Hockey, known for its intense physicality and high speeds, has seen its fair share of brutal injuries over the years. This list article compiles some of the most gruesome injuries in the sport’s history, highlighting the risks players face every time they step onto the ice.
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- The incredible survival stories of players like Clint Malarchuk and Richard Zednik, who suffered life-threatening neck injuries on the ice.
- The impact of on-ice incidents on safety protocols and equipment in hockey, including the introduction of neck guards for goalies.
- The inspiring comebacks of players such as Bryan Berard and Erik Karlsson highlight advancements in sports medicine and player resilience.
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Clint Malarchuk: Neck Injury That Changed Hockey
On March 22, 1989, Clint Malarchuk, the Buffalo Sabres’ goalie, suffered one of the most horrifying injuries ever seen in professional sports. A skate blade from an opposing player accidentally sliced his carotid artery, leading to a life-threatening situation on the ice. The quick actions of the team’s athletic trainer, who manually pinched the artery closed, are credited with saving Malarchuk’s life. This incident brought about a mandate for goalies to wear neckguards, forever changing safety standards in the history of hockey.
Richard Zednik: Near-Fatal Neck Laceration
Similar to Malarchuk’s accident, Richard Zednik of the Florida Panthers experienced a severe neck laceration during a game on February 10, 2008. A teammate’s skate blade accidentally cut his external carotid artery, leading to immediate and profuse bleeding. Zednik’s swift skate to the bench and subsequent medical attention saved his life, highlighting the dangers players face every time they step onto the ice.
Steve Moore: The Career-Ending Injury
On March 8, 2004, Steve Moore of the Colorado Avalanche was attacked from behind by Todd Bertuzzi of the Vancouver Canucks, resulting in a pile-up that left Moore with three fractured vertebrae in his neck and a concussion. This assault ended Moore’s professional hockey career and led to legal action, raising serious questions about violence and retribution in the sport.
Bryan Berard: Eye Injury That Nearly Ended a Career
Bryan Berard, a promising defenseman for the Toronto Maple Leafs, suffered a catastrophic eye injury on March 11, 2000. An opponent’s stick accidentally struck him in the eye, severely damaging his vision and almost ending his career. Despite the grim prognosis, Berard underwent several surgeries and returned to play in the NHL, showcasing an incredible determination and love for the game.
Ted Green: Skull Fracture That Shocked Everyone
In a preseason game in 1969, Ted Green of the Boston Bruins engaged in a stick-swinging duel with Wayne Maki of the St. Louis Blues. The altercation resulted in Green sustaining a major skull fracture, which sidelined him for an entire season. This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked aggression on the ice.
Erik Karlsson: Overcoming an Achilles Tendon Slice
Erik Karlsson, a defenseman for the Ottawa Senators, had his Achilles tendon sliced by a skate blade during a game in 2013. The injury required surgery and extensive rehabilitation, but Karlsson made a remarkable return to the ice, continuing to perform at an elite level.
Each of these events reminds us of how tough hockey can be on players’ bodies. The bravery and toughness shown by players who have been hurt and bounced back are proof of the strong spirit and close bonds in the sport. These stories show the dangers and sacrifices that come with being a pro athlete, as well as the improvements in sports health care and safety measures that have developed from these experiences.
