Canucks' Vasily Podkolzin taken to hospital after hitting head on ice during AHL game

Vancouver Canucks forward Vasily Podkolzin was taken to the hospital after landing on his head during a collision into the boards in an AHL game on Wednesday night.

During the third period of Wednesday’s contest between the Abbotsford Canucks and Colorado Eagles, Podkolzin was checked into the boards by Eagles defenseman Keaton Middleton. Podkolzin was taken off the ice on a stretcher and transported to the hospital. Several reporters stated that Podkolzin appeared to be convulsing on the ice.

Both teams stopped and gave Podkolzin stick-taps after he was removed from the arena.

Middleton received a five-minute major for interference and a game misconduct. Abbotsford defeated Colorado 5-2.

Podkolzin provided an update from the hospital Wednesday evening, indicating that he was doing well. The Canucks issued a statement saying he has "continued to be alert and responsive" since leaving the ice.

Podkolzin was selected 10th overall in the 2019 NHL Draft by the Canucks and made 39 appearances with the NHL club last year, posting four goals and seven points. The 22-year-old was off to a terrific start in the AHL, recording five goals and seven points in six games.