Defender John Ludvig certainly didn’t expect such a first game in the National Hockey League. The Pittsburgh Penguins player was completely taken aback by a check of his own making.
The 23-year-old Czech wanted to stand out by breaking into the Bettman scene against the Dallas Stars. The guard tried to control Radek Faksa in the middle of the ice, but the shot failed.
The side of Ludvig’s head appeared to touch his opponent’s helmet and he immediately lost his legs. Unable to stand, Number 7 collapsed and remained on the ground for many seconds.
The Penguins player returned to the locker room to receive treatment but had to be assisted by his teammates.
Ludvig, a third-round pick of the Florida Panthers in 2019, has spent the last three seasons in the American League.
Watch the video above.