NHL linesman Kiel Murchison takes puck to face, leaves game

As a National Hockey League official or linesman, the last thing you want to do is get in the way of the action.

For linesman Kiel Murchison, unfortunately, it was very difficult to avoid a clearing attempt from Seth Jones of the Columbus Blue Jackets during the first period on Monday night as the defenceman’s team battled the Washington Capitals.

The puck ended up striking Murchison in the face and the 34-year-old was tended to by a trainer shortly after.

Although Murchison remained in the game immediately after the incident — according to Aaron Portzline of The Athletic — he was not on the ice for the beginning of the second period as he was being evaluated. The game proceeded with two officials and just one linesman.

Kiel Murchison may be a name familiar to hockey fans. During the pre-season, he was involved in a tussle with San Jose Sharks forward Evander Kane. As a result of the encounter, Kane was suspended three games for abuse of an official.

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