Injury Incident
In a recent turn of events, the Colorado Avalanche head coach, Jared Bednar, learned a valuable lesson the hard way: stay alert and avoid fiddling with your suit pockets while on the bench. Bednar, who suffered a puck-related injury that left him with facial fractures and a corneal abrasion, has now returned to the team just in time for their final regular season match against Seattle.
Game Against the Golden Knights
Last weekend, during a game against the Vegas Golden Knights, Bednar was inadvertently struck in the face by a puck after it ricocheted off the stick of forward Keegan Kolesar. The incident occurred as he stood behind the bench during the third period, leading to his immediate departure to the locker room for medical evaluation.
Reflecting on the incident, Bednar humorously remarked, “I would have had to have been Derek Jeter not to get hit with that one,” alluding to the Hall of Fame baseball player.
His injury compelled him to miss two crucial games while he underwent thorough examinations and waited to ensure that his eye healed properly. Fortunately, initial scans yielded promising results, allaying his concerns about the extent of damage.
Return to Coaching
Though he has resumed his coaching duties, Bednar has firmly ruled out the possibility of wearing a helmet on the bench, citing it as part of the game’s inherent risks.
“There’s a lot of close calls, and when they don’t make contact, you’re like, ‘Oh, that was close,’” he explained.
During Bednar’s absence, assistant coaches Nolan Pratt and Dave Hakstol effectively managed the team, guiding the Avalanche to victory in both games of their recent road trip.
Looking Ahead
Despite his return, Bednar’s team is still facing challenges, including the absence of defenseman Josh Manson due to an upper body injury and forward Nazem Kadri, who is sidelined with a finger issue. However, with the playoffs just around the corner, Bednar remains optimistic about his team’s prospects, stating,
“I expect our whole roster to be options for Game 1 of the playoffs.”
As the Avalanche prepare for their postseason run beginning Sunday, Bednar’s determination and leadership will play a crucial role.
Season Overview
The Avalanche currently lead the NHL with the best record this season, a testament to their strength and resilience heading into the playoffs.
