NHL Referee Knocked Unconscious After Colliding With Player During Penguins-Lightning Game

A scary scene unfolded on the ice during the Pittsburgh Penguins game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

With just under 14 minutes to play in the third period, the Penguins were attempting to clear the puck out of their defensive zone when officials blew the play dead because of an incident away from the play. 

Referee Steve Kozari and Lightning defenseman Haydn Fleury inadvertently collided at center ice, sending both men to the ice. 

Kozari got the worst of it. He fell on his back, and his neck whiplashed and smacked the ice. Kozari laid motionless on the ice as medical staff from both teams rushed to his aid.

Here's one fan's recording of the collision on their television. Fair warning, it's not pleasant to watch.

Fleury left with a bloody nose and was declared out for the rest of the game soon after. Fortunately, Kozari regained consciousness rather quickly, and was placed on a stretcher.

Every player from both teams came over to salute the referee as medical staff wheeled him off the ice. The fans at PPG Paints Arena offered a round of applause to the injured official.

After the game, Penguins coach Mike Sullivan called the collision a "scary moment."

I don't think Steve had the ability to break his fall when he fell to the ice. We certainly hope he's going to be OK. That was a scary moment in the game," Sullivan said.

Fortunately, Kozari is expected to make a full recovery and has full control over all of his extremities. Hopefully he's back on the ice soon.

The game continued with just three officials. Despite a furious comeback from Tampa Bay, the Penguins held on to win 5-4.