Avalanche Coach Jared Bednar Hit by Puck During Game

Incident raises concerns about safety for coaches and staff in professional sports

Apr. 13, 2026 at 8:25am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, multi-perspective painting in a cubist style, breaking down the moment a puck struck a sports coach into sharp, overlapping geometric planes, conceptually representing the vulnerability of those on the sidelines of professional sports.A cubist interpretation of the moment a puck struck Avalanche coach Jared Bednar, highlighting the inherent risks faced by those on the sidelines of professional sports.Las Vegas Today

During a recent NHL game between the Colorado Avalanche and the Vegas Golden Knights, Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar was struck in the head by a puck that came off the boards. Bednar was forced to leave the bench and seek medical attention, as the incident raised concerns about the risks faced by those on the sidelines in professional sports.

Why it matters

This incident serves as a reminder of the inherent dangers present in professional sports, where the focus is often on player safety while the vulnerability of coaches and staff can be overlooked. It raises important questions about the need to reevaluate safety measures and protocols to better protect all those involved in high-intensity sports environments.

The details

The incident occurred when Vegas forward Keegan Kolesar attempted to bank the puck off the boards, but it took an unexpected trajectory and struck Bednar on the side of his head. Bednar was immediately attended to by a trainer and taken to the dressing room for further evaluation. The Avalanche organization later confirmed that Bednar was hit in his right cheek and was fully conscious, but as a precautionary measure, he was taken to a local hospital for a CT scan.

  • The incident occurred on April 11, 2026, during a game between the Colorado Avalanche and the Vegas Golden Knights.

The players

Jared Bednar

The head coach of the Colorado Avalanche, who was struck in the head by a puck during the game.

Keegan Kolesar

A forward for the Vegas Golden Knights, whose attempted bank pass led to the puck striking Bednar.

Nolan Pratt

The Avalanche's assistant coach, who stepped in during Bednar's absence.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's scary when the pucks are flying in there.”

— Nolan Pratt, Avalanche Assistant Coach

What’s next

The Avalanche organization has stated that Bednar was taken to a local hospital for a CT scan and further evaluation as a precautionary measure. The team is expected to provide an update on his condition in the coming days.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for professional sports organizations to prioritize the safety of all personnel, including coaches and staff, not just the players. It's a wake-up call to reevaluate safety protocols and ensure that everyone involved in high-intensity sports environments is adequately protected.