Blue Jackets Coach Shoots Himself in the Face

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NHL News | National Post

Malarchuk recovering from shooting
PA SportsTicker
Published: Friday, October 10, 2008

Former NHL goaltender Clint Malarchuk is recovering in a Nevada hospital after accidentally shooting himself in the chin with a .22-caliber rifle, according to a published report.

Best known for having his jugular vein severed by a skate during a game while playing for the Buffalo Sabres in 1989, Malarchuk was taken to Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno after accidentally shooting himself at his Fish Springs residence, according to the The Record-Courier.

Christy Malarchuk, his wife, told police that her husband placed the rifle butt on the ground between his legs before it discharged, according to the report. She said that Malarchuk had been shooting rabbits at the time of the accident.

The 47-year-old Malarchuk, who is now a goaltending coach with the Columbus Blue Jackets, was found bleeding profusely from his chin and mouth before being taken to the hospital.

"Our concern is with Clint and his well being," the Blue Jackets said in a statement. We are optimistic that he will have a full recovery very soon."

In a career that saw him post a 3.47 goals-against average for the Quebec Nordiques, Washington Capitals and Sabres from 1981-92, Malarchuk is most familiar for an incident that occurred on March 22, 1989, when he was slashed across the neck by the skate of St. Louis' Steve Tuttle.

The skate sliced underneath Malarchuk's mask, slashing his jugular vein. A pool of blood resulted from the carotid artery cut but Malarchuk was able to leave the ice under his own power. Spectators who attended the game were shocked, as nine fainted and two suffered heart attacks.

Malarchuk notched a record of 141-130-45 with 12 shutouts and an .885 save percentage during his playing career. He also served as the goaltending coach of the Florida Panthers in 2002-03.

There has to be more to this.

"Christy Malarchuk, his wife, told police that her husband placed the rifle butt on the ground between his legs before it discharged"....gotta wonder if she failed to add he had his toe on the trigger. Good thing it was only a .22 he would have done blowed his face off with just about anything else.

There is no truth to the rumor that VP Dick Cheney was nearby.