Referee Dunning Injured: Stretchered Off Ice During Avalanche vs Flyers Match

PHILADELPHIA – Referee Mitch Dunning was injured during a game between the Colorado Avalanche and Philadelphia Flyers on Monday. He collided with Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson during the first period. Dunning was removed from the ice on a stretcher and taken to the hospital for precautionary checks.

Medical evaluations showed that Dunning’s neurological signs were normal. He is fully communicative and can move all his limbs. Flyers coach John Tortorella expressed concern initially but confirmed that Dunning seemed to be okay.

The incident occurred in the neutral zone while Manson was trying to join a play. Medical staff attended to Dunning, stopping the game with 13:37 left in the period. Players from both teams showed concern for the referee as he left the ice.

The game proceeded with one referee and two linesmen after Dunning’s departure. Avalanche player Cale Makar commented on the incident, stating he had not seen the collision but hoped Dunning was alright. He noted the seriousness of such accidents and expressed concern for Dunning’s health.

Mitch Dunning is 32 years old and in his seventh NHL season. He debuted on March 28, 2019. Before officiating, he played two seasons in junior hockey in Canada as a defenseman in the Ontario Hockey League for Sarnia and Windsor.