Referee Dunning taken from ice on stretcher during Avalanche-Flyers game

Collided with Colorado defenseman Manson in 1st period

PHILADELPHIA — Referee Mitch Dunning was removed from the ice on a stretcher after a collision with defenseman Josh Manson of the Colorado Avalanche during the first period of their game against the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center on Monday.

Dunning was positioned in the neutral zone when Manson hit him while trying to join the play in the Philadelphia zone. Play was stopped with 13:37 remaining as medical officials tended to Dunning.

Players from both teams checked on the official as he was taken from the ice through the Zamboni tunnel.

The game continued with one referee and two linesmen.

Dunning is in his seventh season as an NHL referee, having made his debut March 28, 2019.