NHL releases an official statement on Steve Kozari's health condition
Photo credit: Scouting the Refs
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.
Video of referee Steve Kozari grabbing linesman Kyle Flemington's hand while being stretchered off after an accidental, violent collision with Haydn Fleury. (Fleury went to the room.) Hope everyone will be okay.
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.
Referee Steve Kozari was transported to UPMC Mercy hospital for precautionary reasons after a collision with Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Haydn Fleury in the third period of the Penguins-Lightning game this afternoon. Kozari is conscious and alert, has the use of all of his extremities and 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.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 6 | 44 ANSWERS NHL releases an official statement on Steve Kozari's health condition Do you think Steve Kozari is a good NHL referee? | ||
| Yes | 18 | 40.9 % |
| No | 12 | 27.3 % |
| No opinion | 14 | 31.8 % |
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