WATCH: NHL ref Steve Kozari taken off on stretcher after scary collision with Lightning player

During the matchup between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Pittsburgh Penguins, NHL referee Steve Kozari found himself at the center of a frightening incident. Kozari was taken off the ice on a stretcher after a brutal collision involving Lightning defenseman Haydn Fleury.

The incident occurred midway through the third period when play was stopped at center ice. As the players battled for positioning, Fleury, known for his physicality, attempted to jostle for space. In an unfortunate turn of events, the Lightning player lost his balance and collided with Kozari, who was positioned near the boards.

The impact of the collision sent Kozari crashing to the ice, leaving him motionless for several moments. Medical personnel rushed to his aid, and a stretcher was quickly brought onto the ice. Concerned players from both teams looked on as Kozari was carefully secured onto the stretcher before being escorted off the ice.

The arena fell into a hushed silence as fans, players, and officials alike watched the unsettling scene unfold. While being stretched off, players from both sides cleared the benches to send the referee off with stick taps.

As per the latest update from NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, Kozari grabed linesman Kyle Flemington's hand while being stretchered off.

However, a report from ESPN later noted that there was "a moment of unconsciousness" for Steve Kozari.

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NHL releases official statement on Steve Kozari's condition

After being stretchered off, the NHL released an official statement on Kozari which read,

"Referee Steve Kozari was transported to UPMC Mercy Hospital for precautionary reasons... He is conscious and alert, has the use of all of his extremities and is expected to make a full recovery."

Pittsburgh coach Mike Sullivan weighed in on the matter after his team's 5-4 win against the Lightning,

"I caught it out of the corner of my eye. Tampa's defenseman was coming off the bench -- I think both of them were looking at the puck... At the last second, they collided and I believe they hit helmet to helmet, so it was really a scary collision."

Sullivan elaborated on the matter and said that the thoughts and prayers of his team are with Kozari.

"I don't think Steve had the ability to break his fall when he fell to the ice. We certainly hope he's going to be OK. That was a scary moment in the game."

The game continued following the referee's exit and the Penguins went on to win the thrilling tie 5-4. The Penguins face the Toronto Maple Leafs next as they continue to make a push for a wildcard berth.