NHL Referee Chris Rooney Seeks Return to Playoffs
NHL referee Chris Rooney is hoping to resume his duties during the Stanley Cup playoffs after suffering a high stick to the eye during Game 7 of the Eastern Conference playoff series between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Florida Panthers.
Sources confirmed on Monday that Rooney suffered a black eye, but without permanent damage.
The incident occurred 13 seconds into the second period of Sunday’s game. Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola hit Rooney with his stick while they were battling for the puck.
Rooney fell on the ice and was attended to by the coaches of both teams.
Although a stretcher was prepared, the referee, with blood on his face, was able to leave the field on his own. Rooney received stitches and was ruled out for the rest of the match. Garrett Rank replaced him, being on reserve in case of a situation like Rooney’s.
The conference finals will begin on Tuesday, with the Carolina Hurricanes hosting the Panthers to open the Eastern Conference series.
