Vancouver Canucks defenceman Ethan Bear will not return to Saturday's game against the Boston Bruins after being hit in the face with the puck, the team announced.
The incident happened about 30 seconds into the first period as a shot from the blue line from Bruins' defenceman Matt Grzelcyk floated through and caught Bear up high. He was bleeding profusely, but was able to leave the ice on his own.
The Canucks will play the remainder of the game with five defencemen.
Bear was acquired by the Canucks from the Carolina Hurricanes on October 28 and has since played the majority of his games alongside Quinn Hughes on the top pair. With the Canucks this season, he has scored three goals and 14 points in 45 games.
