Avalanche Coach Sidelined After Puck to Face

Jared Bednar will miss two games due to injury sustained during Saturday's game.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 9:54pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey coach being struck by a puck on the bench, with the impact broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and form.A coach's-eye view of the inherent risks and dangers faced by those on the sidelines of professional hockey.Denver Today

Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar will miss the team's next two games after being struck in the face by a puck during Saturday night's contest. The incident occurred on the Avalanche bench, resulting in an injury that will keep Bednar off the ice as the team prepares for their upcoming matchups.

Why it matters

Bednar's absence will be a significant challenge for the Avalanche, as he is a key part of the team's coaching staff and leadership. His injury highlights the inherent risks and dangers that coaches and staff face during the fast-paced action of professional hockey games.

The details

According to reports, Bednar was struck in the face by an errant puck that came off the ice and hit him on the Avalanche bench during Saturday's game. The impact caused an injury that will require Bednar to miss the team's next two games in order to recover.

  • The incident occurred during Saturday night's Avalanche game.

The players

Jared Bednar

The head coach of the Colorado Avalanche hockey team.

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What’s next

The Avalanche will have assistant coaches fill in for Bednar during his two-game absence as the team continues their season.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks and dangers that coaches and staff face during the high-intensity action of professional sports, underscoring the need for continued safety measures and precautions to protect those involved.