Czech ice hockey referee dies after hit in head by puck

PRAGUE, Czech Republic — An ice hockey referee in the Czech Republic has died after he was injured in a game.

The Czech Ice Hockey Federation says Pavel Lainka, aged 24, died on Saturday, without elaborating on his injury. According to media reports, Lainka was hit in the head by a puck in a youth game.

The federation says a minute of silence for Lainka will be observed at all matches in the top two leagues.

The Associated Press