Chris Rooney’s gruesome injury during Game 7 of the 2025 NHL playoffs between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Florida Panthers made headlines on Sunday. The seasoned referee copped a dangerous blow to the face early in the second period and exited the game. Backup official Garrett Rank replaced him.
NHL insider Pierre LeBrun provided a positive update on Rooney’s injury. LeBrun reported that Rooney was “lucky” not to have sustained an eye injury.
He noted that the referee had a black eye following the unfortunate incident. He also added that there was no damage and the official was hoping to be back later. This was followed by an official statement by the NHL stating: “Chris Rooney received medical attention for a cut above his eye and is doing well.”
What Happened To Chris Rooney?
Rooney was hit in the face by Panthers defenceman Niko Mikkola, who was pressured by Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner. In his bid to clear the puck from his end, he caught Rooney in the face.
Tension swept across the arena as the 49-year-old was tended to before he eventually left the ice. There was a stretcher called for, but it was not used as the official was helped off with a towel over his face.
Update on veteran ref Chris Rooney who left Game 7 last night in Toronto after taking a stick on a follow through. Scary incident. Has a black eye but luckily no eye damage. Hopes to be back working later this round. Good news it wasn’t worse.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun)
Earlier, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman noted that things would be fine for Rooney. Per an Associated Press report carrying the analyst’s update, there was no severe damage. “Above the eye and getting stitched up… It sounds like the worst here was avoided,” Friedman said.
Rooney has been in the sport since 2002 and has officiated over 170 playoff games throughout his career. He also holds the distinction of overseeing well over 1,500 games.
It’s worth noting that the NHL has officials on backup in case of emergencies. Rank was one of the two officials who replaced Rooney, joining the crew which had referee Jean Hebert and linesmen Devin Berg and Jonny Murray.
His first assignment was the regular season NHL skirmish between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Atlanta Thrashers in November 2000. His decorated resume also includes being part of the 2010 NHL Winter Classic between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Boston Bruins. Rooney also officiated the 2012, 2013, 2019, and 2022 Stanley Cup Finals.
