It's Happened Again!!! Hockey Life threatening neck injury!

[Flasch186]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news?slug=ap-panthers-zednikcut&prov=ap&type=lgns



Panthers' Zednik cut along neck by teammates skate
By JOHN WAWROW, AP Sports Writer
February 10, 2008

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) -- Panthers forward Richard Zednik had blood gushing from a deep cut on the right side of his neck after being struck by a teammate's skate during the third period of Florida's game against Buffalo on Sunday night.

Zednik was behind the play and skating into the right corner of the Sabres' zone, when teammate Olli Jokinen was upended by Sabres defenseman Brian Campbell. Jokinen fell head-first to the ice, and his right leg flew up and struck Zednik directly on the side of the neck.

Clutching his neck, Zednik immediately raced to the Florida bench, leaving a long trail of blood. A Sabres trainer jumped on the ice to apply a towel across the player's neck, and Zednik was immediately escorted to the Panthers' dressing room.

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Players and coaches on both benches looked on in shock, and a silent hush fell over the crowd at HSBC Arena. The game was delayed for more than 15 minutes as crews scraped the blood from the ice.

"Richard Zednik is in stable condition and on his way to a Buffalo hospital," was the announcement over the loudspeaker.

The crowd stood in applause during the announcement.

Prior to resuming the game, referee Bill McCreary and Panthers coach Jacques Martin consulted in the tunnel outside the Panthers' dressing room.

Sabres general manager Darcy Regier was also spotted talking with NHL vice president Colin Campbell. Campbell, the league's director of hockey operations, attended the game in part because his son, Gregory Campbell, plays for the Panthers.

the original injury to the Goalie (Malarchuk) where he almost died on the ice VERY GORY:

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and this one to Zednik:

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[Chief Rum]

Germans bombed Pearl Harbor!

(sorry, us NHLers have been all over this in "our" thread for a bit now, not that another thread hurts...)

He is listed in stable condition right now.

[Flasch186]

definitely doesnt need to be buried in that thread. It's bigger than that thread and probably the current state of that sport ;)

[JonInMiddleGA]

It's bigger than that thread and probably the current state of that sport

Umm ... you might want to let ESPN know that then

# No. 3 UNC needs 2 overtimes to outlast Clemson
# Waxman: Hardin 'attempt to intimidate' a concern
# Washington shakes off losses, shocks No. 4 UCLA
# 'Sheed gets nod to replace KG in All-Star Game
# Owens, Peterson key NFC's Pro Bowl comeback
# Professors refute Clemens' stats analysis | Munson
# Panthers F Zednik slashed in neck by skate | ESPN Video
# White, Gordon guide No. 13 Indiana by Ohio State
# Malkin's 4-point game sends Pens past Flyers | ESPN Video

[Flasch186]

Umm ... you might want to let ESPN know that then

# No. 3 UNC needs 2 overtimes to outlast Clemson
# Waxman: Hardin 'attempt to intimidate' a concern
# Washington shakes off losses, shocks No. 4 UCLA
# 'Sheed gets nod to replace KG in All-Star Game
# Owens, Peterson key NFC's Pro Bowl comeback
# Professors refute Clemens' stats analysis | Munson
# Panthers F Zednik slashed in neck by skate | ESPN Video
# White, Gordon guide No. 13 Indiana by Ohio State
# Malkin's 4-point game sends Pens past Flyers | ESPN Video

What time are the games on ESPN?

[markprior22]

Given "the current state of that sport" it's probably listed about right.

[Maple Leafs]

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[johnnyshaka]

We had an incident at my weekly "shinny" game last week as one of the guys caught an edge near the goal line and hit his head on the boards rather awkwardly. Long story short...one of the guys is a trainer for the paramedics and took control of the situation. The injured guy complained of tingling in his fingers and at that moment an ambulance was called. I heard later on that night that they thought he had spinal cord damage. A couple of days later I had heard that he was home but still has the tingling issues. Hopefully he's fine in a few days.

Obviously not as traumatic as seeing copious amounts of blood squirting out but seeing a buddy laying motionless complaining about "tingling" after seeing him hit the boards the way he did was disturbing.

[Maple Leafs]

I stand by my previous claim that somebody will die during an NHL game in the next few years. I still think it will be a puck to the head/throat, but the game is incredibly dangerous right now.

[Flasch186]

I stand by my previous claim that somebody will die during an NHL game in the next few years. I still think it will be a puck to the head/throat, but the game is incredibly dangerous right now.

When i was a fan (before all of the strikes and lockouts completely helped me lose touch) I remember seeing Chris Pronger take that shot under his arm and his heart skipped a beat causing him to pass out. That was crazy.

