Chris Rooney on the Mend After Scary Injury in Game 7
In a startling incident during Game 7 of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Sunday night, referee Chris Rooney sustained a serious injury after being struck in the face by Florida Panthers’ Niko Mikkola’s stick. The incident occurred just 13 seconds into the second period at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena, leaving Rooney bloodied and doubled over on the ice.
Immediately attended by the training staff from both teams, Rooney was seen with a towel covering his face as a stretcher was brought onto the ice. After several tense minutes, he managed to exit under his own power, before receiving further evaluation and stitches in the locker room. Unfortunately, he did not return to the game, which concluded with the Panthers defeating the Maple Leafs 6-1.
Following the incident, reports quickly emerged regarding Rooney’s condition. Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic provided an update via social media, revealing that while Rooney is dealing with a black eye, there is fortunately no permanent eye damage. “Good news it wasn’t worse,” LeBrun tweeted.
Rooney, a South Boston native, has been officiating in the NHL since 2000 and made history as the first American referee to reach 1,500 career games in January 2025. His quick recovery is anticipated, with hopes that he can return to the ice later in the current playoff round.
In Rooney’s absence, fellow referee Garrett Rank stepped in, as the NHL ensures standby officials are available for critical postseason matches. The incident highlights the inherent dangers faced by referees, who play an essential role in maintaining the integrity and safety of the game.
As Rooney heals, the focus remains on the ongoing playoff series, with fans eagerly awaiting updates on his return.
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