two-game road trip, which includes matchups against the Edmonton Oilers on Monday and the Calgary Flames on Tuesday. In his absence, assistants Nolan Pratt and Dave Hakstol will take over coaching duties, ensuring that the team remains focused and prepared.
Pratt expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, “Certainly a little unnerving, right? It’s scary when the pucks are flying in there. It happens all the time, and unfortunate tonight.” Fortunately, Bednar was reported to be fully alert and conscious after the incident, as confirmed by team official Brendan McNicholas.
The Avalanche have already clinched the Presidents’ Trophy as the NHL’s best regular-season team this year, which adds a layer of significance to Bednar’s absence. His leadership has been crucial in guiding the team to this achievement, and fans are hopeful for his swift return.
As the team prepares for their upcoming games, the focus will be on maintaining their momentum without their head coach. The community continues to rally behind Bednar, wishing him a speedy recovery and looking forward to his return to the bench.
