NHL referee Reid Anderson was hit in the face with the puck on a clearing attempt by the Edmonton Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl.
Draisaitl fired the puck around the glass with 5:04 remaining in the third period of Saturday’s game, catching the official up high. Anderson was cut near his right eyebrow.
The Oilers forward was immediately concerned. As Edmonton’s Zach Hyman called for medical assistance, Draisaitl remained by the injured referee, appearing to apologize for hitting him with the puck.
“That’s just really an unlucky play. I obviously didn’t mean to hit him. I have nothing against him,” Draisaitl said after the game. “I hope he’s okay”
Anderson left the ice for medical attention and did not return to the game. The remaining five minutes was officiated by a three-man crew of referee Brian Pochmara (#16) and linesmen Brandon Gawryletz (#64) and Travis Gawryletz (#67).
The fifth-year referee reportedly received nine stitches to close the cut but was in “good spirits” per Mark Spector. No word on whether he’ll miss any time.
Anderson has officiated 90 NHL games. The Calgary native is currently splitting time between the AHL and NHL. He made his National Hockey League debut on March 21, 2018.
