A National Hockey League clash between the Winnipeg Jets and the Vegas Golden Knights was brought to a shocking and sudden stop on Tuesday night following a severe injury to Jets defenceman Haydn Fleury.
A Terrifying Collision Stops Play
The alarming incident unfolded during the first period of the game at the Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Fleury collided with Vegas Golden Knights forward Keegan Kolesar, receiving a check to the chest that sent him hurtling across the ice.
Broadcast footage captured the distressing moment Fleury smashed head-first into the boards before collapsing to the ice in visible agony. Medical personnel rushed to attend to the 27-year-old player as concerned teammates looked on.
Stretchered Off and Rushed to Hospital
After being carefully loaded onto a stretcher, Fleury was transported from the ice and later taken to a local hospital via ambulance for further assessment and treatment. Reports from the scene indicated a positive initial sign: Fleury was said to be 'fully alert' and 'moving his extremities' as the ambulance departed the arena.
The Jets defenceman, who has played 47 games for the team, has had a notable career, making the sight of his injury all the more concerning for fans and fellow players alike.
On-Ice Tensions and Fan Reaction
Play eventually resumed, but tensions remained high. Shortly after the restart, Golden Knights player Keegan Kolesar engaged in a fight with Jets captain Adam Lowry, which appeared to be a direct response to the earlier incident. Lowry landed a significant punch before officials intervened.
While the two players later conversed calmly in the penalty box, social media reaction was less forgiving. Fans expressed their horror and concern for Fleury's wellbeing.
One supporter wrote on X, formerly Twitter: 'God damn that’s a career ender. That’s terrible. Prayers up to him and his family.' Another demanded action, stating: 'Kolesar should be fined and suspended without pay until Fleury comes back to the lineup.' A third echoed a sentiment felt by many: 'Just awful. No matter the team, I hate seeing a player leaving the ice on a stretcher. I hope he’s going to be ok.'
Following the dramatic and concerning events, the Vegas Golden Knights secured a 4-3 victory in overtime.
