Bruins C Bergeron carried off on stretcher

Oct 27, 2007 - 11:12 PM BOSTON (Ticker) -- Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron on Saturday was carried off the ice on a stretcher after being driven head-first into the end boards by Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Randy Jones with 3:53 remaining in the first period.

He immediately was taken to nearby Massachusetts General Hospital and was treated by team physician Dr. Bert Zarins.

"After initially losing consciousness on the ice, Patrice has regained consciousness and has been taken to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he is undergoing a series of tests," Zarins said in a statement.

"Patrice has sustained a concussion and a broken nose. The initial X-rays and CT scan have not shown any other serious injury to his head or neck, and he has full feeling and motion in all of his extremities. We will continue to monitor Patrice and await the final results of his medical studies."

Bergeron was in the offensive zone and had just passed the puck when Jones checked him from behind, sending Bergeron head-first into the glass and metal divider.

Bergeron lay motionless for 10 minutes while team physician Dr. Thomas Gill tended to him. Gill and Bruins trainers worked to get the assistant captain on a flat support before lifting him onto a stretcher.

The crowd gave Bergeron an ovation as he was taken off the ice and to a nearby ambulance.

Jones, who only had three minor penalties this season before Saturday's game, was given a five-minute boarding penalty and a game misconduct.

"Words really can't express the way I feel right now," Jones said through a team spokesman. "I am very apologetic for the hit and what I did. It was not intentional. It is something I have never done before and it is not part of my character.

"I am extremely sorry. I hope he does OK and everything works out for him. I wish him nothing but the best in his recovery."

A second-round pick in 2003, Bergeron has recorded three goals and four assists in 10 games this season, including Saturday.