Vancouver Canucks top prospect Vasily Podkolzin was taken off the ice on a stretcher after being hit into the boards during an AHL game Wednesday, according to multiple reports.
After the game, Podkolzin provided a positive update on his personal Instagram account as he posted a picture from a hospital bed with the caption “all good, no worries!!”
In a statement, the Canucks confirmed Podkolzin had been transfer to a local hospital and was being assessed as a precaution. “Since exiting the ice he has continued to be alert and responsive,” the statement added.
The incident occurred late in the third period of a game between the Abbottsford Canucks and Colorado Eagles.
While the Canucks cycled the puck around the offensive zone, Eagles defenceman Keaton Middleton hit Podkolzin hard into the boards. Podkolzin remained on the ice for several minutes until medical staff removed him on a stretcher.
Players from both teams stood together to watch the medical staff tend to Podkolzin.
Middleton was given a five-minute major penalty for interference and a game misconduct on the play.
The game resumed after the incident and the Canucks won 5-2.
Podkolzin, 22, was a first-round pick by the Canucks in 2019 and has skated in 118 NHL games in his career.