Senators' Hodgson Ejected After Hard Hit on Kings' Clarke, Who Suffers Upper-Body Injury
Senators forward Hayden Hodgson was ejected for a boarding penalty during a game against the Kings, resulting in a five-minute major and game misconduct. The hit caused Kings defenseman Brandt Clarke to sustain an upper-body injury and exit the game. Despite losing a four-goal lead, the Kings rallied to win 6-5 in overtime.
During a game on October 29, 2026, in Los Angeles, Senators forward Hayden Hodgson was ejected after delivering a boarding hit on Kings defenseman Brandt Clarke near the goal line in the second period. The incident occurred at 11:15 of the frame, resulting in a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct. Clarke sustained an upper-body injury, was slow to rise, and did not return to the game. The Kings confirmed his absence via their official PR account during the game. Despite losing a four-goal lead, the Kings rallied with three goals in 4:03 of the third period and eventually won 6-5 in overtime, with Quinton Byfield scoring the decisive goal at 3:37. The Senators had earlier lost Andre Burakovsky to an upper-body injury in the first period, compounding their struggles on a road trip that now stands at 0-2, with the next game scheduled in San Jose. Hodgson, who has played 24 NHL games over five seasons, has accumulated 51 penalty minutes without scoring in his last 18 appearances and previously engaged in a fight during a game against the Panthers on October 21. The hit is expected to be reviewed by the NHL’s Department of Player Safety, though no decision has yet been announced.
The incident reflects broader concerns about player safety and enforcement of boarding penalties in the NHL, particularly when high-impact hits result in significant injuries. Clarke’s injury adds to growing scrutiny over the physical toll of modern hockey, especially on defensemen who ofte
The hit and subsequent ejection could amplify public discourse around player safety in professional hockey, particularly concerning high-impact boarding incidents that result in long-term injuries. Fans, players’ unions, and medical experts may use this case to advocate for stricter enforcement of rules and more consistent penalties, especially when a player leaves the game with an upper-body injury. The Kings’ comeback may be seen as a positive narrative about team resilience, but it could also downplay the severity of Clarke’s injury in media coverage, potentially influencing public perception of such incidents. Comparable cases include the 2018 hit on Jakub Voráček by an opponent that led to a concussion and subsequent rule changes; this incident may similarly prompt calls for review or adjustment in how boarding is assessed. The NHL’s Department of Player Safety may consider this case as part of a broader pattern, possibly leading to more transparent disciplinary processes. What co