NHL referee Kelly Sutherland was injured during Saturday’s game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Colorado Avalanche.
The veteran referee was caught by a high stick from Colorado’s Cale Makar. As Makar drove to the net, he was tripped up by the sticks of Tampa goaltender Andrei Vasileskiy and defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk. The Colorado rookie slid headfirst towards the boards, where he collided with Sutherland. Makar’s stick caught the referee in the face.
Play stopped with Sutherland down in the corner. After a brief on-ice evaluation by the Tampa medical team, Sutherland was helped off the ice. He did not return.
The remainder of the game was officiated by referee Peter MacDougall (#38) with linesmen Matt MacPherson (#83) and Kory Nagy (#97).
Sutherland, 48, is in his 20th NHL season, having made his National Hockey League debut on December 19, 2000. The Richmond, British Columbia, native has officiated 167 playoff games including five trips to the Stanley Cup Final.
No word on whether Sutherland is expected to miss any time due to his injuries.
Avs defenseman Cale Makar catches referee Kelly Sutherland with a high stick during Saturday’s game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Colorado Avalanche.
Interestingly, this is the second time in three games that the Avalanche have found themselves playing with a shorthanded officiating crew.
Linesman Michel Cormier left the Avs’ game against the Pittsburgh Penguins after he caught his skate and crashed awkwardly into the boards. No update has been provided on Cormier’s condition.
