NHL Referee Punched In Face: Blackhawks' Michal Rozsival Accidentally Hits Official Andy McElman During Fight [VIDEO]

A National Hockey League official was accidentally punched in the face during Tuesday night’s game between the Colorado Avalanche and the Chicago Blackhawks.

The incident occurred during the third period of Colorado’s 4-2 victory over Chicago, NESN.com reports. During a stoppage of play, Blackhawks defenseman Michal Rozsival cross-checked Avalanche center Maxime Talbot in the back, prompting a skirmish between the two players.

Several players from both teams joined the fray, forcing the game’s referees to come between them to break up a potential brawl. Rozsival and Talbot continued to exchange punches as linesman Andy McElman arrived at the scene.

Rozsival then accidentally punched the official in the face, knocking him to the ice. The ill-advised punch was a sobering moment for both players, who immediately stopped swinging at each other.

Despite their shoving match and the accidental punch of an NHL referee, neither Rozsival nor Talbot received a penalty for their actions, Deadspin notes. It's still possible that Rozsival will face disciplinary action from the NHL for making contact with an official.

A video of Rozsival’s accidental punch can be viewed below, courtesy of CSN Chicago.