NHL referee Mitch Dunning was removed from the ice on a stretcher during a frightening incident in Monday’s game between the Colorado Avalanche and the Philadelphia Flyers.

While skating backward, Dunning collided with Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson, who was charging into the play. It appeared that Manson struck him in the back, causing Dunning to spin and fall.

Medical staff rushed to Dunning’s side as he lay still on the ice and eventually called for a stretcher to assist him.

The NHL released a statement indicating that Dunning was taken to a hospital as a precaution.

“All neurological signs are normal, he is fully communicative and able to move all his limbs,” stated the league.

The remainder of the game continued with just one referee and two linesmen.

Dunning made his NHL debut in March 2019 and has officiated 232 games as a referee and five as a linesman leading up to the 2024-25 season. He has served as a full-time official in the NHL since 2022.