NHL Referee Chris Rooney Hit by Stick, Eyes Playoff Return

NHL referee Chris Rooney was injured by a high stick to the face during Game 7 of the second-round series between the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs, resulting in a cut above his right eye and a black eye. Despite the severity of the injury, which caused significant bleeding and required stitches, Rooney is reported to be doing well with no permanent damage and hopes to return to officiating later in the Stanley Cup playoffs. He was immediately replaced by alternate referee Garrett Rank for the remainder of the game, which the Panthers won to advance to the Eastern Conference finals against the Carolina Hurricanes. Rooney, a veteran referee with over 170 playoff games and seven Stanley Cup Finals appearances, received medical attention promptly and left the ice under his own power. The hockey community expressed relief and support following the incident, with updates indicating Rooney’s potential return in time for the conference finals. The NHL playoffs continue with the Eastern and Western Conference finals starting shortly after Rooney's injury.