Columbus Blue Jackets forward Cam Atkinson had a very terrifying run-in with Ryan Kesler’s skate during Friday night’s game in Anaheim. Atkinson appeared to be cut when Kesler’s skate came up and ran across his face, opening up a laceration that caused the 25-year old Columbus winger to start bleeding on the ice.
Fortunately, referees recognized the gravity of the situation and stopped play immediately so Atkinson could receive medical attention. He was quickly tended to and brought to the locker room for further care.
This is the second scary skate-to-the-face situation in the NHL already this season; Jason Zucker narrowly avoided being seriously cut during a game last week.
Update: Fortunately, Atkinson apparently escaped without any damage being done to his actual eye. Thank goodness. Looking at how close it was, it could have been much, much worse.
Told #CBJ Cam Atkinson did not sustain any damage to right eye. Cut was below eye.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) October 25, 2014
Update x2: Atkinson has tweeted out a photo of his eye and, woof, it’s not pretty. Thank God he’s okay.
