Referee Furman South left Saturday’s game between the Ottawa Senators and Chicago Blackhawks after he was hit in the face with the puck.
South was caught by a shot from Chicago’s Boris Katchouk that missed the net. Instead, the puck hit South – positioned in the far corner – up high. The referee fell to the ice, bleeding heavily from a cut. South received help from the medical trainer, but was able to skate off the ice for repairs.
The game continued with Michael Markovic as the lone referee in a three-man crew with linesmen Travis Gawryletz and Kiel Murchison.
This is not the first time South has left a game this season due to injury. He’s been hit from behind by Seattle Kraken’s Eeli Tolvanen. He’s been clipped with a high stick on a faceoff by Dallas Stars’ captain Jamie Benn.
South, ever the trooper, returned for the second period.
The Chicago Blackhawks went on to defeat the Ottawa Senators 3-2. Referees for the game were Furman South (#13) and Michael Markovic (#31), with linespersons Travis Gawryletz (#67) and Kiel Murchison (#79)
