Sharks Backup Goalie Injured By Errant Puck; Leaves Game Against Jets

Vitek Vanecek was forced to leave the San Jose Sharks bench after being hit with an Errant puck in the second period against the Winnipeg Jets.

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I went back and looked and here’s what happened. Right after the goal a puck was deflected out and went right on the #SJSharks bench and hit Vanecek. 🎥: @NBCSSharks pic.twitter.com/97tiXu9UZz

— Max Miller (@Real_Max_Miller) December 18, 2024

Jets defenseman Colin Miller was trying for a cross-ice breakout pass when William Eklund reached out and deflected the puck in the air. The puck flew at the Sharks bench and eventually caught Vanecek in the side of the head.

Vanecek did not return to the Sharks’ bench during the second period or when the team returned to the ice for the third period. The team said Vanecek is “unavailable for the remainder of the game.”

San Jose started Alexandar Georgiev in goal, but the emergency backup goalie will be forced to enter the game if he gets hurt.

Related: Meet The Sharks Newest EBUG: Former SJSU Goalie Nick Checklenis

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