Avalanche Coach Hospitalized After Puck to the Face

Jared Bednar suffered an injury during a tense game against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 6:41am

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting the motion and impact of a hockey puck striking a coach, with the players and game action broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color.A cubist interpretation of the chaotic moment when a puck struck Avalanche coach Jared Bednar, underscoring the inherent risks faced by those on the sidelines of high-intensity sports.Las Vegas Today

Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar was hospitalized after being struck in the face by a puck during a game against the Vegas Golden Knights. Bednar remained alert and conscious, but was taken to the hospital for further evaluation and a CT scan as a precautionary measure.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the inherent risks that coaches and support staff face in the high-intensity world of professional sports, where fast-moving projectiles and unpredictable situations can lead to injuries. It raises questions about the need for enhanced safety protocols to protect those who contribute to the game but are not always the focus of protective measures.

The details

As the puck flew off the stick of Knights defenseman Keegan Kolesar, it took an unexpected trajectory, striking Bednar directly in the right cheek. The impact was immediate, with Bednar bending over in pain and reaching for his head. Despite the alarming nature of the incident, Bednar remained fully alert and conscious, and was quickly attended to by the medical team.

  • The incident occurred during a game between the Colorado Avalanche and the Vegas Golden Knights on April 12, 2026.

The players

Jared Bednar

The head coach of the Colorado Avalanche hockey team.

Keegan Kolesar

A defenseman for the Vegas Golden Knights hockey team.

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What’s next

The Avalanche organization has not yet confirmed whether Bednar will accompany the team on their upcoming road trip to Edmonton, leaving the situation uncertain.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the human element in professional sports, and the need to prioritize the safety and well-being of all those involved, including coaches and support staff. It highlights the importance of enhanced safety protocols and measures to protect those who contribute to the game, but may not always be the focus of attention.