Golden Knights star Brayden McNabb gets massive ovation upon return from puck-to-face hospitalization

Golden Knights star Brayden McNabb gets massive ovation upon return from puck-to-face hospitalization originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Brayden McNabb made a shocking return to ice in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final. Golden Knights made sure it was a night to remember for their alternate captain.

McNabb was cut down by a facial injury in Vegas’ Game 2 loss to the Hurricanes, disappearing into the locker room — then a local hospital — after taking a slap shot to the face. Less than 48 hours later, he was back in Golden Knights colors, ambling onto the slippery surface as Vegas attempted to protect home ice.

He received quite a lot of recognition from Golden Knights supporters, who showered him in praise as he readied for action.

Here’s what you need to know.

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Brayden McNabb gets massive ovation

McNabb returned to the ice one game after going down with a facial injury. He was summarily greeted by a raucous ovation from Vegas’ faithful, who lapped him with cheers and applause as he was introduced during Game 3.

An absolutely MONSTER CROWD POP for the McNabb intro pic.twitter.com/c9bPskw3gz

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) June 7, 2026

Why was Brayden McNabb hospitalized?

McNabb was taken into the hospital for further evaluation after taking a puck to the face 10 minutes into Game 2. The Golden Knights defenseman was caught by an 87 mph shot from Nikolaj Ehlers. The effort appeared to catch part of his visor.

McNabb is TAKING WARMUPS and is a game time decision after taking this slap shot to the face in Game 2 and going to the hospital 🤯

HOCKEY PLAYERS ARE BUILT DIFFERENT!!!! pic.twitter.com/MOHQH7G3mx

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) June 6, 2026

He still sported a welt on his nose as a result of the shot to the face.

McNabb is ready for WAR… https://t.co/7cQ5iwmp6Wpic.twitter.com/ZNvZ944kVj

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) June 7, 2026

McNabb was outfitted in a caged helmet in Game 3. He is expected to rock the altered headgear for the remainder of the series.

MORE: Brayden McNabb injury update

How old is Brayden McNabb?

McNabb is 35 years old. The Sabres selected him in the third round (No. 66 overall) in the 2009 draft. He made his NHL debut in 2011. In 2017, he joined Vegas. He has remained with the side ever since, capturing the 2023 Stanley Cup with the franchise. He currently serves as one of the team’s alternate captains.