Avalanche-Flyers referee injury: Mitch Dunning stretchered off ice after collision with Josh Manson

Chaos unfolded during the Avalanche and Flyers contest on Monday night after NHL referee Mitch Dunning was taken off the ice via stretcher after absorbing a hit from Josh Manson.

The 32-year-old official looked to be in a bad way after taking contact from Manson nearly seven minutes into Monday's game. Philadelphia's medical staff tended to Dunning's wounds before helping him off the ice. He would not return.

Here's the latest on Dunning's injury status going forward.

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NHL referee injury

Dunning went down in the first period, crashing to the ice after colliding with Manson. The defenseman attempted to skate into Colorado's offensive zone before running into Dunning, who was back-pedaling toward the middle of the ice. Neither Manson nor Dunning saw each other until they crashed into one another.

Dunning looked to fall hard on the side of his body and his back. He writhed in pain on the ice for some time before being stretchered off the ice. Manson tapped on Dunning's shoulder as he disappeared to the dressing room. The game then resumed with three officials as opposed to the customary four.

Dunning was soon transported to a local hospital, where he underwent additional neurological examination. All of his brain activity is normal, per NHL Press Relations. He's also fully capable of moving all of his extremities.