Disturbing on-ice freak accident unfolds involving a skate blade once again

In a recent VHL game, Metallurg Novokuznetsk defender Vitali Lyulko faced a nerve-wracking moment when he took a skate to the neck. The incident, caught on video and potentially graphic, led to immediate on-ice medical attention.

Doctors attended to the 25-year-old for several minutes before taking him to the hospital on a stretcher. Head Coach Valery Belov shared his perspective on the injury, describing it as a tough moment. He later updated that everything is fine – the artery is intact, and the vessel has been sutured. Lyulko remains in Kazan, and the duration of his stay is still uncertain.

Fortunately, despite the initial shock, reports indicate that Lyulko's injury doesn't involve damage to the artery, and the vessel has been successfully sutured. He seemed to skate off under his own power with his hand on his neck before being taken away via ambulance.




As the hockey community collectively exhales in relief for Lyulko's well-being, wishes for a swift recovery pour in. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks in the sport, even as players and fans appreciate the resilience and safety measures in place.