NHL referee Chris Rooney is apparently looking to get back on the ice after getting a high stick to the eye during a game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers. The incident occurred in Game 7 of the second-round Eastern Conference playoff series on Sunday night, leaving Rooney with a nasty black eye. Sources have confirmed that there was no long-term damage, with TSN being the first to report on Rooney’s condition the day after the game.
Rooney got injured just 13 seconds into the second period when Panthers’ defenseman Niko Mikkola accidentally hit him with the end of his stick while battling for the puck. The poor referee was down on the ice before being helped by trainers from both teams. A stretcher was brought out, but luckily, Rooney was able to leave the ice on his own two feet, albeit with a bloody face. He had to get some stitches for his injury and had to sit out the rest of the game, being replaced by Garrett Rank who was on standby just in case something like this happened. The East finals are set to begin on Tuesday as the Carolina Hurricanes host the Panthers, with Rooney hopefully being able to return to action soon.
Not really sure why this matters, but it seems like Rooney is a tough cookie, taking a stick to the eye and still wanting to get back out there on the ice. Maybe it’s just me, but I feel like hockey referees have one of the toughest jobs out there, constantly in the line of fire and risking injury every time they step onto the rink. Hopefully, Rooney’s recovery goes smoothly and he can get back to doing what he loves soon.
