NHL Player Ruptures Testicle After Taking Hockey Puck to the Groin: Protective Cup Had ‘Massive Dent in It’

Mar. 15, 2025

Bruce Kluckhohn/NHLI/Getty

Mats Zuccarello of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild suffered an unfortunate injury to his groin that the team said will keep him sidelined for four weeks.

Zuccarello, 37, exited a recent game against the Montreal Canadiens after being hit in the groin during the first period.

The longtime NHL right wing reportedly dropped to the ground when the injury occurred and needed help leaving the ice, according toFox Sports.

Zuccarello’s teammate Marcus Foligno later confirmed onthe 93X “Half-Assed Morning Show" that Zuccarello was immediately rushed to the hospital and underwent surgery on the injury.

Mats Zuccarello #36 of the Minnesota Wild in a game on October 26, 2024.Mitchell Leff/Getty

Mitchell Leff/Getty

Luckily for Zuccarello, whose teammates thought he would come out of the operation without the testicle, doctors were able to save the organ during the procedure. “We thought he was gonna lose one nut, but it actually survived and he’s got them both still,” Foligno — the Wild’s alternate captain — toldthe 93X “Half-Assed Morning Show".

“Poor guy got hit where the sun don’t shine and it ruptured his testicle," Foligno added, sharing that Zuccarello “can’t even lift anything” following the gruesome injury.

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Although the injury is ripe for jokes about where Zuccarello suffered the injury, Foligno said he waited until he knew his teammate was okay before laying on the banter.

“It was hilarious. It’s funny after, now that he’s OK,” Foligno said, specifically referring to Zuccarello’s dented protective cup.

Mats Zuccarello #36 of the Minnesota Wild in a game against the Dallas Stars on April 21, 2023.David Berding/Getty

David Berding/Getty

Speaking to reporters after the game in which his player suffered the unfortunate injury, Wild head coach John Hynes reportedly called Zuccarello an “extreme competitor” and “such an important part” of the team, according toESPN.

“He’s got great hockey sense, his value on the power play,” Hynes continued. “But, to me, the way he’s come in this year and he’s played, he’s a real key guy. That being said, he’s played a long time, too. So, I know when he comes back, he’s going to be back to where he is.”

source: people.com