Incident involving Sens prospect reveals SHL arena using glass not approved for play (w/video)

Some scary moments for Ottawa Senators prospect Eric Engstrand during a game in the Swedish Hockey League earlier this week. Engstand, who is currently playing for Malmo, was checked into the boards by Stefan Warg of Djurgarden, and his head went completely through the plexi-glass leaving his face and neck exposes to sharp shards. Here's video of the incident. It should start in the right place, but if not, fast forward to around 47 seconds in.

After this incident on Thursday, it is now being reported that Djurgarden's arena includes plexi-glass that has not been approved for "elite games" and has been running on an exemption for the past six years.

"It is very strange," said former SHL player Nils Andersson who is now a representative for the Players' Union. "It can cut up a body and we can not wait until there is an accident."

According to Aftonbladet, this is the third time in a short period that the glass at Djurgarden's arena has broken during an SHL game.

A spokesperson for Djurgarden insisted that everything in the arena has been approved by the league and the Players' Union, and that he's not at all worried the safety of players playing at the arena. This was echoed by Johan Hemlin, sports director with the SHL.

"The safety of the players is an important issues, but we follow the hockey association's decisions and guidelines."

MUST READ

Feb 28  |  By Tom Banks Vancouver Canucks' Contract Offer to Brock Boeser Leaks Publicly

Feb 28  |  By Tom Banks Montreal Canadiens Star Undergoes Season-Ending Knee Surgery

Feb 28  |  By Daniel Lucente Philadelphia Flyers Officially Looking to Trade Former 39-Goal Scorer

Feb 28  |  By Daniel Lucente Evander Kane May Be in His Final Days in Edmonton After Friedman Reveals New Information

Feb 28  |  By Jack Sutherland Maple Leafs Forward Pulls Back Trade Request

Feb 27  |  By Jack Sutherland Brad Marchand Goes Viral for Passionate Video Ahead of Four Nations Faceoff Final

Feb 27  |  By Jack Sutherland David Pastrnak's Latest Comments Suggest Bruins Will Be Big Sellers at the Deadline

Feb 27  |  By Julien Trekker 6-Foot-6 Winger Linked to the New York Rangers at the Trade Deadline

MORE STORIES