The 10 Most BRUTAL Injuries in NHL History
Hockey players are tough. Like, take-a-puck-to-the-face-and-keep-skating tough. But every so often, things go way beyond broken teeth and bruises. These are the moments where fans held their breath, and even the players looked shaken. Here are some of the most jaw-dropping, blood-chilling injuries the NHL has ever seen.
Clint Malarchuk’s Throat Is Cut Open
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In 1989, a skate sliced Buffalo goalie Clint Malarchuk’s neck during a game. The blade hit his jugular, and blood gushed onto the ice. Miraculously, Malarchuk returned to practice ten days later. It remains one of the most unsettling moments in hockey history.
Bill Masterton Never Got Up
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Minnesota North Stars center Bill Masterton took a clean hit in 1968, lost his balance, and hit his head on the ice. He suffered severe brain trauma and never regained consciousness. His tragic injury led to increased safety discussions and eventually helped pave the way for mandatory helmet use.
Bryan Berard Nearly Loses an Eye
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In 2000, a stick accidentally clipped Bryan Berard in the face before damaging his eye. He endured seven surgeries and missed the entire next season. Though doctors doubted he’d play again, Berard returned wearing protective gear and managed to continue his NHL career for several more seasons.
Richard Zednik’s Neck Injury Shocks Crowd
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Florida’s Richard Zednik nearly lost his life in 2008 when a teammate’s skate blade slashed his neck. It clipped an artery, and blood spilled across the ice. Emergency surgery saved him. He skipped the rest of the season but returned the following year.
Trent McCleary Hit in the Throat by a Puck
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Blocking shots can be heroic—until it turns frightening. In 2000, Trent McCleary took a slapshot to the throat and fractured his larynx. He collapsed on the bench, gasping for air. After emergency surgery, McCleary attempted a comeback but struggled to breathe under physical strain and retired shortly afterward.
Steve Moore’s Career Is Cut Short
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In 2004, after a heated rivalry, Todd Bertuzzi hit Colorado’s Steve Moore from behind and forced him to the ice. The impact fractured Moore’s neck and caused a concussion. He never played in the NHL again.
Howie Morenz’s Injury Turns Tragic
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Montreal Canadiens star Howie Morenz suffered a compound leg fracture in 1937 after being checked into the boards. The injury ended his career, and his condition worsened during recovery. Fans mourned the loss of one of the game’s early icons.
Bob Baun Scores with a Broken Leg
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In 1964, Toronto’s Bob Baun left a Stanley Cup Final game on a stretcher after taking a puck to the ankle. But in overtime, he came back and scored the game-winning goal while skating on a fractured leg. He played again in Game 7 and helped Toronto clinch the championship.
Gordie Howe Suffers a Skull Fracture
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During a 1950 playoff game, Gordie Howe tried to check an opponent and fell head-first into the boards. He fractured his skull, broke facial bones, and needed emergency surgery. Though it was severe enough to sideline him for the playoffs, Howe returned the next season and continued his legendary career.
Mark Howe Is Injured by the Goal Post
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In 1980, Mark Howe was chasing the puck when he lost his footing and slid into the goal. He hit the center post, which at the time was sharply pointed, and suffered a deep gash in his thigh. The incident led to the NHL changing the way nets were designed.
Paul Kariya Gets Knocked Out, Then Scores
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Game 6 of the 2003 Stanley Cup Final featured one of the wildest moments in hockey. Paul Kariya took a brutal hit from Scott Stevens and appeared unconscious. Minutes later, he returned, carried the puck, and scored a stunning goal.
Ace Bailey’s Career Ends in a Flash
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In 1933, Eddie Shore hit Ace Bailey from behind and sent him tumbling before cracking his skull. The injury was so severe that doctors feared for Bailey’s survival. He recovered but never played again. The NHL held a benefit game that became the league’s first All-Star Game to raise funds for Bailey’s family.
Eric Lindros Rocked by Scott Stevens
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Eric Lindros was skating with his head down during a 2000 playoff game when Devils defenseman Scott Stevens delivered a crushing hit. Lindros suffered another concussion, which added to a history of head injuries. The blow signaled the end of Lindros’ time as an elite player.
Bobby Clarke Breaks an Opponent’s Ankle
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Bobby Clarke took matters literally into his own hands in the 1972 Summit Series. He delivered a deliberate slash to Soviet star Valeri Kharlamov’s ankle, breaking it. The Soviet team lost their top scorer, and Canada won the series. The play remains one of the most controversial moments in hockey history.
Borje Salming Takes a Skate to the Face
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During a 1986 game, Detroit’s Gerard Gallant accidentally stepped on Toronto defenseman Borje Salming. The blade cut across his face and required more than 200 stitches. The injury looked horrific, but Salming returned just weeks later. His resilience earned respect around the league.