Brutal, scary hit involving two players going helmet-to-helmet leaves 21-year-old unconscious and unresponsive
Hockey is a contact sport and as much as the various leagues try to push for a safer game, sometimes the stars align for brutal hits with unfortunate outcomes. Such was the case in VHL action yesterday in Russia.
During a Wednesday matchup between Rubin Tyumen and Dynamo St. Petersburg, Rubin defenseman Vladislav Syomin lined up Dynamo forward Yegor Bryzgalov while he was off-balance for a massive hit in the middle of the ice as he was attempting to fight off a check. The two players actually connected helmet to helmet and the result of the hit left Bryzgalov knocked unconscious, sending team trainers and medical staff into a bit of a frenzy as they worked to get the stretcher out onto the ice to cart the 21-year-old off to the hospital.
Thankfully, Bryzgalov did re-gain consciousness, but he was diagnosed with a concussion and is slated to miss at least the next 3 weeks as he recovers. There was no penalty on the play.
Thoughts and prayers go out to Bryzgalov. You never like to see hits like that. Hoping for a quick recovery.
