National Hockey League referee Chris Rooney is reportedly optimistic about returning to officiate in the ongoing Stanley Cup playoffs. He sustained a black eye during a high-sticking incident in Game 7 of the series between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Florida Panthers. According to various reports, the injury is not expected to have long-term effects.
The concerning moment occurred early in the second period on Sunday when Rooney was accidentally struck in the face by the stick of Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola, who was attempting to play the puck along the boards. The referee immediately went down, and players quickly signaled for medical assistance as blood became visible.
Rooney remained on the ice briefly receiving attention from trainers. When he eventually left the ice, using a towel to staunch the bleeding, significant blood was visible on the ice surface and boards where he had been hit.
Rooney was able to skate off the rink under his own power. He received stitches for a cut above his eye, according to the television broadcast covering the game. With Rooney unable to continue, fellow referee Garrett Rank stepped in to complete officiating duties for the remainder of the contest.
Rinkside commentator Brian Boucher reported that Mikkola expressed surprise upon learning his stick was responsible for the high contact with Rooney. After Rooney`s departure, the ice crew took a few minutes to scrape and clean the blood from the playing surface before play resumed.
