Referee Chris Rooney was injured during the second period of Saturday night’s game between the Colorado Avalanche and the Columbus Blue Jackets. He was not able to return to the game.
The injury occurred with 18:18 to play in the second period. Avalanche defenseman Nick Holden fired a dump-in from just inside the blueline that caught Rooney on the leg. Rooney fell to the ice in obvious pain before being helped off the ice by the remaining officials.
Referee Kelly Sutherland completed the game as the lone referee. Linesmen were Derek Amell and Shandor Alphonso.
This is the second significant injury for Rooney this season. He suffered broken fingers during in a game between the Leafs and Bruins in October.
Update
According to Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch, Rooney could be back on the ice sooner than originally expected:
#NHL says referee Chris Rooney – struck by a puck early in 2nd period Saturday – could be back to work later this week. More tests Monday.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) March 8, 2015
