Colorado Avalanche Defenseman Josh Manson Collides With Ref, Who Gets Taken to Hospital

Manson not penalized on the play

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson collided with referee Steve Kozari late in the third period of Colorado's 6-3 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday night. Kozari was taken off the ice on a stretcher and transported to a local hospital.

Kozari conscious and moving extremities

There was no immediate update on Kozari's condition, but he was conscious and moving his extremities as he was taken off the ice.

Manson not penalized on the play

Manson was not penalized on the play. The NHL Department of Player Safety will likely review the play to determine if any further discipline is warranted.

Similar incident in 2021

In a similar incident in 2021, then-Toronto Maple Leafs forward Jason Spezza was suspended six games for boarding an official.

NHL takes player safety seriously

The NHL takes player safety very seriously, and any hit on an official is likely to be met with a significant suspension.