Colorado Avalanche come under fire for mocking injured player after dirty hit

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Tyler Ball
October 31, 2024 (12:54)

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The Colorado Avalanche are currently facing controversy for their reaction to an injury that Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Erik Cernak suffered.

Last night the Colorado Avalanche and Tampa Bay Lightning faced off in a matchup of two of the best teams in the NHL. With both teams having Stanley Cup aspirations the game was physical and close. At one point during the game Colorado Avalanche forward Matt Stienburg laid a huge hit on Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Erik Cernak.

On the play, Matt Stienburg clearly left his feet and led with his elbow into Erik Cernak's head. The play resulted in Matt Stienburg being ejected from the game. After the game, Erik Cernak was confirmed to be injured and out for at least the next few days.

The hit and the reaction by the Colorado Avalanche and their in-arena staff have now caused major backlash online from fans.

Colorado Avalanche facing major backlash after tasteless in-arena moment

The controversy comes in as a result of the Colorado Avalanche's in-area staff. After the hit, the Colorado Avalanche in-arena team played the Miley Cyrus song Wrecking Ball while repeatedly showing the hit that resulted in Erik Cernak's injury.

The actions by the Colorado Avalanche and their staff do seem to cross a line mocking an injured player who suffered a potentially serious injury on a dirty hit. At the same time, the crew working the in-arena music likely were not aware of the severity of the hit and the injury in that moment.

After being ejected from last night's game and causing the injury to Erik Cernak there is a possibility that Matt Stienburg faces a suspension. According to the NHL's Department of Player Safety, Matt Stienburg will have a hearing today in connection to the hit.

As more information comes out on Matt Stienburg's eventual punishment for the dirty hit on Erik Cernak we will pass along the latest news.