Bednar Misses Next 2 Avalanche Games After Puck Incident

Jared Bednar, head coach of the Colorado Avalanche, will miss the next two games due to a puck-related injury. This decision comes after he sustained facial fractures and a corneal abrasion during a recent match.

Injury Details

Bednar was injured in the third period of a game against the Vegas Golden Knights, which ended in a 3-2 overtime defeat for the Avalanche. The injury occurred when a deflected puck struck him in the face.

Medical Evaluation

After the incident, Bednar was taken to a local hospital for a CT scan. According to Brendan McNicholas, vice president of media and player relations, Bednar is fully alert and does not require surgery. He is expected to make a complete recovery.

Coaching Changes

With Bednar sidelined, assistant coaches Nolan Pratt and Dave Hakstol will take charge of the team. They will lead the Avalanche during their two-game road trip, starting with a match against the Edmonton Oilers on Monday and followed by a game against the Calgary Flames on Tuesday.

Comments from the Coaching Staff

Pratt described the incident as “unnerving” and acknowledged the risks associated with flying pucks during gameplay. The Avalanche’s coaching staff is prepared to navigate this challenging situation as Bednar recovers.

Next Steps for the Avalanche

• Upcoming games:
  • Vs. Edmonton Oilers – Monday
  • Vs. Calgary Flames – Tuesday
• Coaching staff:
  • Nolan Pratt
  • Dave Hakstol

The Avalanche community is looking forward to Bednar’s swift recovery and hopes for a successful continuation of the season in his absence.