NHL referee leaves Panthers-Maple Leafs Game 7 bloody after catching high stick to the face

A referee left the Game 7 matchup between the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday after a high stick to the face.

Chris Rooney, a veteran official with two decades of NHL experience, was hit in the face with the stick of Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola, leaving him bloodied and forcing him to exit the game. The incident took place a few seconds into the second period.

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Rooney was escorted off the ice while holding a bloody towel to his face. He was replaced by alternate referee Garrett Rank.

The game was 0-0 at the time. But a few minutes later, Florida defenseman Seth Jones broke through with a goal. The Panthers then picked up two more goals, from forwards Anthon Lundell and Jonah Gadjovich, to bring the score to 3-0.

Rooney, who has been a referee in the NHL since 2002, has officiated more than 1,500 games in his tenure, according to the NHL Officials Association.

This story will be updated.