Abbotsford Canucks issue injury update on defenceman Mark Friedman who was victim to a nasty headshot

Last night's game between Vancouver's American Hockey League affiliate, the Abbotsford Canucks and Tucson Roadrunners was halted for a short period during the final frame after a dangerous hit to the head of defenceman Mark Friedman.

Friedman needed to be stretchered off by paramedics and was transported to hospital to be evaluated by doctors. The game needed to be paused to allow another ambulance to get to Abbotsford's arena. Montana Onyebuchi, the Tucson Roadrunners defenceman who hit Mark Friedman, was handed a match penalty for checking to the head and may be facing supplemental discipline from the American Hockey League.

Canucks fans were anxiously awaiting an update from Abbotsford on the status of Mark Friedman and on social media, the team shared that the blueliner has been released from hospital and will be evaluated by team physicians.

The Abbotsford Canucks would go on to win Tuesday's game against Tucson by a score of 3 to 0. Jonathan Lekkerimaki scored his first of the season, Kirill Kudryavtsev registered his first career professional goal and Jiri Patera stopped all 22 shots he faced to record his first shutout as a member of the Abbotsford Canucks.

It's great to see that Mark Friedman has been released from hospital and hopefully, he has a smooth recovery from his injury. Head injuries are tough, you never know how you're going to feel the next day and it's always tricky to put a timeline on a return to game action, but hopefully we're able to see Mark Friedman back on the ice as soon as he's able to.