[Logan]

I stand by my previous claim that somebody will die during an NHL game in the next few years. I still think it will be a puck to the head/throat, but the game is incredibly dangerous right now.

Just out of curiosity, why is the game more dangerous now than before?

[RainMaker]

Is there any kind of equipment that a player could use to protect that area during a game? I know this is rare, but I wonder if this happens at all in hockey games at lower levels. Seems like something that would kill you if it happened at a high school game with little or no medical staff there.

[johnnyshaka]

With the composite sticks guys can shoot much harder now with much less control...actually saw Cleary get a snapshot in the face yesterday and thankfully for him it was a snapshot and not a slapshot.

[johnnyshaka]

Is there any kind of equipment that a player could use to protect that area during a game? I know this is rare, but I wonder if this happens at all in hockey games at lower levels. Seems like something that would kill you if it happened at a high school game with little or no medical staff there.

All the way up to major junior hockey in Canada, neckguards are manditory. If it falls off during a shift you are required to get off the ice ASAP or else be penalized. Not sure what the regulations are like around the world.

[johnnyshaka]

Is there any kind of equipment that a player could use to protect that area during a game? I know this is rare, but I wonder if this happens at all in hockey games at lower levels. Seems like something that would kill you if it happened at a high school game with little or no medical staff there.

http://www.hockeymonkey.com/neckguards.html

[Maple Leafs]

Just out of curiosity, why is the game more dangerous now than before?
The players are bigger, stronger and faster. Players used to play long shifts, gliding around for most of their ice time. Now we have giant players who play 40-second shifts at full speed, wearing oversized equipment that's more like a weapon than protection. That doesn't really impact the odds of a freak skate-to-neck injury, of course, but it makes things more dangerous everywhere else.

When you add in those ridiculous composite sticks that everyone uses to get a few extra mph on their slapshots, something terrible is going to happen, and soon.

[oliegirl]

All the way up to major junior hockey in Canada, neckguards are manditory. If it falls off during a shift you are required to get off the ice ASAP or else be penalized. Not sure what the regulations are like around the world.

I'm not a hockey fan, I've been a few games and really enjoy it, but it's just not something I've gotten really into yet...but I had this same thought when I first saw the video. I hope they make this type of protective equipment mandatory in the NHL soon...they are so protected everywhere else but their necks are just totally uncovered. I hope it doesn't take someone bleeding to death on the ice to make this part of the uniform.

I hope Zednik is OK.

[johnnyshaka]

I'm not a hockey fan, I've been a few games and really enjoy it, but it's just not something I've gotten really into yet...but I had this same thought when I first saw the video. I hope they make this type of protective equipment mandatory in the NHL soon...they are so protected everywhere else but their necks are just totally uncovered. I hope it doesn't take someone bleeding to death on the ice to make this part of the uniform.

I hope Zednik is OK.

Whether you know or not, a similar incident occurred 20 years ago to a goalie and that prompted neck guards being manditory for all goalies in the NHL. Whether this has the same effect for players, we'll see.

Unfortunately, freak accidents happen and no matter how many precautions you take, crappy stuff is going to happen. For example, coaches and trainers on the bench are putting themselves at huge risk standing up there without an ounce of protection. As hard as guys shoot the puck now all it takes is a deflection up into the bench and an unsuspecting coach could be knocked out cold or worse from an errant shot or pass.

[Galaxy]

Good news: He is out of surgery, and it was successful. He is now resting in comfort in his hospital bed.

[Maple Leafs]

Good news: He is out of surgery, and it was successful. He is now resting in comfort in his hospital bed.
Can you guys let me know when he's officially 100% out of the woods? I need to know when I can start making fun of this.

[RainMaker]

All the way up to major junior hockey in Canada, neckguards are manditory. If it falls off during a shift you are required to get off the ice ASAP or else be penalized. Not sure what the regulations are like around the world.
Thanks! I figured there was something they wore.

Do you think that it will ever become mandatory in the NHL? You'd just hate to see a death before they went ahead and forced people to wear it.

[DeToxRox]

Thanks! I figured there was something they wore.

Do you think that it will ever become mandatory in the NHL? You'd just hate to see a death before they went ahead and forced people to wear it.

About around the same time full shields are required, sadly.

[Galaxy]

Is the Youtube video down (from the site)? Can you post a link?

[Galaxy]

Oddly enough, a guy got drilled in the back of the head with a puck (right between the helmet and the top of the jersey/pads earlier in the game. He was down in front the net facing the goalie (I think he was falling or diving, I can't remember exactly).

[Scholes]

I've played hockey my whole life and I, personally wouldn't wear a neck guard. Just way too hot and uncomfortable. Although I just did get a half-shield and had previously said that I wouldn't wear one of those a few years ago, so maybe I'll come around eventually.

