AHL player leaves ice on stretcher after fight

Jan 24, 2009 - 4:10 AM PHILADELPHIA (Ticker) -- Philadelphia Phantoms left wing Garrett Klotz was carried off on a stretcher after engaging in a fight just two seconds into an American Hockey League game on Friday.

Klotz and Manchester Monarchs enforcer Kevin Westgarth dropped their gloves right after the opening faceoff. Westgarth got the better of the battle, landing three straight shots to the face, which sent Klotz to the ice.

The 20-year-old Klotz, who is 6-5, 235 pounds, began shaking uncontrollably and his eyes rolled to the back of his head before he was taken away to University of Pennsylvania Hospital.

Westgarth, who is 6-5, 247 pounds, looked on from the penalty box in a concerned manner.

Klotz suffered a facial laceration, but was alert and responsive. The Regina, Saskatchewan native was kept overnight for observation and is expected to be released on Saturday after further testing, according to the team.