NHL referee Chris Rooney struck by puck, helped off ice in 1st period of Stars-Avalanche game

DENVER - NHL referee Chris Rooney was helped off the ice after being hit by a puck after a shot by Dallas Stars defenceman Jamie Oleksiak deflected off the skate of Colorado Avalanche forward Paul Stastny on Monday night.

The puck appeared to carom off the head of Rooney, who stayed down for quite some time behind the Avalanche net. A stretcher was brought out, but Rooney slowly got up and was assisted off the ice.

Rooney was hit just 3 minutes into the game and with the Stars leading 1-0. There was no immediate update on his injury.

With Rooney gone, the lone referee was Justin St. Pierre, along with two linesmen.