The unsettling event unfolded following an ill-fated body check attempt by Martin Frk, a former NHL forward. The 30-year-old forward's momentum carried him into his own team's bench, but what transpired next captured the attention of everyone in the arena.
Whether it was a consequence of the loss of control during the fall or possibly more intentional, Frk's skate made contact with Lawrence Pilut, the former NHL player he had tried to body check, directly in the face. Pilut instinctively grabbed his face and swiftly skated away from the unfolding play.
To his commendation, Frk promptly checked on his opponent both immediately after the incident and before the subsequent play, ensuring Pilut hadn't sustained severe injuries. Fortunately, Pilut emerged physically unharmed, though understandably shaken by the close call.
