Calgary Flames forward Kevin Rooney exited Wednesday’s season opener against the Vancouver Canucks after taking a hard hit from forward J.T. Miller and crashing into the boards. The Flames announced that Rooney was under evaluation and ruled him out for the remainder of the game during the first intermission.
The incident occurred at the 7:41 mark of the first period, as Rooney was skating out of the defensive zone, Miller hit him from the side causing him to fall into the boards where he remained down on the ice. A scrum ensued after the hit and continued while the training staff came out to attend to Rooney. The 31-year-old was eventually able to leave the ice with help from teammates and went straight to the dressing room.
While Miller was not penalized for the hit, five roughing penalties were assessed on the play, including a double minor to Flames forward Adam Klapka. Rooney played 1:03 of the opening period before leaving the game.
Rooney's Injury and the Aftermath
Rooney's injury and the ensuing altercation sparked a heated exchange between the two teams. Flames players, visibly upset by the hit on Rooney, were quick to defend their teammate. The altercation reached a boiling point when Flames forward Anthony Mantha dropped the gloves and engaged in a spirited fight with Canucks veteran J.T. Miller.
The Fight That Followed
The fight between Mantha and Miller was a direct result of the hit on Rooney. Mantha, visibly outraged by Miller's actions, stepped in to defend his teammate in retaliation. The two players traded heavy blows before Mantha eventually fell to the ice. Both players were issued five-minute majors for fighting.
The Impact of the Hit on Rooney
The hit on Rooney was a scary incident for Flames fans. The incident happened less than eight minutes into the game, as Rooney mishandled a puck trying to break out of his own zone. Rooney lost possession to Canucks forward J.T. Miller, who then laid a hit on Rooney, sending him awkwardly into the sideboards. Rooney remained on the ice for an extended period of time and appeared to be in a lot of pain.
Rooney's injury is a significant loss for the Flames, as he is a key player on their roster. He is a strong defensive forward who brings a lot of energy and physicality to the team. The Flames are hoping that Rooney's injury is not serious and that he will be able to return to the lineup soon.
Rooney's Recent History and the Flames
This is Rooney's third season with the Flames. He signed a two-year contract with the team in July 2022, signing a one-year extension with a cap hit of $1.3 million last March. Rooney has played in 33 games for the Flames, scoring three goals and an assist for four points. This is not the first time Rooney has suffered an injury in October. During training camp last preseason, Rooney suffered an upper-body injury that kept him out of the lineup until February.
A Look at Rooney's Career
2024-25 marks Rooney’s ninth season in professional hockey. The undrafted center started his career with the New Jersey Devils, making his NHL debut on Feb. 27, 2017. After three-plus seasons in the Garden State, Rooney signed with the rival New York Rangers, which saw him spend most of his two seasons with the big club, playing a career-high 61 games in 2021-22. The 2020-21 campaign was arguably Rooney’s best, as the Providence College product scored eight goals and six assists for 14 points. In 261 NHL games, Rooney has scored 27 goals and 23 assists for 50 points. He also played in 15 games during the Rangers’ run to the Eastern Conference Final in 2022, registering two assists.
A Scrum and a Scary Scene
The hit on Rooney sparked a flurry of activity on the ice as teammates rushed to Rooney's aid. The stretcher was called to help Rooney, but the 31-year-old was able to skate off the ice under his own power.
While Miller was not penalized for the hit, the resulting scrum and subsequent fight between Mantha and Miller added to the intensity of the game. The game was a physical battle between two Western Canadian rivals, and the incident with Rooney only added to the drama.
The Aftermath: A Look at the Reaction to the Hit
The hit on Rooney was a controversial play, with some fans and analysts criticizing Miller's actions. However, it is important to note that the hit was not considered illegal by the officials. It was a clean hit that happened near the boards, but Rooney was left vulnerable due to the awkward angle of the hit. This incident is another example of teams and players jumping the gun out of some arbitrary need for revenge. It is also a reminder of the physical nature of hockey and the inherent risks associated with the sport.
The hit on Rooney is a reminder that even in the modern era of hockey, where safety is paramount, injuries can happen. It is important to remember that these incidents are part of the game and that the players involved are professionals who understand the risks they are taking.
The Game Goes On: A Physical, Chippy Rivalry
The Flames and the Canucks are fierce rivals, and their games are always physical and intense. This particular game was no different, as the two teams battled for the win from the opening faceoff. The hit on Rooney only added to the intensity of the game.
It is important to note that despite the hit on Rooney, the Flames were able to come away with a win in the game. However, Rooney's injury is a cause for concern for the Flames, and they will be hoping for a speedy recovery for their forward.
