NHL referee Steve Kozari (40) lays on the ice after an accidental collision with Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Haydn Fleury (7) during the third period of the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena. Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

NHL referee removed on stretcher after terrifying collision

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated 4/6/24

An NHL referee had to be stretchered off the ice after briefly being knocked unconscious during Saturday’s game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Tampa Bay Lightning.

Referee Steve Kozari inadvertently collided with Lightning defenseman Haydn Fleury near center ice during the third period of Saturday’s game. Both were shaken up, but Kozari clearly took the worst of the impact, with his head snapping back and hitting the ice as he fell.

Players and officials immediately began signaling for medical assistance.

Referee Steve Kozari was injured in a collision during Saturday's game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Kozari was taken off the ice by medical personnel; no word on his condition. The game continued with three officials: https://t.co/vlIG6zVpED pic.twitter.com/beWTHDgpV0

— Scouting The Refs (@ScoutingTheRefs) April 6, 2024

ESPN’s Leah Hextall reported that Kozari briefly lost consciousness following the fall but regained it before being removed from the ice on a stretcher. While there was no update on Kozari’s condition, he moved his arms and legs as he was taken off the ice.

Referee Steve Kozari was taken off on a stretcher following a collision with Hayden Fleury pic.twitter.com/zimtfWvgLk

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 6, 2024

The game was ultimately finished with three officials instead of the usual four.

According to his official bio, Kozari has officiated NHL games since 2005 and was promoted full-time in 2007. He has worked 136 playoff games and four Stanley Cup Finals during his officiating career, including last year’s.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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