Calgary Flames forward helped off the ice after massive clean hit from Vancouver's JT Miller
The Vancouver Canucks played the Calgary Flames on opening night, and during the game, a scary moment happened when JT Miller took down Kevin Rooney.
The Vancouver Canucks were one of the NHL's best teams a season ago, and to start the 2024/25 season, they dominated the Calgary Flames in every conceivable way.
That wasn't all positive however, as the game was highlighted by a very scary moment that saw Kevin Rooney laying motionless on the ice, with hockey fans collectively holding their breath as they waited for him to get back up. That came as a result of a hit from JT Miller, and although it looked dirty in real time, replay showed that it was a clean, albeit brutal hit on the Flames veteran forward.
After a scary few minutes, Rooney was helped to his feet by teammates, and while he was helped off the ice, he did not eventually need a stretcher, which is a seemingly good sign. The hit took place early in the first period and he was ruled out immediately, and although there's been no update on his situation, it's very positive that he was able to move around and be helped off the ice.
As for Miller, this move certainly didn't help him throughout the rest of the game, as the likes of Anthony Mantha, Martin Pospisil and even Jonathan Huberdeau went after him physically at points, with Mantha dropping the gloves with the veteran forward in the first.
Ultimately though, all thoughts are with Rooney at this point, as we are all hoping that he'll be able to get back on the ice in the very near future, with this serving as a reminder of just how brutal and physical the game of hockey can be.
