NHL coach suffers facial fractures after being brutally struck by a loose puck

The head coach of the Colorado Avalanche ice hockey team was taken to hospital after being struck in the side of the head by a rogue puck.

Jared Bednar suffered facial fractures and a corneal abrasion following the incident but is expected to make a full recovery, according to a statement from the NHL team.

The incident took place during Saturday’s game between the Avalanche and the Las Vegas Golden Knights.

Knights forward Keegan Kolesar was attempting to bank the puck off the side boards but overshot, bouncing off the players on the Avalanche bench and striking Bednar in the side of the head.

The coach retired to the dressing room and did not return to the game. He was reportedly fully alert and conscious while being taken to the hospital, where he underwent a CT scan.

Jared Bednar, head coach of the Colorado Avalanche ice hockey team, was taken to hospital after being struck in the side of the head by a rogue puck (AP)

However, he is now set to miss upcoming games while he recovers.

“Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar will not accompany the team on their upcoming two-game road trip due to facial fractures and a corneal abrasion,” the Avalanche said in a statement.

“He will not require surgery at this time and is expected to make a full recovery.

The incident took place during Saturday’s game between the Avalanche and the Las Vegas Golden Knights, which Colorado lost 3-2 (AP)

“Avalanche assistant coaches Nolan Pratt and Dave Hakstol will coach the team in Edmonton and Calgary.”

The Golden Knights ultimately beat the Avalanche 3-2 in overtime to take a playoff spot.

"It's certainly a little unnerving," Pratt told reporters after the game. "It's scary when the pucks are flying in there. It happens all the time and unfortunate tonight, so it takes a little second to sort of recalibrate and then get back to it.”