Colorado Avalanche coach Jared Bednar has been hospitalized after taking a puck to the face while standing behind the bench on Saturday, April 11.
In a freak accident, the puck came up off the ice, making contact with Bednar at the beginning of the third period. What was supposed to be a classic dump-in turned out to be a medical emergency for Bednar, who suffered facial fractures and a corneal abrasion. He was helped to the locker room by a trainer and later was taken to the hospital, according to the Associated Press.
According to the New York Post, Bednar underwent a full CT scan as part of an “advanced evaluation” at the hospital.
The Avs ended up losing the game 3-2 to the Las Vegas Golden Knights in overtime. Still, Colorado has the best record in the Central Division.
Jared Bednar Will Not Be Traveling With the Team on its Final Road Trip of the Season
On Sunday, April 12, an official update on Bednar was posted on the Avalanche’s official X account.
“Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar will not accompany the team on their upcoming two-game road trip due to facial fractures and a corneal abrasion. He will not require surgery at this time and is expected to make a full recovery,” the message read. “Avalanche assistant coaches Nolan Pratt and Dave Hakstol will coach the team in Edmonton and Calgary.”
A few fans reacted to the update, many wishing Bednar a speedy recovery.
“Tough situation for the team, but good to hear he’s expected to make a full recovery. Jared Bednar missing the road trip is a big change, but coaching depth with assistants stepping in keeps things stable for the Colorado Avalanche,” one person wrote.
“Wow, was at last night’s game and saw him escorted from the bench… Here’s to his complete, full and speedy recovery!!” someone else said.
Assistant Coach Nolan Pratt Spoke Out About the Injury
After the game, assistant coach Nolan Pratt called the incident “unnerving.”
“It’s scary when the pucks are flying in there,” Pratt said, according to the AP. “It happens all the time, and unfortunate tonight, so it takes a little second to sort of recalibrate and then get back to it.”
Bednar has coached the Avalanche since August 25, 2016. He led the team to their 2022 Stanley Cup Victory. This year marks his 10th season with the team.
Back in January, Bednar was ready for his team to lock-in.
“Our team has showed that they can respond to coaching on video and dialing in on the details of our game,” he said, according to the Denver Post. “They’ve done it all year, get focused and prepared to play. No question, the last couple games we haven’t done that for a full 60 the way we’d like to. But we’ve talked about a handful of things that we want to improve on that help us play to our identity, and we expect it to be implemented tomorrow.”
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