'At least it happened to me and not my young son'

A man who was hit in the head by a puck at an ice hockey game said he was glad it happened to him and not his seven-year-old son.

Adam, from East Yorkshire, was at a Seahawks fixture at Hull Ice Arena on Sunday when he was injured during the players' warm-up.

He said: "I dread to think what could have happened if it was my son or his friend. It could have been a lot, lot worse."

In a statement, Hull Culture & Leisure Limited, which runs the council venue, said an investigation is under way to determine whether any additional safety measures are needed.

Adam said it was only his second time attending a Seahawk's match with his son.

When they arrived at their seats the players were warming up, he said.

He then explained: "I just felt a massive blow to my forehead."

Adam said everybody around him was "panicked" and "shocked" and his son began to cry.

Stewards took him to the first aid room and he was helped by an off-duty doctor.

Adam added: "There were a few times where the puck came close and hit the glass near us, which it does, and everyone sort of looked at me so we had a joke about it at those moments.

"From an actual health and safety point I thought another puck could have come through."

Adam said he does not blame Hull Seahawks.

However, he said he thought the barrier should be inspected before every game.

Adam said he was "extremely unlucky" and described it as a "freak incident".

After the game, Emil Svec, whose shot hit Adam, gifted him a signed puck and a used stick.

Adam said: "He didn't have to do that so I really respect him coming and checking in.

"I've been told he has one of the most powerful shots in the team and in the league so I don't think that helped my forehead either."

In a statement, Hull Culture & Leisure Ltd said: "We're aware of this incident and extend our heartfelt sympathy and best wishes to the person involved.

"On the day, our staff provided immediate first aid attention to the person who, after treatment, returned to their seat for the remainder of the game."

The company said the safety of visitors is its "top priority".

It added: "We have health and safety policies in place, including risk assessments, pre-event checks, and referees also inspect all gates before games to ensure they are secure.

"Following this incident, we're carrying out an investigation to establish the cause and identify any further safety measures that can be put in place.

"We appreciate that this was an upsetting experience for the person involved and will be contacting them to help us conclude our investigation."

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