Seattle Kraken forward Eeli Tolvanen hit referee Furman South from behind during Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Kings.
The Kraken were on the powerplay, tied 1-1, midway through the second period. Kings defenseman Mikey Anderson corralled the puck along the boards as Tolvanen moved in to deliver a check. While South successfully dodged the play along the boards, he ended up right in Tolvanen’s path.
The Seattle forward pulled up and attempted to minimize contact as he collided with the official, but was unable to avoid driving him into the boards.
South was shaken up on the play but remained in the game.
The Pennsylvania native is working his 289th regular season game, having made his National Hockey League debut in 2017. South played college hockey at Robert Morris University before making the jump to officiating. He was promoted to full-time official with the NHL prior to the 2021-22 season.
He’s had an unlucky run of injuries this season, catching a high stick on a faceoff a few weeks back.
Referees for the game were Furman South (#13) and Brian Pochmara (#16) with linesmen Kiel Murchison (#79) and Joe Mahon (#89).
Referee Furman South Injured on Faceoff at Jackets vs. Stars
(Stick-tap to Nick Havens for the heads up on this play)
