Chris Rooney bleeds after stick hits face in Game 7; NHL referee injury raises safety concerns

In the pressure-packed intensity of a Game 7 playoff showdown, every second counts but rarely do we hear about the officials themselves becoming casualties of the fierce competition. Yet, that’s exactly what happened during the nail-biting clash between the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs, when veteran NHL referee Chris Rooney was unexpectedly struck in the face by a player’s stick. This moment not only interrupted the game but raised uncomfortable questions about safety and preparedness in the NHL.


Chris Rooney’s Game 7 injury highlights growing concern over NHL referee safety

Horrible scene in Toronto: NHL ref Chris Rooney had to leave Panthers-Maple Leafs Game 7 after taking a stick to the face along the boards.

"You just hope that the eye is not damaged." pic.twitter.com/9aPkDNhyfi

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 19, 2025

The incident unfolded early in the second period when Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola attempted a routine puck clearance off the glass. What should have been a simple play turned dangerous when the follow-through of Mikkola’s stick caught Rooney squarely in the face near his eye. The referee collapsed to the ice in visible pain, quickly drawing trainers from both teams onto the rink and halting the game’s momentum.


While the introduction of a stretcher might have suggested a severe injury, Rooney’s resilience shone through. After several tense minutes, he stood with assistance, clutching a towel to staunch the bleeding. Still, the sight of blood on the ice and the interruption of a crucial playoff game was jarring for fans and players alike.


Rooney’s career spanning more than two decades and 1,500 NHL games has seen him officiate seven Stanley Cup finals, including last year’s championship featuring the Panthers themselves. Yet, even this veteran was vulnerable in a fast-moving, unpredictable sport.


Rooney’s injury puts NHL referee protection in question



The league quickly replaced Rooney with standby official Garrett Rank, who seamlessly stepped in. Rank, with over 600 regular-season and 24 playoff games under his belt, is no stranger to pressure-filled moments. His calm substitution underscored the NHL’s preparedness for emergencies but also highlighted the rare and risky reality that officials face on the ice.

Wes McCauley also stepped in earlier this series, highlighting a growing concern — how safe are NHL referees on the ice? NHL officials regularly navigate high-speed action, flying pucks, and physical collisions, all while maintaining control of the game. Yet their safety often goes overlooked, despite their essential role in playoff and regular-season matchups.

Also Read: Brad Marchand breaks NHL record, hands Maple Leafs another heartbreak in Game 7

While players get the spotlight, officials face real risks with little protection. Chris Rooney’s Game 7 injury is a wake-up call. It’s time the NHL prioritizes referee safety before another serious incident forces the issue. These unsung guardians are just as vital to the game as the stars they oversee.