Linesman Kilian McNamara was caught up in a collision along the boards during Monday’s game between the Los Angeles Kings and Nashville Predators.
As Preds defenseman Marc Del Gaizo dumped the puck into the Los Angeles zone from center ice, he was hit into the boards by Kings winger Adrian Kempe. The two players bumped McNamara, who was unable to avoid the contact. The linesman was upended, falling to the ice.
The hit came with 14:39 remaining in the second period.
McNamara was shaken up on the play, but remained in the game. Had he been unable to continue, the game would’ve been officiated by two referees – Gord Dwyer and Cody Beach – with Tommy Hughes the lone linesman.
A native of Lake Worth, Florida, McNamara was hired by the NHL in 2021, making his debut as the Columbus Blue Jackets hosted the Dallas Stars on October 25, 2021. He was promoted to full-time the following season.
The Los Angeles Kings went on to win the game 3-0.
