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Scary scene in Philadelphia as NHL referee is stretchered off the ice during Avalanche and Flyers game

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Tyler Ball
November 18, 2024  (8:29 PM)
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Tonight a terrifying moment has occurred during the Colorado Avalanche and Philadelphia Flyers game as veteran NHL referee Mitch Dunning has suffered a major injury.

The NHL can be a dangerous sport not only for the players on the ice but for the referees involved in the game as well.

Tonight this was unfortunately the case as NHL referee Mitch Dunning collided with Colorado Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson and fell to the ice.

Immediately medical personnel would come on to the ice and attend to Mitch Dunning who remained bent over in very serious pain.

After being evaluated by medical personnel on the ice it was determined that the referee would need to be placed on a stretcher.

Reports would come out within the next few minutes that Mitch Dunning suffered a back injury and was being transported to a local hospital for further medical attention and evaluation.

As Mitch Dunning was being transported off of the ice Josh Manson came over to check on him and gave him a tap of support and concern.

A situation like this is always unfortunate and truly scary especially when it involves a referee who no one expects to usually get caught up in collisions like this.

Before becoming a referee Mitch Dunning was a defenseman in the OHL for the Windsor Spitfires playing for the team during the 2009-10 season.

After his playing career was done he decided to become a referee and spoke about the process that led him there including injuries during his playing days.

«I ran into some injury trouble,» Mitch explains. «I had some issues with my right and left knees. I required two ACL reconstructions in three years. Which pretty much sealed the deal in terms of my professional hockey career! I was sidelined for an entire year.»

Well, I don't think many young hockey players envision themselves as an official,» Mitch laughs. «Obviously, you grow up viewing them as the guys that throw you in the penalty box. So, you never really think of yourself as following that route. But, for me, it was a very organic process. It's something I really took to. I really love it.»

Hopefully, after being evaluated good news comes back from the hospital and doctors taking care of Mitch Dunning.

As he continues to be evaluated and looked after we wish Mitch Dunning, his family, and his friends all the best as they navigate such a scary moment.

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