NHL star, 23, collapses and rushed to hospital after being hit in neck by puck

A Canadian ice hockey star was rushed to hospital after a freak accident where he was struck in the neck by a puck.

St Louis Blues forward player Dylan Holloway collapsed after opposing player Nicholas Paul smashed the puck from short range. The worrying incident occurred during the first period of a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Missouri. Footage shows the injured player continue to skate for around 30 seconds and contribute to the match, before eventually returning to the substitute’s bench.

Seconds after slumping down next to his teammates, Holloway collapsed and medics rushed to his aid. Sports doctors could be seen holding his neck and hoisting him onto a stretcher. The first period of the game was called to a halt early while players from both sides knelt on the ice as Holloway was wheeled down the tunnel to the locker room.

Meanwhile the shocked crowd inside the Enterprise Stadium, St Louis, watched on and applauded the departing Holloway.

Hockey insider Frank Seravalli took to X to report “Dylan Holloway is going to be OK.”

Seravalli added: “His airway is open and unobstructed. There’s no swelling around his neck, precautionary scan scheduled at hospital. Holloway’s parents were in town for the game and are with him at the hospital.”

According to the Daily Mail, Holloway was also reported to be alert and responsive while on his way to the medical facility, while the game continued in his absence.

Holloway, 23, has played three seasons in the National Hockey League, after being drafted 14th by Edmonton Oilers in 2020. He moved down south to St Louis, US, in August this year on a £1.7million-per-year contract.

Despite the injury to their forward player Holloway, St Louis Blues still emerged victorious, running out 3-2 against the Tampa opposition.

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