Hockey Player Throat Cut By Skate
On March 30, 1989, Clint Malarchuk, a professional hockey player for the Buffalo Sabres, experienced one of the worst injuries in the history of the sport. While playing against the St. Louis Blues, a player accidentally skated across his neck, causing a deep cut in his jugular vein. The incident left Malarchuk bleeding profusely on the ice, and the sight of it was so disturbing that many fans in attendance had to leave the arena.
How It Happened
The incident occurred during the game's third period. St. Louis's Steve Tuttle and Buffalo's Uwe Krupp collided, and Tuttle's skate caught Malarchuk's neck on the follow-through. Malarchuk immediately grabbed his neck and skated to the bench, where team trainer Jim Pizzutelli administered quick first aid. Pizzutelli applied pressure to Malarchuk's neck to prevent him from bleeding out and then radioed for an ambulance before rushing Malarchuk into the locker room.
The Aftermath
Malarchuk suffered a traumatic injury that required 300 stitches and left him with a permanent scar. Despite the severity of the injury, the goalie was back on the ice a little over a week later. However, he continued to experience nightmares and anxiety related to the incident.
After retiring from hockey in 1992, Malarchuk became a professional horse trainer. However, he continued to struggle with mental health issues related to the incident, including depression and suicidal thoughts. Malarchuk has since become an advocate for mental health and has spoken publicly about his experiences.
Changes in Hockey Safety
Malarchuk's injury led to changes in hockey safety protocols. The NHL mandated the installation of protective netting in arenas to protect spectators from flying pucks. The league also required all players to wear neck guards, which are made of strong ballistic fibers that can minimize cuts from skates, sticks or pucks. Additionally, the NHL introduced protocols and guidelines for dealing with medical emergencies on the ice, ensuring that there are always qualified medical personnel in attendance during games.
Conclusion
Malarchuk's injury is a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with playing professional hockey. However, the changes made after his injury have helped make the sport safer for everyone involved. Malarchuk's advocacy for mental health has also helped remove the stigma surrounding mental health issues and encouraged others to seek help when needed.