Here in Minnesota, some youth associations have them mandatory and some do not. I manage a hockey store and we really don't sell that many. We sell many more wrist slash (and when I say 'slash', I mean with a stick) guards, which is like a wrist band with plastic inserts and a totally optional piece of equipment, than neck guards.

[Maple Leafs]

http://bp2.blogger.com/_S9kExALA9CI/R6_USG5l-QI/AAAAAAAAAWg/0f45GxXeh8g/s320/zednik_83025.jpg

One of the best photos of the year. Look at the fans' reactions.

[Icy]

It was in the TV news in Spain today, that is kinda macabre as it's the first time we see something hockey related here in the last 3 or 4 years (besides NHL games in a very niche paid satellite TV channel for USA sports).

I guess those neck shields and maybe extending the face visor down to cover the whole face would be a good idea to avoid that kind of neck damage by the skates or the puck.

Of course the player will refuse to wear it until it's a mandatory. Most of sportmen refuse to wear any kind of protections. It reminds me to cycling when nobody used helmet and those using it where thought as pussies, then it was mandatory after some severe head injuries and now it's weird to see a cyclist without one.

[oliegirl]

Whether you know or not, a similar incident occurred 20 years ago to a goalie and that prompted neck guards being manditory for all goalies in the NHL. Whether this has the same effect for players, we'll see.

Unfortunately, freak accidents happen and no matter how many precautions you take, crappy stuff is going to happen. For example, coaches and trainers on the bench are putting themselves at huge risk standing up there without an ounce of protection. As hard as guys shoot the puck now all it takes is a deflection up into the bench and an unsuspecting coach could be knocked out cold or worse from an errant shot or pass.

True. This just kind of reminds me of NASCAR when it took Earnhart being killed in the car to get them to install (and I think require) the in car restraint that prevents the kind of neck movement that could kill. It seems that when something like this happens more than once, and you are dealing with a major artery like in the neck or wrist, that they would want to do everything they could to protect the players and the league.

[johnnyshaka]

I've played hockey my whole life and I, personally wouldn't wear a neck guard. Just way too hot and uncomfortable. Although I just did get a half-shield and had previously said that I wouldn't wear one of those a few years ago, so maybe I'll come around eventually.

Here in Minnesota, some youth associations have them mandatory and some do not. I manage a hockey store and we really don't sell that many. We sell many more wrist slash (and when I say 'slash', I mean with a stick) guards, which is like a wrist band with plastic inserts and a totally optional piece of equipment, than neck guards.

Wow...minor hockey doesn't make it manditory down there...I'm surprised. I mean, my little brother used to play in the "Q" over 10 years ago and they were manditory then.

I agree with the comfort as I haven't worn one since my minor hockey days for that reason alone and probably won't bother despite seeing the Zednik highlights. But, I also don't wear shoulder pads despite my brother in law breaking his collarbone last year on a freak accident. Again, discomfort is the major reason why and also we're playing "shinny" with essentially the same group of guys so their isn't really much of that macho bullshit going on...for the most part. Not to mention that we play at West Edmonton Mall and it's like a sauna in there.

[Fidatelo]

No shoulder pads? Wow, even in my league, which is "non-contact", I wouldn't go without those. I don't find I even notice them once my jersey is on though. I find the elbow pads and gloves much more constricting.

[Maple Leafs]

Wow...

http://deadspin.com/assets/resources/2008/02/yowzaouchthere.jpg

[rkmsuf]

why can't they just wear roller skates?

big savings on ice maintenance

[johnnyshaka]

No shoulder pads? Wow, even in my league, which is "non-contact", I wouldn't go without those. I don't find I even notice them once my jersey is on though. I find the elbow pads and gloves much more constricting.

I don't play in a "league" anymore...if I did, I probably would be wearing shoulder pads because we all know there are still idiots out there who think beer leauge supremecy at all costs is something to be proud of. :rolleyes:

I strictly play "shinny" hockey now and have been doing so for the last 10-15 years. Usually the same group of guys every week and we just make teams on the fly and have some fun followed by beer and munchies...which is sometimes the best part of the night.

[Fidatelo]

That's the same as my 'league', just 30 or so guys split into two teams (although we keep the teams the same each week unless the numbers don't match up).

Still, even as it is, I wouldn't go sans shoulder pads. Too often guys will nudge or push with their sticks in front of the net or in the corners, and I'm not a fan of bruises. :)

[johnnyshaka]

That's the same as my 'league', just 30 or so guys split into two teams (although we keep the teams the same each week unless the numbers don't match up).

