WCHA referee Mousseau critically injured in pregame fall

WCHA referee Butch Mousseau suffered a serious head injury before a game Friday (photo: Jim Rosvold).

WCHA referee Butch Mousseau is in critical condition after suffering a head injury during warmups before a game Friday.

Mousseau fell and hit his head on the ice before the WCHA Final Five game between Michigan Tech and Ferris State. He was reportedly not wearing a helmet.

He was transported to Mercy Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, Mich., according to a WCHA statement Saturday.

“Our thoughts, prayers and best wishes are with Butch, his wife, children and family during this difficult time,” a league statement read.

Mousseau was taken from the ice on a stretcher. Blood needed to be cleaned from the ice.

 

 

 

Please say a prayer for our brother/friend Oliver Butch Mousseau. He’s the strongest man I know but now needs all of our thoughts and prayers!

Posted by Peter Friesema on Friday, March 18, 2016

In St. Paul, Minn., on Friday, referee Brian Aaron suffered a shoulder injury and had to leave the semifinal game between Minnesota and Penn State. He was hit into the boards when two players skated into him.