It has been a traumatic week for veteran NHL referee Don Van Massenhoven.
The former Ontario Provincial Police officer was right there when Jiri Fischer collapsed earlier this week at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit and last night in Florida, Van Massenhoven took a puck to the face and suffered significant facial injuries that will indefinitely keep him from working.
The 45-year-old from Strathroy, ON had to undergo seven hours of reconstructive facial surgery for multiple fractures after a puck deflected into his face during last night's game between the New Jersey Devils and Florida Panthers in Sunrise, Fla.
Van Massenhoven was taken to a Fort Lauderale area hospital, where Panther team physicians proceeded with the lengthy surgery.
An NHL spokesman said Van Massenhoven is resting comfortably and is on the road to recovery but will remain in hospital for at least a few days and is not able to fly yet because of the nature of his injuries.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery.