The dangers of the NHL aren't confined to the players on the ice, as Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar learned in a frightening incident. During Saturday night's game against the Vegas Golden Knights, an errant puck struck Bednar squarely in the face, forcing him to leave the bench and miss the team's crucial final road trip.

The scary moment unfolded in the third period. As Vegas forward Keegan Kolesar battled for the puck near the Avalanche bench, his clearing attempt sailed into the air and hit Bednar on the right cheek. Players immediately ducked before turning to see their coach hunched over in pain. After a brief pause, training staff escorted a towel-covered Bednar to the locker room, and he did not return for the remainder of the overtime loss.

Thankfully, the prognosis is positive. The team announced Bednar sustained facial fractures and a corneal abrasion but is expected to make a full recovery without surgery. He was alert and conscious after the hit and underwent a CT scan for evaluation. As a result, he will not travel for the Avalanche's final two regular-season games in Edmonton and Calgary, with assistants Nolan Pratt and Dave Hakstol taking over behind the bench.

This incident is a stark reminder of the game's speed and unpredictability, where a split-second play can impact anyone in the arena. The hockey community will be relieved to hear of Bednar's expected full recovery as the Avalanche prepare for the postseason.