Aaron Ness suffered an arena-silencing injury in Friday night’s American Hockey League playoff game between the Hershey Bears and Bridgeport Sound Tigers.
Ness, the winner of Minnesota’s Mr. Hockey award in 2008 as a star at Roseau High School who later played three seasons with the Golden Gophers, was stretchered off the ice after catching an edge, hitting the net and crashing into the boards. Colin Stephenson of Newsday Sports reported that Ness was lying motionless on the ice after hitting his head.
Here’s video of the moment Ness was injured.
Aaron Ness is being taken off on a stretcher. Scary scene here in Bridgeport.#HBH #HersheyBears #HERvsBRI #DefendTheDen #CalderCup #CalderCupPlayoffs @CapsOutsider pic.twitter.com/ZVw1ug5lAd
— Cory Lyons (@CoryLyonsAHL) April 20, 2019
Fortunately, the Hershey Bears announced that Ness was in stable condition and expected to be released from Bridgeport Hospital on Saturday. Details about his injury have not bee released.
An update on Hershey Bears defender Aaron Ness (@Aaron_Ness) #HBH pic.twitter.com/HHipMZ7FK6
— Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) April 20, 2019
After watching the VR camera from AHL TV again, it looks like there was some movement in Aaron Ness’ legs when he was being tended to by Murphy Luatua. Around :15 you can see Ness move his legs slightly. He kept them moving after this clip as well pic.twitter.com/nctxinhETZ
— Kyle Mace (@kylemace) April 20, 2019
Ness was drafted 40th overall by the New York Islanders in 2008. He was a former captain of the Bridgeport Sound Tigers (AHL affiliate of the Islanders) before signing as a free agent in 2015 with the Washington Capitals, of whom the Hershey Bears are an AHL affiliate.
The 28-year-old had 50 assists and 55 points in 71 games with the Bears in the regular season, in addition to three points in 18 games at the NHL level.
Thankful to hear #Gophers alum Aaron Ness is okay. Our best to Aaron and his family. https://t.co/wsvD5GSDNJ
— Minnesota Men’s Hockey (@GopherHockey) April 20, 2019
