Colorado Avalanche Coach Jared Bednar Hospitalized After Puck Injury

Jared Bednar, the head coach of the Colorado Avalanche, was hospitalized after being struck in the head by a puck during a game against the Las Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday night. The incident occurred early in the third period when Knights forward Keegan Kolesar attempted to play the puck near the Avalanche bench. The puck overshot its intended target, hitting Bednar squarely in the face, resulting in facial fractures and a corneal abrasion.

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Following the impact, Avalanche players reacted quickly, ducking to avoid the puck and turning to see their coach hunched over in pain. Bednar was escorted to the locker room by the team's training staff, holding a towel to his face. He was later taken to a hospital for a CT scan and further evaluation. According to the Avalanche, Bednar was fully alert and conscious during transport.

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The Avalanche announced that Bednar would not accompany the team on their upcoming two-game road trip due to his injuries. He is expected to make a full recovery without the need for surgery. In his absence, assistant coaches Nolan Pratt and Dave Hakstol will lead the team during the final two games of the regular season against the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames.

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The Colorado Avalanche released a statement confirming Bednar's injuries and his expected recovery. They emphasized that he would not require surgery and would be missed during the road trip. Pratt, one of the assistant coaches, expressed the unnerving nature of such incidents, stating, "It's scary when the pucks are flying in there. It happens all the time and unfortunate tonight."

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While the incident has drawn attention to the risks associated with coaching in high-contact sports, there has been no significant public criticism regarding player safety protocols in the NHL following this event. However, the incident highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of coaches and players alike during games.

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• “It's scary when the pucks are flying in there.” — Nolan Pratt, Avalanche Assistant Coach

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• “Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar will not accompany the team on their upcoming two-game road trip due to facial fractures and a corneal abrasion,” — Colorado Avalanche Statement

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As the Avalanche prepare for their final games of the regular season, the focus will be on Bednar's recovery and the performance of the assistant coaches in his absence. The team aims to secure a strong finish as they head into the playoffs.

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