NHL referee Steve Kozari was stretchered off the ice earlier today. Just moments ago, the league gave us an update on his status, confirming his condition after the scary incident.
Everyone in attendance at the Penguins-Lightning game this afternoon was holding their breath as referee Steve Kozari was involved in a shocking collision with Hayden Fleury late in the game. Kozari appeared to be knocked unconscious by the hit as he laid motionless on the ice. Eventually, the stretcher came out for him and he was taken to a local hospital.
Luckily, the league has since updated his status. The confirmed that the stretcher was for precautionary reasons only and confirmed that Kozari is awake and doing well. They ended the statement by confirming that he is expected to make a full recovery.
Hopefully this means he will be able to continue his career after the play. While we were not given a timeline for his return, it is quite possible we see him on the ice again this season, potentially during the Stanley Cup playoffs. We will just have to wait and see for his return.
