Blue Jackets player collapses, period ends early as paramedics come out

Moments ago, a scary scene unfolded in a game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Toronto Maple Leafs. Few details are known at this time, but judging by the reaction of the players, it doesn't look good.

Blue Jackets forward Sean Kuraly went to engage in a board battle behind the Leafs net, and took a hard body check between Auston Matthews and Jake McCabe. Just after that, he took a puck to the chest that was meant to be a clearing attempt. After that, Kuraly skated slowly to the bench, then collapsed in the tunnel.




As Blue Jackets players became aware that Kuraly had collapsed in the tunnel, they began immediately demanding that paramedics come to the ice right right away. Even the training staff was seen throwing towels on the ice. After the scary scene which clearly left both teams shaken up, the referees decided to end the period early.

The entire incident can be seen here:


Hopefully, Kuraly is okay and didn't suffer any serious freak injury. It's always difficult to see a player collapse like that within in the rink, and reminds us all that hockey is only a game.

UPDATE: According to an update from Hockey Night in Canada, reports are that Kuraly is okay.