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NHL ref Mitch Dunning was at the center of a terrifying incident on Monday night after an on-ice collision with a Colorado Avalanche player. Dunning was briefly left motionless on the ice after an accidental hit from Avs defender Josh Manson. He was then placed on a backboard and taken to a local hospital.
But the latest update from NHL public relations is a positive one. Dunning is reportedly alert and had full use of all his extremities before being taken to the hospital.
“Referee Mitch Dunning has been taken to hospital for precautionary reasons following a collision in the @Avalanche/ @NHLFlyers game,” a statement from NHL PR on Twitter read. “All neurological signs are normal, he is fully communicative and can move all his extremities.”
Avs Star Cale Makar Shares Account Of Scary On-Ice Incident Involving NHL Ref
The game proceeded as usual with one referee and two linesmen after Dunning was stretchered off. Colorado went on to win 3-2 on the strength of two goals from superstar defenseman Cale Makar. After the game, however, Makar expressed his concern for Dunning’s health.
“I just got back to the bench and next thing I know I looked out and saw Mans was kind of holding his face and the ref was on the ground,” Cale Makar said according to the Associated Press. “You never want to see that happen, especially on an accident like that. Very tough. Hopefully he’s OK.”
Dunning, 32 is a former professional hockey defenseman who played parts of three seasons in the OHL according to Elite Prospects. He began his career as an official following his final season as a player in 2011-12. Dunning became a full-time referee in the NHL in 2022.
Thankfully, it sounds as if he will make a full recovery after what was an extremely frightening incident.