The Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg was filled with anticipation Tuesday night as the Jets took on the Vegas Golden Knights, eager to snap a nine-game winless streak. But midway through the first period, the energy in the arena shifted dramatically. What began as a promising evening for the home team quickly turned into a scene of concern and unity after a violent collision sent defenseman Haydn Fleury off the ice on a stretcher.
At 13:16 of the opening frame, Fleury, 29, was attempting to clear the puck out of his defensive zone when he was met with a hard check from Vegas forward Keegan Kolesar. The contact, delivered to Fleury’s chest, caused him to lose his balance and slide backward at high speed into the end boards. His back—and, notably, the back of his helmet—took the brunt of the impact, sending a hush over the previously boisterous crowd.
Fleury remained down on the ice in visible pain as team medical staff rushed to his aid. The severity of the situation became clear as trainers carefully stabilized him and placed him on a backboard. The entire Winnipeg Jets bench emptied, with players gathering around their fallen teammate in a powerful show of support. Even Kolesar, visibly shaken by the incident, skated over and spoke to Fleury as he was being attended to.
Fans and players alike held their breath as Fleury was wheeled off the ice and transported to a local hospital via ambulance. The Jets later confirmed in a statement that Fleury was “fully alert and moving his extremities upon departure,” providing some relief in an otherwise tense moment. The team promised to provide further updates as more information became available.
Jets head coach Scott Arniel addressed the media following the game, offering additional insight into Fleury’s condition. “Obviously he’s got a lot of tests to go through,” Arniel said. “He does have a broken nose. There’s a few different things that happened off it. A little bit of everything. He obviously slammed his back, his neck, hit his head, and then obviously his nose.” Arniel confirmed that Fleury would be staying overnight in the hospital for observation and further evaluation.
Despite the frightening incident, the game continued after a lengthy delay. The emotions on the ice were still running high, and it didn’t take long for tensions to boil over. As soon as play resumed, Jets captain Adam Lowry dropped the gloves with Kolesar. The two engaged in a brief but spirited fight, a reflection of the team’s frustration and desire to stand up for their injured teammate. Both players were sent to the penalty box, but the message from the Jets was clear: they would rally around Fleury, both on and off the ice.
The Golden Knights ultimately edged out the Jets in a 4-3 overtime victory, but the outcome of the game seemed secondary to the well-being of Fleury. The home crowd, which had started the night with hopes of ending a difficult stretch, was left hoping for positive news about their defenseman’s recovery.
Fleury, a native Canadian in his second season with Winnipeg, has carved out a reputation as a reliable and physical presence on the blue line. Prior to joining the Jets, he spent time with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Seattle Kraken, Anaheim Ducks, and Carolina Hurricanes. Over his nine NHL seasons, Fleury has tallied 10 goals and 34 assists, along with 26 blocked shots and 23 hits in his 17 appearances this season. While he has yet to register a point in the 2025-26 campaign, his contributions on defense have been valued by the coaching staff and his teammates alike.
Tuesday’s game marked Fleury’s 17th appearance of the season, and it was clear from the reactions on the ice just how much he means to the locker room. The sight of the entire Jets roster gathering around their fallen teammate, as well as the quick response from medical staff, underscored the camaraderie and concern that runs deep in professional hockey.
“It’s unfortunate,” Arniel reflected after the game. “I think it was far enough away, but just the way Fleury was crossing over, obviously he totally lost his balance and then went in hard. ... You hate to see that stuff. Scary situation.” The coach’s words echoed the sentiments of many in the arena and across the league, as players and fans sent their well-wishes to Fleury and his family.
The incident also reignited conversation about player safety and the physical nature of hockey. Notably, no penalty was assessed to Kolesar for the hit, a decision that sparked debate among fans and analysts. While the contact did not appear malicious, it served as a stark reminder of the risks that come with competing at the highest level of the sport. The NHL has made strides in recent years to address player safety, but moments like these highlight the ongoing challenges faced by officials, coaches, and players alike.
For the Jets, the loss of Fleury—at least temporarily—adds to the adversity they have faced during a challenging season. With a record of 15-21-5, Winnipeg has struggled to find consistency, and the emotional toll of seeing a teammate injured can be difficult to overcome. Still, the team’s response on Tuesday night demonstrated resilience and unity, qualities that will be essential as they look to regroup and move forward.
As the hockey world awaits further updates on Fleury’s condition, the focus remains on his recovery and well-being. The Jets organization has assured fans that they will provide more information when it becomes available. In the meantime, thoughts and prayers from across the league continue to pour in for the veteran defenseman.
Tuesday’s events served as a sobering reminder of the dangers inherent in the game, but also of the strength and solidarity that define the hockey community. Whether Fleury returns to the lineup in the coming weeks or requires a longer recovery, his teammates, coaches, and fans will be behind him every step of the way.
For now, the Jets and their supporters are left hoping for good news and preparing to rally in support of one of their own. The outcome of the game may have gone to Vegas, but the story in Winnipeg is far from over as everyone awaits word on Haydn Fleury’s path to recovery.
