A number of city dignitaries and some of their family members got the drop instead of the puck during the ceremonial opening of a charity hockey game in the city’s east end Saturday night.
It happened around 7 p.m. just before a game between TTC workers and NHL alumni at Ted Reeve Community Arena near Main and Gerrard streets.
While tying his skate on the ice, a TTC player lost his footing and slid into the group assembled for the puck drop. That included TTC CEO Andy Byford, Councillor Mary Margaret McMahon, and TTC Chair Karen Stintz and two of her children.
An ambulance was called for Stintz’s daughter, whose face and mouth were bloodied when she hit the ice. Stintz told CP24 her daughter was advised to see a dentist for her injuries and she wasn’t taken to hospital. Aside from some bruises, no other injuries were reported.
According to reports from the scene, Former NHLer Rick Vaive was the only member of the group to keep his footing.
Taking to Twitter Sunday evening, Stintz made light of the slip-up.
“At the ATU hockey game it was a ‘face-on’ ice,” Stintz joked. “Everyone is OK. Thanks to all for their help. Can't wait till next year.”
The game was an event aimed at raising money for The United Way.
@Josh_F is on Twitter. Remember for instant breaking news follow @cp24 on Twitter.
