Ref taken off in stretcher after collision with Lightning’s Haydn Fleury

Field Level Media|published: Sat 6th April, 15:42 2024

Feb 22, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Haydn Fleury (7) shoots the puck against the Washington Capitals in the first period at Amalie Arena. credits: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Veteran referee Steve Kozari was taken off the ice on a stretcher during the third period of Saturday's game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and visiting Tampa Bay Lightning.

Kozari collided with Tampa Bay's Haydn Fleury at center ice at 6:11 of the third. Both men fell to the ice.

Fleury eventually was helped off the ice. Kozari was stabilized with a backboard and taken off the ice. After initially appearing to be unconscious, Kozari was moving his arms and speaking with medical staff by the time he was taken off the ice.

Pittsburgh led 4-2 at the time. The game continued with three officials.

—Field Level Media