UPDATE: A 17-year-old hockey fan is currently recovering after being struck in the face by a puck during a Port Huron Prowlers game, igniting a heated debate over the incident’s nature—was it accidental or intentional? The shocking event unfolded at McMorran Place during a Federal Prospect’s Hockey League match against the Blue Ridge Bobcats.
Witnesses reported that Nathan Pack was celebrating a goal just before the end of the first period when a puck suddenly flew into Section F, where he was seated. “I was really dizzy,” Pack recalled, adding, “I couldn’t remember a lot of the stuff.”
Fan Chris Baker, who witnessed the incident, described the scene as chaotic, stating, “There was literally blood all over the floor.” After receiving a frantic call, Nathan’s mother, Kay-Lynn Pack, rushed him to the emergency room. Fortunately, doctors confirmed he was stable, but Kay-Lynn referred to the cut on her son’s face as a “lucky break,” emphasizing, “It could have been a lot worse.”
This alarming incident has prompted immediate action from the city of Port Huron. Officials issued a statement declaring the player responsible for the puck toss “reckless and intentional,” and they are currently reviewing potential criminal charges. Baker noted the gravity of the situation, saying, “It came within inches of hitting three different minors.”
Despite the trauma, Nathan Pack expressed relief that he was the one injured. “I’m glad I took the puck to the head instead of someone else,” he remarked. The Port Huron Prowlers are escalating the matter to the Federal Prospect’s Hockey League for official review and are demanding the Blue Ridge Bobcats acknowledge the city’s no-trespass order against the involved player, who is facing a one-game suspension.
“I’m glad I got some sort of justice,” Nathan stated, highlighting the need for better safety measures at what should be a family-friendly venue. Kay-Lynn Pack echoed this sentiment, urging, “They really need to think before they chuck a puck anywhere because this place is a family place.”
Both Nathan and his mother view the incident as preventable and unnecessary. “It was a careless event that I think should have never happened,” Nathan asserted. The family hopes this incident will catalyze improvements in safety protocols to protect fans in future games.
As the situation continues to unfold, the community watches closely for updates on safety measures and potential legal actions stemming from this frightening incident at a local hockey game.
