Avalanche Coach Jared Bednar Injured by Puck During Game

Bednar suffered facial fractures and a corneal abrasion but will not need surgery.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 6:51pm

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A cubist, geometric painting in shades of navy, burgundy, and silver, breaking down a hockey coach being struck in the face by a puck into sharp, overlapping planes, conveying the impact and danger of the incident.A fractured, cubist depiction of a hockey coach recoiling from a puck strike to the face, highlighting the inherent dangers of the sport.Denver Today

Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar was hospitalized after being struck in the face by a hockey puck during a game against the Vegas Golden Knights on April 11. The team said Bednar suffered facial fractures and a corneal abrasion, but will not require surgery and is expected to make a full recovery.

Why it matters

Hockey coaches are rarely injured during games, making this an unusual incident. Bednar's injury highlights the risks players and coaches face from pucks and other equipment, and raises questions about safety protocols at NHL arenas.

The details

Video of the incident shows Bednar bending over and holding his head after being struck on his right cheek by a puck that flew over the boards at Ball Arena in Denver. He was helped to the locker room by a trainer and taken to the hospital for evaluation, where doctors determined he had suffered facial fractures and a corneal abrasion.

  • The incident occurred during a 3-2 overtime loss against the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday, April 11.
  • Bednar will not accompany the team on their upcoming two-game road trip, which begins on April 13.

The players

Jared Bednar

The 54-year-old head coach of the Colorado Avalanche, who has been with the team since 2016.

Nolan Pratt

An assistant coach for the Colorado Avalanche who will lead the team during Bednar's absence.

Dave Hakstol

An assistant coach for the Colorado Avalanche who will also lead the team during Bednar's absence.

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What’s next

The Avalanche will be led by assistant coaches Nolan Pratt and Dave Hakstol for their upcoming two-game road trip to Edmonton and Calgary while Bednar recovers.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the inherent dangers hockey coaches and players face from pucks and other equipment, and highlights the need for continued safety improvements and protocols at NHL arenas to protect personnel on the bench.