Warning: Distressing Footage
NHL star Johnny Boychuk was involved in a horrific accident last night which saw him slashed in the face with a skate.
The New York Islanders defenseman was accidentally kicked in the face during the game and began screaming in pain.
Artturi Lehkonen shares his thoughts after his skate hit Johnny Boychuk in the face. pic.twitter.com/TeXpkzSZjb
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) March 4, 2020
During the 3rd period of the Isles’ game against the Canadians in Brooklyn, Habs winger, Artturi Lehkonen, lost his balance and fell over.
As he was falling he kicked his skates out backwards making brutal contact the exposed face of Boychuk.
Boychuck falls to the floor clutching his face as his team mates surround him.
This is not good. I pray to God Johnny Boychuk is ok. #islanders #NHL pic.twitter.com/4Xl06heb29
— Cat Spencer (@Cat925TheBeat) March 4, 2020
Before even waiting to be taken off the ice, Boychuck skates over to the side and runs out, seeking immediate help.
At first there wasn’t an update on Boychuk with the Islander’s coaching staff claim to be ‘very worried’ for the 36-year-old.
However his older brother, David, took to Twitter writing:
A few extra zips but sounds like he should hire someone else to do his eyebrows from now on.
I don’t care what team you root for, this is horrifying to see. Skate comes up and cuts Johnny Boychuk in the face. Hopefully it missed his eye. #isles pic.twitter.com/hOdKId1a3r
— Over The Top Sports Show (@THEOTTSSHOW) March 4, 2020
But in the past few minutes, the Islander’s revealed that he had 90 stitches and plastic surgery but he’ll thankfully make a full recovery.
He was incredibly lucky as the blade very narrowly missed his eye.
Boychuk Injury Update from Lou Lamoriello: “Johnny Boychuk is ok. Fortunately the skate blade just got the eyelid. It took 90 stitches for a plastic surgeon to fix. But he’ll be fine.” #Isles pic.twitter.com/vYfsx9MAYO
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) March 4, 2020
Get well soon!