VIDEO: NHL Referee Justin Kea Took A Puck To The Nuts At End Of Canucks-Utah Game & Got A Standing Ovation From The Crowd

NHL referee Justin Kea (reacts after being hit by puck.

NHL referee Justin Kea was down for several moments after taking a puck to the groin area in Sunday’s showdown between the Vancouver Canucks and Utah Hockey Club.

With just under 90 seconds remaining in Utah’s home tilt against the Canucks at the Delta Center, Utah forward Alex Kerfoot attempted to clear the puck down the nice with Conor Garland in pursuit.

Kerfoot had no idea that lineman Justin Kea was standing directly in front of him when he turned around to shoot the puck out. Unfortunately, the puck hit Kea right in the sensitive area:

Kea was down on the ice for several moments as Utah’s trainer came to assist him. He was able to finish out the game and even got a standing ovation from the crowd after shaking the puck to the groin off.

The stoppage in play did nothing to affect Utah’s momentum, either, as they held off the Canucks late push for a 2-1 victory. The hockey club is now 2-0 against Vancouver, who dropped their second in a row.

Justin Kea Became A Ref Following Hockey Career

Justin Kea speaking to another ref (Photo via SEG Media)
Kea was drafted in the third round (73rd overall) by the Buffalo Sabres in 2012 after playing two seasons for the Saginaw Spirit of the OHL. After four total seasons of junior hockey, the Ontario native alternated between the AHL and ECHL before hanging up the skates on his playing career.

He then began a referee career and landed with the NHL Officials Association in 2021.