A tense moment unfolded in the AHL last night when a player had to be stretchered off the ice following a significant hit.
Tobias Bjornfot, a first-round pick for the LA Kings in 2019, took a hard hit into the boards while playing for the Ontario Reign. Coachella Valley FirebirdJacob Melanson received a five-minute major for boarding and a game misconduct. According to Eric Stephens of The Athletic, Bjornfot was taken to the hospital.
"Told that Bjornfot was taken to a hospital in the area near Acrisure Arena. Alert and responsive, he continues to undergo precautionary tests. @LAKings."
The Reign later confirmed this.
Bjornfot, a defenseman, has played 117 NHL games in his career, tallying 1 goal and 15 points. The incident raises concerns, and the hockey community is keeping a close eye on his recovery.