RENO, Nevada (AFP) — Ex-National Hockey League goalie Clint Malarchuk was recovering in hospital from his second nightmarish accident in 19 years after accidently shooting himself in the face with a hunting rifle on Tuesday.
The 47-year-old Malarchuk was rushed to hospital here after he shot himself with a .22-calibre rifle at his residence, The Record-Courier newspaper reported Wednesday.
In 1989, Malarchuk almost lost his life in an horrific on-ice accident where his jugular vein was severed by a errant skate while he was playing goal for the Buffalo Sabres.
Malarchuk's wife, Christy, told police her husband had been out hunting rabbits at the time of the shooting. She said the gun accidently discharged while he placed it on the ground between his legs.
Malarchuk is the goaltending coach for the Columbus Blue Jackets.
"Our concern is with Clint and his well being," the Blue Jackets said in a statement on Thursday. "We are optimistic that he will have a full recovery very soon."
Malarchuk played 11 seasons in the NHL with the Quebec Nordiques, Washington Capitals and the Sabres, compiling a 3.47 career goals-against average.
But he is best known for an incident where the skate of St. Louis player Steve Tuttle slashed him across the neck.
A large amount of blood quickly pooled on the ice sending some fans to the exits, shocking others 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.
Copyright © 2010 AFP. All rights reserved. More »
