“The whole stadium was dead quiet” – worries for German NHL professional after puck hit his head

German national ice hockey player Nico Sturm was hit in the head by a puck during a season game for his Minnesota Wild in the National Hockey League (NHL) and then had to be taken to hospital.

“The whole stadium was dead quiet when this happened,” said Wild coach John Hynes after the 4-2 home win against the Vegas Golden Knights in the North American professional league. Sturm had to leave the game early in the first third after being hit in the head and did not return to the ice.

However, the Wild coach was initially unable to provide any information about Sturm's condition. “With a shot like that, it's standard practice that he's taken to the hospital as a precaution,” said Hynes, indicating a pause: Sturm is unlikely to travel with the team to the away game at the Winnipeg Jets this Tuesday.

Bad memories of a similar case

Shortly before the first third break, Sturm fell to the ground after being hit in the head. He had positioned himself in front of the Vegas goal to block the opposing goalkeeper's view. Sturm was hit just above the ear by Wild captain Jared Spurgeon's shot. The 31-year-old was then briefly treated on the ice before he was visibly injured and led to the bench by the team doctor and one of his teammates.

Quite strange: The scene was almost identical to a situation from a preparatory game a few weeks ago. Minnesota defenseman Brock Faber was hit by a puck in almost exactly the same spot.

This is also why there are now fears of a longer break for Sturm. Faber is out for the time being due to a skull fracture and had to undergo surgery. Faber is on the road to recovery and even watched the game against Las Vegas live in the hall.