Still, even as it is, I wouldn't go sans shoulder pads. Too often guys will nudge or push with their sticks in front of the net or in the corners, and I'm not a fan of bruises. :)

There aren't many guys who go without shoulder pads in our group but I haven't used them in 15 years and haven't had an issue so I'm not about to change that. Maybe as I get older I just might change my tune, who knows.

As for the occassional crosscheck in front or in the corner...I play defense, so I'm usually the one dishing out the occasional bruise here and there. :)

[SFL Cat]

I don't play in a "league" anymore...if I did, I probably would be wearing shoulder pads because we all know there are still idiots out there who think beer leauge supremecy at all costs is something to be proud of. :rolleyes:

I strictly play "shinny" hockey now and have been doing so for the last 10-15 years. Usually the same group of guys every week and we just make teams on the fly and have some fun followed by beer and munchies...which is sometimes the best part of the night.

Your also describing 19th Century baseball my friend.

[johnnyshaka]

Your also describing 19th Century baseball my friend.

Then I guess I born a couple hundred years too late!!!

[FrogMan]

Your also describing 19th Century baseball my friend.

or 21st century softball for that matter ;)

FM

[Zelig]

That photo from Maple Leafs is creepy.

[mckerney]

Apparently not life threatening:

http://www.startribune.com/sports/wild/15533587.html

BUFFALO, N.Y. -Panthers forward Richard Zednik lost five units of blood, but doctors never considered his life in jeopardy after his carotid artery was nearly severed in a freak and frightening accident Sunday night.

Zednik underwent an hour of surgery and was listed in stable condition in the intensive care unit at Buffalo General Hospital on Monday.

Sabres orthopedic surgeon Les Bisson said "... I wouldn't say he was close to death. If you can stop the bleeding, then you have some time. ... I wouldn't say at any point, we're thinking, 'He's going to die now.'"

[Galaxy]

For those who haven't followed today:

He's upgraded to good condition from stable. He was moved out ICU in a private room. He could be released over the weekend.

He should be ready to go by next season, provided he has no setbacks or anything.

http://www.wgrz.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=55313

[Scholes]

Tonight in the Wild game Moreau and Gaborik collided, and Gaborik's skate kicked up and caught Moreau just above the eye. Moreau was fine, just a little cut. Freak accident, again, but jeez.

[johnnyshaka]

Tonight in the Wild game Moreau and Gaborik collided, and Gaborik's skate kicked up and caught Moreau just above the eye. Moreau was fine, just a little cut. Freak accident, again, but jeez.

Saw the highlight after my own game last night...wow. He was probably half an inch away from having his eyeball sliced open.

[Fidatelo]

How come Malarchuk was able to come back in 2 weeks but Zednik will be out until next year?

[RomaGoth]

I stand by my previous claim that somebody will die during an NHL game in the next few years. I still think it will be a puck to the head/throat, but the game is incredibly dangerous right now.

My senior year in high school I was hit in the neck by a puck at one of our practices. My entire left arm tingled for nearly 5 minutes. It was pretty scary.

On a side note, I was very concerned about my sex life at that moment as well. :eek:

[RomaGoth]

It was in the TV news in Spain today, that is kinda macabre as it's the first time we see something hockey related here in the last 3 or 4 years (besides NHL games in a very niche paid satellite TV channel for USA sports).

I guess those neck shields and maybe extending the face visor down to cover the whole face would be a good idea to avoid that kind of neck damage by the skates or the puck.

Of course the player will refuse to wear it until it's a mandatory. Most of sportmen refuse to wear any kind of protections. It reminds me to cycling when nobody used helmet and those using it where thought as pussies, then it was mandatory after some severe head injuries and now it's weird to see a cyclist without one.

The problem with neck shields and extended visors is that if they are unable to absorb a skate blade (which most of them are if they are made of plastic), the blade will deflect off the guard/shield and could possibly cut the player somewhere else. I live in Idaho, and yesterday I heard an interview on the radio with the Idaho Steelheads hockey coach. He said that a good idea is to make the neck guards mandatory for all players but to construct them of a material like Kevlar. This way the impact will be absorbed rather than deflected.

[RomaGoth]

the original injury to the Goalie (Malarchuk) where he almost died on the ice VERY GORY:
<object height="355" width="425"> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/oRq0BLnH9xY&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="355" width="425"></object> <object height="373" width="425"> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/O1xQM1LTGK0&rel=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="373" width="425"></object> Malarchuk was the head coach for the local hockey team here (Idaho Steelheads) a few years ago. He did a radio interview yesterday on the local sports station and was pretty upset about this injury to Zednik.

[Galaxy]

I do believe that Zednik and Malarchuk had different arteries (Zednik's was more severe) cut.