Referee Chris Rooney leaves Panthers-Maple Leafs recreation after being hit in face by stick – USA As we speak

The NHL needed to change referees in Game 7 of the Florida Panthers–Toronto Maple Leafs sequence due to an damage to Chris Rooney.
Rooney was harm 13 seconds into the second interval when he caught an errant stick from Niko Mikkola within the face. The Panthers defenseman was clearing a puck and by chance hit Rooney on his follow-through.
The referee’s helmet was knocked off and he fell to the ice, grabbing his face. He stayed down for minutes and a stretcher was introduced onto the ice.
Rooney finally obtained up and left the ice with help as a towel was held to his face. TNT reported within the third interval that Rooney wanted stitches above his eye and would not return to the sport.
TSN reported Monday that Rooney had a black eye and hopes to return in the course of the convention finals.
The NHL carries backup officers at video games and Garrett Rank took Rooney’s place.
The sport was scoreless on the time, however the Panthers scored three fast objectives afterward on the best way to a 6-1 win and third consecutive journey to the conference finals.
The USA TODAY app will get you to the center of the information — quick.Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

source