It’s not uncommon for players to go down with injury in pretty much every game throughout the course of the regular season and playoffs.
But it’s almost unheard of that a head coach would leave a game due to injury.
Well, that’s what happened to Colorado Avalanche bench boss Jared on Saturday night at Ball Arena against the Vegas Golden Knights.
During the third period of the Avalanche’s 3-2 overtime loss, Bednar was struck in the side of the head by an errant puck that landed on the bench. Bednar tried to duck out of the way, but the play happened too fast for the tenured coach to get out of the way.
Avs head coach Jared Bednar took an attempted dump-in from Keegan Kolesar to the side of the head and has left the bench 🤕 pic.twitter.com/Qh0uQQSXgd
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) April 12, 2026
Bednar immediately received attention from the training staff. He headed down the tunnel for evaluation. The situation didn’t seem overly dangerous but it did warrant immediate medical attention.
After the game Aarif Deen provided an update on Bednar, offering some good news. However, the Avalanche bench boss will remain in the hospital undergoing further testing and evaluation.
From the Avalanche: Jared Bednar took a puck to the right cheek. He's alert and conscious but will be heading to a local hospital for a CT scan and further evaluation.
— Aarif Deen (@runwriteAarif) April 12, 2026
The worst thing that could have happened to Bednar is sustaining a concussion. In that case, Bednar could miss some time while he is cleared to return.
Here’s hoping that the incident is nothing more than one of those weird things that happen in sport.
Avalanche also lose Manson to injury
Bednar wasn’t the only casualty for the Avalanche on Saturday night. Defenseman Josh Manson also left the game with an upper-body injury.
There is no word on the situation.
Manson skated for 11:46 over 15 shifts. The situation left the Avalanche with just five defensemen in the third period and overtime.
Brett Kulak picked up most of the slack alongside Brent Burns. The Avalanche newcomer ended up hitting the ice for 27 shifts, accruing 22:37 of ice time.
Meanwhile, MacKenzie Blackwood had a solid night, stopping 26 of 29 shots. Unfortunately, he surrendered the game-winner to Jack Eichel on a 2-on-1 rush. With the win, the Golden Knights officially lock up their playoff berth in the Eastern Conference.