NHL game halted as Jets star stretchered off to | Sports News

Tuesday evening’s NHL matchup between the Winnipeg Jets and the Vegas Golden Knights got here to an abrupt stop after Jets defenseman Haydn Fleury crashed violently into the boards and had to be stretchered off the ice.

Fleury went back-first into the boards after contact from Golden Knights winger Keegan Kolesar, remaining down as medical workers instantly rushed onto the ice. An EMS stretcher was introduced to middle ice as gamers from each groups stood frozen, watching in silence from the Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg.

The Jets later confirmed Fleury was transported to the hospital by ambulance and, importantly, was absolutely alert and shifting his extremities when he left the rink. Rotowire reported that Jets’ defensive star is ‘day to day’ following the announcement of subsequent yr’s Winter Classic in opposition to the Montreal Canadiens, after this yr’s occasion controversy. 

“Winnipeg Jets defenceman Haydn Fleury has been transported to the hospital via ambulance,” the group introduced. “He was absolutely alert and shifting his extremities upon departure.”

The collision instantly shifted the tone of the night. As play eventually resumed, Jets captain Adam Lowry dropped the gloves with Kolesar in a reactionary fight. Fans were torn after replays of the footage surfaced online, with some suggesting that the rough part of the injury was self-inflicted.

“I get Lowry feels the need to do one thing, nevertheless it’s laborious to blame Kolesar there,” one fan wrote. “Kind of appears to be like like Fleury knees himself within the face.” Others saw it very differently and with a passion that pleaded for Kolesar’s suspension.

“That’s a —-ed up hit,” another fan posted, while a third added, “God —- that is a profession ender. That’s horrible. Prayers up to him and his household.” Several Golden Knights fans defended Kolesar, saying he made a routine play. Others highlighted his reputation and past incidents, citing rising penalty minutes each season.

Fleury’s momentum was already carrying him backward when contact occurred, leaving him vulnerable and with no chance to brace. Kolesar did appear to give Fleury a brief pat as he was escorted past the Vegas bench in a moment some read as a sign of sportsmanship.

The 29-year-old has already endured a difficult season, including multiple stints in concussion protocol and 17 games missed earlier this year. In July, Fleury signed a two-year extension worth around $2 million to remain with Winnipeg.

Before signing the deal, Fleury was hopeful to remain with the team despite dealing with a lower back injury. His primary reason was to show his children how sports can have a positive impact on the community.

“Being in a position to play in a metropolis the place hockey issues for me is big,” he said. “And simply to give you the chance to show my children how a lot a sport can do for a group is one thing that I’m actually proud that I acquired a show my son this yr.”