NHL Linesman Steve Barton Hospitalized After Hitting Head on Ice

Linesman Steve Barton was taken off the ice on a stretcher after he hit his head in the first period of the Edmonton Oilers' game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday night at Rogers Place.

The incident occurred when Oilers center Connor McDavid collided with Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski along the side boards. McDavid fell forward, hitting Barton in the legs and sending the linesman tumbling to the ice head-first.

According to Sportsnet's Mark Spector, Barton was moving all of his extremities while being transported to the hospital.

Spector added that Barton, who gave a thumbs-up while leaving the ice, was hospitalized as a precaution.

The 46-year-old has officiated 1,137 regular-season games and 82 playoff games since getting promoted to the NHL ranks in 2000.