Maple Leafs Goalie Avoids Throat Injury After Scary Accident

Anthony Stolarz was struck in the throat during warmups but avoided serious injury.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 7:06am

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Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz was struck in the throat by a puck during warmups before a game against the Ottawa Senators. Stolarz immediately left the ice and was taken to the hospital for precautionary imaging, but was later released and will rejoin the team.

Why it matters

Stolarz's injury scare comes during a challenging season for the goaltender, who has already dealt with injuries. The Maple Leafs will need to monitor his recovery and ensure stability in goal during a critical stretch of the season.

The details

The puck that struck Stolarz came off the stick of teammate William Nylander during routine warmup drills. Nylander expressed concern after the game, explaining the shot did not go where he intended. With Stolarz unavailable, Joseph Woll stepped in as the starter and made 38 saves in a 5-2 loss to the Ottawa Senators.

  • On March 21, 2026, Stolarz was struck in the throat during warmups before a game against the Ottawa Senators.
  • Stolarz was taken to the hospital for precautionary imaging shortly after the incident.

The players

Anthony Stolarz

A goaltender for the Toronto Maple Leafs who was struck in the throat by a puck during warmups.

William Nylander

A teammate of Stolarz on the Toronto Maple Leafs who expressed concern after the incident, explaining the shot that struck Stolarz did not go where he intended.

Joseph Woll

The Maple Leafs goaltender who stepped in as the starter after Stolarz was injured.

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What they’re saying

“Obviously, it's, you know, really tough to see that happen. I mean, I always come in and shoot puck in the glove, and this one just came off a little bit to the left, and I hit him in the neck. So, I was obviously worried for him, but I've been texting with him, so he seems to be OK.”

— William Nylander

What’s next

Stolarz's availability for the upcoming game against the Boston Bruins remains uncertain as the team monitors his recovery.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the inherent risks and unpredictability of professional sports, as well as the importance of quick medical attention and precautionary measures to ensure player safety. The Maple Leafs will need to carefully manage Stolarz's recovery to maintain stability in goal during a crucial part of the season.