St. Louis Blues Provide Important Update On Health Status Of Dylan Holloway After Injury Scare

St. Louis Blues forward Dylan Holloway had to live through a very terrifying moment on Tuesday night when he was struck in the throat area by a deflected puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Joining concerned fans, teammates sent out prayers in hopes of an update on Holloway's health condition onto the ice during the short stop of play.

Less than two minutes remained in the first period when a shot from Nick Paul of the Tampa Bay Lightning, with the puck being deflected first off the stick of Blues teammate Jordan Kyrou, caromed into an unprotected area of Holloway slightly above his shoulder pad and near his neck. The young forward was visibly incensed from the blow but still managed to finish out his shift and clear the puck after he went back to the bench.

Holloway was OK while sitting on the bench, but his condition rapidly declined. Head athletic trainer Ray Barile and his staff instantly tended to Holloway after teammate Alexey Toropchenko quickly waved for the training staff. In his plus three decades of NHL experience, Barile has worked through a plethora of stressful moments, including cardiac emergencies involving former Blues players Jay Bouwmeester and Chris Pronger.

It was, therefore, a huge relief to his team and supporters when reports later confirmed that Holloway was stable, conscious, and breathing normally. His parents, who were in attendance at the game, accompanied him to the hospital, where he underwent tests to rule out neck swelling or any other complications. He was closely monitored by doctors to check his condition did not deteriorate.

The 23-year-old has already established himself as a valued member of the Blues, with six points in his first 12 games of the season. But even he conceded the incident really shook him; his fortitude on the ice shows his potential and resolve, thus giving supporters hope he is going in the right direction with the squad.