It's a ritual that has thrilled kids for decades. At the end of a practice session, hockey players fire a puck toward the stands for a lucky fan to catch.
But hockey officials are rethinking that simple ritual after a puck flipped by Montreal Canadiens defenceman P.K. Subban struck a month-old infant in the crowd. The baby suffered a concussion, the mom revealed on social media.
"I don't know if it's bad luck or if it's something that teams should stop doing," says Canadiens captain, Max Pacioretty.
To be sure, it was a freak accident that is unheard of in the sport's history.
Although the infant has recovered, the incident raises questions about whether puck tossing should be stopped or indeed whether infants should be allowed to attend hockey games and practice sessions.
Canadiens spokesman Donald Beauchamp claims the club is now reviewing its policies.
It would be a shame if young hockey fans were denied the thrill of a captured puck. The dangers are there, obviously, and parents should be aware that flukes can happen. But hockey - and baseball, for that matter - are sports enjoyed by the whole family. It's up to parents to use their discretion when bringing infants to any sporting event.
Mostly, I feel for Subban in this story. The Canadiens player, who is heavily involved with children's charities, reportedly felt awful when he heard what happened to the baby.
The Canadiens have since invited the family, which has four kids, to watch a game at the Bell Centre in the Canadiens Children's Foundation suite.
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