Photo credit: NHL.com

During the Pittsburgh Penguins and Tampa Bay Lightning game, an official had to be stretchered off the ice, after defenseman Haydn Fleury crashed into him.

Referee Steve Kozari was hit in the Neutral Zone by Haydn Fleury who wasn’t paying attention.

The hit was accidental as it happened within seconds, as Fleury violently smashed into Kozari.

Kozari would then drop onto the ice, with his head taking punishment on the ice afterward, as it bounced up and down.

He would have to be stretchered off of the ice and was unconscious as a result of the hit.

Here’s How the hit occurred:

“Video of referee Steve Kozari grabbing linesman Kyle Flemington’s hand while being stretchered off after an accidental, violent collision with Haydn Fleury. (Fleury went to the room.) Hope everyone will be okay.”

Players of both teams would make a gesture of support for Kozari and ensure respect for Kozari and his fellow referees.

This was a scary hit and for now, there are no updates on Kozari’s status.