Czech ice hockey player stretchered off after bizarre accident

Florida Panthers’ Czech goaltender Tomáš Vokoun was taken off the ice on a stretcher during an NHL game against Atlanta Thrashers on Monday, after accidentally being hit in the head by the stick of team-mate Keith Ballard. Ballard had evidently meant to hit the goal in frustration after Florida conceded, but missed and hit Vokoun instead. The goalie sustained a cut to his ear but was alert when he was taken to hospital, according to a spokesperson for the club.